Drug Name

Januvia (Sitagliptin)

Drug Uses

Januvia is used for treating type 2 diabetes in patients who cannot control blood sugar levels by diet and exercise alone. It is used along with diet and exercise. It may be used alone or with other antidiabetic medicines.

How Taken

Use Januvia as directed by your doctor.

• Take Januvia by mouth with or without food.
• Continue to take Januvia even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Januvia.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Januvia is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It works by increasing insulin release, which helps to lower blood sugar.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Januvia and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Januvia at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Januvia out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Januvia if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Januvia;
• you have type 1 diabetes;
• you have high blood ketone levels (diabetic ketoacidosis).

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Carry an ID card at all times that says you have diabetes.
• Follow the diet and exercise program given to you by your health care provider. Proper diet, regular exercise, and regular blood sugar testing are important for best results with Januvia.
• Check your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor. If they are often higher or lower than they should be and you take Januvia exactly as prescribed, tell your doctor.
• It may be harder to control your blood sugar during times of stress such as fever, infection, injury, or surgery. Talk with your doctor about how to control your blood sugar if any of these occur. Do not change the dose of your medicine without checking with your doctor.
• Lab tests, including fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, and kidney function, may be performed while you use Januvia. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Januvia with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Januvia should be used with extreme caution in children younger than 18 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Januvia while you are pregnant. It is not known if Januvia is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Januvia, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• headache; nausea; runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; upper respiratory infection.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

More Information

Januvia is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.