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Januvia

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...

Januvia

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Januvia Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Januvia

Generic Name: sitagliptin (Pronunciation: SI ta glip tin)

What is sitagliptin (Januvia)?

Sitagliptin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. It works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating.

Sitagliptin is for people with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Sitagliptin is sometimes used in combination with other diabetes medications, but is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Sitagliptin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Januvia 100 mg

round, brown, imprinted with 277

Januvia 25 mg

round, pink, imprinted with 221

Januvia 50 mg

round, beige, imprinted with 112

What are the possible side effects of sitagliptin (Januvia)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking sitagliptin and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fast heart rate; or
  • fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;
  • headache; or
  • nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about sitagliptin (Januvia)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to sitagliptin or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before taking sitagliptin, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, if you are on dialysis, or if you have a history of pancreatitis.

You may take this medicine with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while you are taking sitagliptin.

Stop taking sitagliptin and call your doctor at once if you have severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, or fast heart rate.

Sitagliptin is only part of a complete program of treatment that also includes diet, exercise, weight control, and possibly other medications. It is important to use this medicine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

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Januvia - User Reviews

Januvia User Reviews

Now you can gain knowledge and insight about a drug treatment with Patient Discussions.

Here is a collection of user reviews for the medication Januvia sorted by most helpful. Patient Discussions FAQs

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

 

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.


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