Januvia ratings & reviews

Sitagliptin
Company: Merck S&D
Brand: Januvia
Drug class: Alimentary Tract and Metabolism
+3 more
Alimentary Tract and Metabolism, Antidiabetic Agents, Blood Glucose Lowering Agents, excluding Insulins, Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) Inhibitor Antidiabetics

Sermo AI Overview

  • Januvia is often regarded as a well-tolerated option for type 2 diabetes management, particularly when used with metformin, but some physicians express concerns over its efficacy as a standalone treatment.
  • While generally safe and accessible, Januvia may not significantly lower blood sugar levels on its own, and some healthcare professionals have raised issues regarding its higher costs and relative effectiveness.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Januvia contains sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate, which acts as an inhibitor of the DPP-4 enzyme and is administered orally. The formulation includes film-coated tablets with dosage strengths of 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg based on the free base of sitagliptin. Key inactive ingredients in the tablets include microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, and anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. Do not take it more often than directed. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. It is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). See product label for storage information. Each product may have different instructions. Get rid of any unused medication as instructed or after the expiration date, whichever is first. To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired: -Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location. -If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue -Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet -Pancreatitis—severe stomach pain that spreads to your back or gets worse after eating or when touched, fever, nausea, vomiting -Redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth -Severe joint pain Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Headache -Runny or stuffy nose -Sore throat

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Diabetic ketoacidosis -Kidney disease -Pancreatitis -Previous swelling of the tongue, face, or lips with trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, or tightening of the throat -Type 1 diabetes -An unusual or allergic reaction to sitagliptin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breastfeeding

What may interact with this medication?

Some medications may affect your blood sugar levels or hide the symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Talk with your care team about all the medications you take. They may suggest checking your blood sugar levels more often. Medications that may affect your blood sugar levels include: -Alcohol -Certain antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim -Certain medications for blood pressure or heart disease, such as benazepril, enalapril, lisinopril, losartan, valsartan -Certain medications for mental health conditions, such as fluoxetine or olanzapine -Diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) -Estrogen and progestin hormones -Other medications for diabetes -Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone -Testosterone -Thyroid hormones Medications that may mask symptoms of low blood sugar include: -Beta-blockers, such as atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol -Clonidine -Guanethidine -Reserpine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. A test called the HbA1C (A1C) will be monitored. This is a simple blood test. It measures your blood sugar control over the last 2 to 3 months. You will receive this test every 3 to 6 months. Learn how to check your blood sugar. Learn the symptoms of low and high blood sugar and how to manage them. Always carry a quick-source of sugar with you in case you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Examples include hard sugar candy or glucose tablets. Make sure others know that you can choke if you eat or drink when you develop serious symptoms of low blood sugar, such as seizures or unconsciousness. They must get medical help at once. Tell your care team if you have high blood sugar. You might need to change the dose of your medication. If you are sick or exercising more than usual, you might need to change the dose of your medication. Do not skip meals. Ask your care team if you should avoid alcohol. Many nonprescription cough and cold products contain sugar or alcohol. These can affect blood sugar. Wear a medical ID bracelet or chain, and carry a card that describes your disease and details of your medication and dosage times.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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