Januvia Alternatives

When it comes to treating type 2 diabetes, there are many possible alternatives to Januvia. Alternatives to the drug may include other oral diabetes medications such as Glucotrol, Glucophage, or Prandin. Some people may use insulin or other injectable diabetes medications in place of Januvia. In some circumstances, Januvia alternatives may involve lifestyle changes such as weight loss and changing one's diet.

 

Januvia Alternatives Explained

Januvia® (sitagliptin) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The drug is part of a class of diabetes medication called dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors. Currently, Januvia is the only dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitor available. For most people, Januvia is effective in treating their diabetes and most people tolerate it well. However, as with all medicines, side effects can occur, or the medicine may not completely control an individual's diabetes. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Januvia for treating type 2 diabetes.
 
Some of these Januvia alternatives include:
 
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Other oral diabetes drugs
  • Insulin and other injectable diabetes medications.
     

Lifestyle Changes for Type 2 Diabetes

Many lifestyle changes have been shown to be very effective at controlling type 2 diabetes (especially early type 2 diabetes).
 These lifestyle changes include weight loss, becoming more physically active (see Diabetes and Exercise), and changes in diet (see Diabetic Diet). In fact, these changes are important for all people with type 2 diabetes, including people taking diabetes medications.
 
For many people, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough to adequately control type 2 diabetes. For these people, medications (including oral and injectable medications) may be necessary.
 
(Januvia Alternatives Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;