If you have type 2 diabetes, it’s important to manage it well. When you keep your blood sugar levels controlled, you lower your risk of complications like heart disease, kidney problems and nerve damage.
Sitagliptin (brand name: Januvia) is a medication that can help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s part of a class of drugs known as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. These drugs are designed to help your body produce more insulin and lower the amount of glucose your liver produces.
“Januvia is commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes to help regulate blood sugar levels, especially when other medications like metformin aren't tolerated or sufficient on their own,” said Rachel S. Fagergren, a pharmacy intern with Banner Pharmacy Services.
Benefits of sitagliptin
Along with helping to keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout the day, Januvia may also:
- Help in weight management. Some other diabetes medications are more likely to cause weight gain. Januvia may not affect your weight or may help you lose weight.
- Have a lower risk of causing low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) compared to other diabetes medications. That’s because it only affects your body’s insulin response when your blood sugar levels are high.
Who can benefit from sitagliptin?
Januvia is designed for people with type 2 diabetes who aren’t able to get good blood sugar control with lifestyle changes alone. It’s a good option for people who prefer to take a tablet rather than use an injected medication.
How to take sitagliptin
Most people take Januvia once a day. “You can take it with or without food,” Fagergren said. The usual starting dose is 100 milligrams, but your health care provider may adjust the dosage based on your needs and how well you respond to the medication.
Always take Januvia as prescribed by your health care provider. Taking the right dosage is crucial since taking more or less may affect your blood sugar control and increase the risk of side effects.
It’s important to remember to take Januvia every day. It may help to:
- Set a reminder on your phone or use a medication management app.
- Make it part of your daily routine by taking Januvia with a meal or before bedtime.
- Keep your medication in a place where you see it every day.
- Use a pill organizer if you are taking multiple medications.
Possible side effects
Some people taking Januvia may have mild side effects such as headaches or upper respiratory tract infections. Talk to your provider about these side effects if they’re bothersome.
These serious side effects are rare:
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
- Allergic reactions: Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness or trouble breathing.
If you have signs of these serious side effects, stop taking the medication and contact your health care provider immediately.
Precautions and warnings
Many people with type 2 diabetes can take Januvia safely. However, you should not take it if you have had pancreatitis since Januvia increases your risk. Talk to your provider about your risk and options if you have a history of kidney disease or you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
“Always inform your health care provider about any other medications you are taking, as Januvia can interact with other drugs, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing side effects,” Fagergren said.
Taking Januvia with other GLP-1 agonists like liraglutide or semaglutide isn’t recommended since these drugs target the same glucose-regulating processes. “It doesn't provide added benefits and may increase the risk of side effects,” she said.
Be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly to make sure Januvia is managing your diabetes well. “Januvia doesn't typically cause low blood sugar on its own but combining it with other medications like insulin might increase this risk,” Fagergren said.
Your provider may check your kidney function periodically to make sure Januvia isn’t causing any issues.
Lifestyle strategies for managing type 2 diabetes
These tips can help you get better control over your blood sugar levels:
- Choose a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats.
- Be mindful of portion sizes.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Limit sugars and refined carbs.
- Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, every week. Include strength training exercises, which improve muscle mass and insulin sensitivity.
- Regularly monitor your blood sugar so you can see how your diet, activity and medication affect the levels.
- Keep a record of your blood sugar readings, food intake and physical activity to discuss with your health care provider during check-ups.
- Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing exercises, meditation or spending time on hobbies.
The bottom line
Sitagliptin (Januvia) is a medication you can take by mouth to help manage blood sugar levels if you have type 2 diabetes. Januvia may also help you manage your weight, and it’s less likely than some other blood sugar medications to cause low blood sugar.
Your health care provider can help determine if Januvia is a good choice for you. To learn more about Januvia and other options to help control type 2 diabetes, connect with an expert at Banner Health.
Other useful articles
- Understanding Metabolic Syndrome and Your Health
- The Impact Diabetes Can Make on Your Emotional Health
- 7 Unexpected Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Skin and What to Do
The content in this article is for informational use only. Always discuss any medication with your health care provider or pharmacist before taking it. Also, refer to the medication package insert supplied by the pharmaceutical manufacturer with your prescription.
