(Click Januvia Uses for more information on what the drug is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
The drug is made by Merck & Co., Inc.
Januvia is part of a class of
diabetes medication called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. DPP-4 is an enzyme that breaks down incretin hormones. As a DPP-4 inhibitor, the drug slows down the breakdown of incretin hormones, increasing the level of these hormones in the body. It is this increase in incretin hormones that is responsible for the beneficial actions of Januvia, including increasing insulin production in response to meals and decreasing the amount of glucose (sugar) that the liver produces.
Because incretin hormones are more active in response to higher blood sugar levels (and are less active in response to low blood sugar), the risk of dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) is low with this drug.
There have been several studies conducted on the effects of using this drug to treat type 2 diabetes.
Januvia and Hemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test used to measure long-term blood sugar control. For people without
diabetes, HbA1c results are usually less than 6 percent, while people with diabetes usually have higher results. In one study, people taking Januvia lowered their HbA1c by 0.6 percent on average, while HbA1c results increased by 0.2 percent in people not taking the drug.
Studies have shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the chance for developing long-term problems related to diabetes. This includes problems such as
heart disease,
diabetic retinopathy,
diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. By getting blood sugar levels under control with Januvia, it may be possible to decrease the chances for developing these
diabetes complications.
Januvia and Blood Sugar Levels
In studies, Januvia lowered fasting blood sugar by 13 mg/dL on average. It also lowered postprandial blood sugar (blood sugar after a meal) by 49 mg/dL on average.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take Januvia include the following:
- The drug comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth once a day.
- You may take it with or without food. If it bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Take your dose at the same time each day. This will help to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the drug to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- How well your diabetes is controlled
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
(Click Januvia Dosing for more information about dosing for this medication.)
What Are the Side Effects?
As with any medicine, side effects are possible. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
The most common side effects of Januvia include:
- Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold
- Sore throat and runny or stuffy nose
- Headaches.
(Click Januvia Side Effects to learn about specific side effects, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
Drug Interactions With Januvia
Januvia is unlikely to interact with most medications.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking This Drug?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Januvia if you have:
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure (renal failure)
- Had pancreatitis (inflammation or infection of the pancreas)
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
In general, type 2
diabetes treatment begins with lifestyle changes (for example, weight loss, exercise, and diet). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective at
managing diabetes, medication may be necessary.
The main goal of
diabetes medication is to lower blood sugar levels enough to reduce your risk of developing problems related to
diabetes, such as heart, nerve, eye, or kidney problems. Because Januvia can lower blood sugar levels, people taking it may be able to lower their risk for developing problems related to high blood sugar.
For most people, Januvia is quite effective at controlling blood sugar. It is also generally well-tolerated. However, side effects can occur or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, you may need to combine Januvia with another diabetes medicine, such as
metformin (
Fortamet®,
Glucophage®,
Glucophage XR®,
Glumetza®, or
Riomet®).
You may also wish to consider a substitute for Januvia. These substitutes can include other
diabetes drugs, either by themselves or in combination.
(Click Januvia Alternatives to learn more about alternatives for this drug. To learn about controlling diabetes through lifestyle choices, click on any of the links below:
In studies, very large doses of Januvia caused changes in heart rhythm (especially a certain type of arrhythmia called QT prolongation).
If you happen to overdose on Januvia, seek medical attention immediately.
The drug should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Januvia tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this drug and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take Januvia as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Januvia.
Januvia tablets are available in three strengths:
- Januvia 25 mg
- Januvia 50 mg
- Januvia 100 mg.
Interestingly, the manufacturer of Januvia (Merck & Co, Inc.) has chosen to charge the same price for all three strengths of the drug.
There is currently no generic Januvia licensed for sale.
