JANUVIA (Sitagliptin)

What is this medication?

JANUVIA (Sitagliptin)
Antidiabetic Agent; Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 (DPP-4) Inhibitor

JANUVIA (Sitagliptin) is officially indicated for Diabetes mellitus type 2 as an adjunct to diet and exercise.

How does this medication work? 

JANUVIA (Sitagliptin) is a DPP-4 inhibitor, which is believed to exert its actions in patients with type 2 diabetes by slowing the inactivation of incretin hormones.  Concentrations of the active intact hormones are increased by Sitagliptin, thereby increasing and prolonging the action of these hormones. Incretin hormones, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), are released by the intestine throughout the day.  Incretin hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) regulate glucose by increasing the production and release of insulin from pancreatic beta cells while also decreasing glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells.  Decreasing glucagon results in less glucose production by the liver.  By increasing and prolonging active incretin levels, Sitagliptin increases insulin release and decreases glucagon levels in the circulation in a glucose-dependent manner.

How should I take this medication? 

Oral: Take 100mg once daily.

How to Take: Take consistently at same time each day with or without a meal unless otherwise directed.  Swallow the tablets whole, never split, crush or chew.

What should I watch for while using this medication? 

Before starting JANUVIA (Sitagliptin), make sure your physician is aware of any allergies, medications you currently take, if you have had bariatric surgery, if you have kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, a history of pancreatitis, are pregnant, or breastfeeding.  There have been reports of acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected, promptly discontinue Sitagliptin.  Dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with moderate or severe renal insufficiency and in patients with ESRD.  Assessment of renal function is recommended prior to initiating Sitagliptin and periodically thereafter.  There is an increased risk of hypoglycemia when Sitagliptin is added to an insulin secretagogue or insulin therapy.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of medication, try to take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, take only that scheduled dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

How should I store this medication?

Keep out of the reach of children at all times. Store at room temperature, 59 to 86° F (15 to 30° C). Protect from light. Keep the container tightly closed. Properly dispose of any unused medication after the expiration date.

What are the possible side effects of using this medication?

Upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis and headache.

Note this is not a complete list of side effects for JANUVIA (Sitagliptin), only common ones.