Januvia (Sitagliptin): Side Effects, Uses, Interactions, Warnings

Januvia

Ingredients	Sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate
Drug Class	Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor or Gliptins
Availability	Prescription medication only
Controlled Status	Not a controlled substance
Generic Name	Sitagliptin
Brand Names	Januvia

What is Januvia (Sitagliptin)? 

Januvia contains the drug sitagliptin which belongs to a class of drugs known as Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitors. The generic form of Januvia is called Sitagliptin. It provides the same therapeutic benefits as the brand-name version but is generally more cost-effective. The active ingredient in Januvia is Sitagliptin. This medication is used in maintaining stable insulin levels and reducing the production of glucose (blood sugar) by the body. This class of medications is primarily used to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

Januvia is available in tablet form for oral consumption with three distinct strengths: 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg. While most individuals tolerate this medication well, potential side effects may include symptoms such as nasal congestion, a runny or sore throat and headaches.

It’s important to note that Januvia is not intended for the treatment of Type 1 Diabetes.

Common side effects include headache, upper respiratory tract infection, and stuffy or runny nose. In rare cases, it can cause more severe side effects, such as severe joint pain, pancreatitis, or allergic reactions.

What is Januvia (Sitagliptin) Used for?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants approval to prescription medications like Januvia for the treatment of conditions, specifically aiding in the reduction of blood sugar levels in adults diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, which predominantly affects the adult population. Januvia is primarily designed for diabetes management, and its use in other medical conditions or for purposes not approved by healthcare professionals should be avoided without proper guidance.

How does Januvia (Sitagliptin) Work?

Typically, your body regulates blood sugar levels by releasing specific hormones. These hormones signal your body to increase insulin production and reduce sugar production. However, a protein called Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) breaks down these hormones. Consequently, your blood sugar levels rise.

Januvia (sitagliptin) belongs to a class of medications known as DPP-4 inhibitors, and its role is to inhibit the activity of DPP-4. By doing so, Januvia (Sitagliptin) prolongs the presence of insulin in your body and signals your body to decrease sugar production. These actions work to lower your blood sugar levels.

Januvia (Sitagliptin) Dosage

In the realm of drug administration, it’s crucial to be well-informed about various parameters that guide dosage and treatment. One key aspect to consider is the categorization of patients based on age, as this has a significant impact on how medications are prescribed.

For our geriatric population, individuals aged 65 and older and Adults between the ages of 18 and 64 the available dosages typically range from 25 mg, 50 mg, to 100 mg. The recommended dosage frequency is usually one tablet per administration, with a maximum daily dose not exceeding 100 mg. However, it’s essential to emphasize that the precise course duration for geriatric patients and adults should always be determined by a healthcare professional.

Conversely, the realm of pediatrics introduces a different dimension, where dosage parameters are notably distinct. Specific details for dosage strength, frequency, maximum daily dose, and course duration are not applicable as they can vary widely and are based on the child’s unique healthcare needs.

It’s important to note that variations in dosing are more common in older adults, primarily due to the physiological changes associated with aging, especially in kidney function and Liver function. Therefore, when it comes to drug administration, it’s paramount to rely on the expertise of healthcare professionals to ensure the safest and most effective treatment for patients across different age groups.

When employed alongside an insulin secretagogue, such as a sulfonylurea, or insulin itself, it may be prudent to consider a reduced dosage of the insulin secretagogue or insulin to mitigate the potential for hypoglycemia.

For more information about Dosages of Januvia

What are the Side Effects of Januvia (Sitagliptin)? 

This medication can elicit various side effects, with common ones encompassing a runny nose, sore throat, and symptoms akin to a common cold, such as headache and upper respiratory infections.

On a more serious note, individuals may experience severe allergic reactions, signified by painful sores on the mouth, throat, eyes, or genitals, along with angioedema and anaphylaxis. Joint pain, characterized by joint swelling, stiffness, and restricted mobility, is another potential serious side effect. 

Pancreatitis may manifest as a swollen abdomen, indigestion, nausea or vomiting, hiccups, upper body pain, fever, and a tender abdomen. Additionally, there’s a risk of hypoglycemia, which can bring about confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, fast heartbeat, headaches, hunger, sweating, weakness, and irritability. Lastly, this medication may lead to kidney problems, indicated by confusion, excessive drowsiness or fatigue, chest pressure, reduced urine output, seizures, swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet, and shortness of breath. 

It’s crucial to promptly seek medical attention if any serious side effects occur and consult a healthcare provider for guidance.

For more details about Januvia Side Effects

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

Take your medication as soon as you can if you’ve missed a dose, but if it’s nearly time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one. Avoid taking two doses simultaneously.

What Happens if I Overdose? 

You may experience symptoms of low blood sugar, which can include Severe Weakness, Blurred Vision, Excessive Sweating, Difficulty Speaking, Tremors, Abdominal Discomfort, Confusion and Seizures (Convulsions).

In case of a medical emergency, please seek immediate medical assistance or contact the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at poisonhelp.org. Nevertheless, if you are experiencing severe symptoms, please do not hesitate to dial 911 (or your Local Emergency Number) immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention. Your safety and well-being are paramount.

