Januvia (Sitagliptin) is used along with diet and exercise and sometimes with other medications to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes (a condition in which blood sugar is too high because the body does not produce or use insulin normally). Sitagliptin is in a class of medications called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. It works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances that lower blood sugar when it is high. Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Taking medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.

Sitagliptin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take sitagliptin at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take sitagliptin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Sitagliptin helps to control high blood sugar but does not cure diabetes. Continue to take sitagliptin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking sitagliptin without talking to your doctor. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Before taking sitagliptin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to sitagliptin or any other medications.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: digoxin (Lanoxicaps, Lanoxin); insulin; and certain oral medications for diabetes including acetohexamide, chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glimepiride (Amaryl), glipizide (Glucotrol, in Metaglip), glyburide (Diabeta, Glycron, Micronase), tolazamide (Tolinase), and tolbutamide. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you drink or have ever drunk large amounts of alcohol and if you have or have ever had diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (a serious condition that may occur when blood sugar is too high), pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas), gallstones, high levels of triglycerides (fatty substances) in your blood, or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking sitagliptin, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking sitagliptin.
• talk to your doctor about what you should do if you get hurt or if you develop a fever or infection. These conditions may affect your blood sugar.
• talk to your doctor about the symptoms of high and low blood sugar and other complications of diabetes, what to do if you develop these symptoms, and how to prevent these conditions.

Sitagliptin may cause side effects including but not limited to:

• stuffed or runny nose
• sore throat
• headache
• diarrhea
• nausea
• joint pain

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking sitagliptin and call your doctor immediately:

• ongoing pain, that begins in the upper left or middle of the stomach but may spread to the back
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• signs of an allergic reaction including rash; hives; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat; difficulty in breathing or swallowing

Sitagliptin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. If your condition doesn’t improve or worsens, let your physician know immediately.

Q: Why is Januvia prescribed?

A: Januvia is a diabetes medicine used to help control blood sugar levels

Q: What kind of lifestyle changes should I make while taking Januvia?

A: Januvia is used together with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Januvia is not for treating Type 1 diabetes.

Q: Does Januvia have a generic alternative?

A: Januvia is available only as a brand-name medication

Q: What if I miss a dose of Januvia?

A: Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).