Januvia (Sitagliptin Phosphate) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Januvia

Oral Diabetes Prescription Medications »

What are oral diabetes medications and how do they work?

Insulin is a hormone produced by cells in the pancreas called beta cells. Insulin helps the body use blood glucose (a type of sugar) for energy. People with type 2 diabetes do not make enough insulin and/or their bodies do not respond well to it, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Oral diabetes medications bring blood sugar levels into the normal range through a variety of ways.

For what conditions are diabetes pills used?

Oral diabetes medications are only used to treat type 2 or non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Patients with type 1 diabetes are dependent on insulin for their treatment.

Are there differences among types of oral diabetes medications?

Medications that increase insulin production

The earliest oral diabetes drugs were the sulfonylureas. These work by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insu...

Read the Oral Diabetes Prescription Medications article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Januvia User Reviews >>

Januvia

Type 2 Diabetes Slideshow Pictures

Diabetes and Foot Problems Slideshow Pictures

Take the Diabetes Quiz!

font size

Januvia Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

SITAGLIPTIN - ORAL

(sit-a-GLIP-tin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Januvia

USES: Sitagliptin is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used in people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Sitagliptin is an anti-diabetic drug that works by increasing levels of natural substances called incretins. Incretins help to control blood sugar by increasing insulin release, especially after a meal. They also decrease the amount of sugar your liver makes.

This medication should not be used to treat people with type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes).

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using sitagliptin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Carefully follow the medication treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program your doctor has recommended.

Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Keep track of the results, and share them with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your blood sugar measurements are too high or too low. Your dosage/treatment may need to be changed.