Pros and Cons of Januvia (Sitagliptin)

Pros	Cons
Effectively lowers blood sugar levels	Januvia is expensive and there is no low-cost generic version available
Convenient once-daily dosing	Failure to treat Type 1 Diabetes
Available in different strengths	Not a first choice option for people with Type 2 Diabetes with heart problems
Can be used as monotherapy or is available in combination with other	Allergic reactions (rare)
You can take it with or without food.	Aggravate kidney function in individuals who already have kidney issues.

Interaction between Januvia (Sitagliptin) and other Drugs

What are the Risks and Warnings for Januvia (Sitagliptin)?

Allergy Warning

Inform your doctor if you have previously experienced any uncommon or allergic reactions to Januvia or any other medications. Additionally, disclose any other allergies you may have, including allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals to your healthcare provider. 

Hypersensitivity Reactions

• Anaphylaxis
• Angioedema
• Exfoliative skin conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Alcohol Warning

• Certain medications can interact with alcohol, but Januvia is not known to have such interactions. However, it’s advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of consuming alcohol while taking Januvia before you start.
• Research has shown that alcohol can affect blood sugar levels because it has an impact on insulin, which is responsible for lowering blood sugar levels. 
• The consumption of alcohol can either increase or decrease the effectiveness of insulin and its impact on blood sugar levels may vary depending on the quantity of alcohol consumed.

Januvia and Birth Control Needs

Taking birth control pills alongside Januvia may potentially reduce the effectiveness of Januvia in managing blood sugar levels.

The hormones present in birth control pills, in addition to their contraceptive effects can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels. 

If you are currently using or considering the use of birth control pills while taking Januvia, it is important to have a discussion with your doctor.

Warning with People with Certain Health Conditions

Pancreatitis

Januvia has the potential to induce pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas. If you have a history of pancreatitis, taking Januvia might increase the risk of a recurrence. 

Therefore, it’s essential to inform your doctor before starting Januvia if you have experienced any of the following:

• Pancreatitis in the past
• Elevated levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in your bloodstream)
• Gallstones (small, hard formations in your Gallbladder)
• A Previous History of Alcoholism

Kidney Failure

Kidney issues can potentially affect the elimination of Januvia from your body, leading to complications such as chest discomfort or swelling in the legs, ankles and feet.

 In rare instances, there have been reports of kidney problems or kidney failure associated with the use of Januvia.

It’s crucial to inform your doctor if you currently have or had kidney problems in the past. Your healthcare provider will monitor your kidney function throughout your Januvia treatment.

Heart Failure

If you have a history of heart failure, taking Januvia may potentially elevate your risk of experiencing a recurrence of this condition. Heart failure arises when the heart is unable to pump an adequate amount of blood to meet the body’s needs.

Before initiating Januvia treatment, it’s essential to inform your doctor about any prior instances of heart failure. 

They will also assess you for any signs or symptoms of heart failure during your treatment, including

• Shortness of Breath
• Swelling or Fluid Retention (accumulation of fluid in the body)
• Rapid and Unexpected Weight Gain
• Unusual Fatigue

Joint Pain

Individuals who are prescribed diabetes medications similar to Januvia (Sitagliptin) have reported severe joint pain as a potential side effect. 

If you encounter any joint discomfort or pain, it’s essential to promptly communicate this to your healthcare provider. 

Warning with other Groups

Januvia and Breastfeeding

There is no available information regarding the presence of Januvia in human breast milk. Animal studies, however, have indicated that the drug can be found in breast milk but no adverse effects on offspring were observed.

If you are currently taking Januvia and are considering breastfeeding, it is advisable to have a discussion with your doctor and ensure the well-being of both you and your baby.

Januvia and Pregnancy

There haven’t been clinical studies conducted in humans to definitively establish the safety of taking Januvia during pregnancy. 

If you are currently taking Januvia and either become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, it is crucial to inform your doctor. Your healthcare provider can engage in a discussion with you regarding your treatment options and weigh the potential benefits and risks.

Januvia and Pediatric

There have been no appropriate studies conducted to determine the impact of age on the effects of sitagliptin in the pediatric population. Therefore, the safety and effectiveness of sitagliptin in pediatric patients have not been established.

Januvia and Geriatric

It is important to note that elderly patients are more prone to age-related kidney issues, which might necessitate dosage adjustments for those receiving sitagliptin.

Images

What are the Alternatives of Januvia (Sitagliptin)?

• Pioglitazone (Actos)
• Glimepiride (Amaryl)
• Liraglutide (Victoza)
• Empagliflozin (Jardiance)
• Canagliflozin (Invokana)
• Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
• Alogliptin (Nesina)
• Glipizide (Glucotrol And Glucotrol Xl)
• Sitagliptin/Metformin (Janumet, Janumet Xr)
• Dulaglutide (Trulicity)
• Dapagliflozin (Farxiga)
• Semaglutide (Ozempic)
• Metformin (Fortamet, Glumetza)
• Linagliptin (Tradjenta)

FAQs