Description
What is Januvia (sitagliptin) used for?
Type 2 diabetes in adults
How Januvia (sitagliptin) works
Typically, your body controls blood sugar by releasing certain hormones. These hormones tell your body to make more insulin and to produce less sugar. But a protein called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) breaks down these hormones. As a result, you have higher levels of sugar in your blood.
Januvia (sitagliptin) is a DPP-4 inhibitor, which means that it blocks the action of DPP-4. In doing so, Januvia (sitagliptin) allows insulin to stick around longer in your body and tells your body to make less sugar. These actions lower your blood sugar levels.
What are the side effects of Januvia (sitagliptin)?
Common Side Effects
- Runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of the common cold (5%)
Other Side Effects
- Headache
Serious Side Effects
- Inflamed pancreas: upper stomach pain, fever, nausea, vomiting
- Severe skin or allergic reactions: rash, blisters, sores, trouble breathing, swelling
- Sudden kidney problems: not urinating, swelling in legs or ankles, feeling tired, trouble breathing, confusion, nausea.
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Blurred vision
Chills
Cold sweats
Confusion
Cool, pale skin
Dizziness
Fast heartbeat
Headache
Increased hunger
Loss of consciousness
Nightmares
Seizures
Shakiness
Slurred speech
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin
Hives or welts, itching, or skin rash
Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
Loss of appetite
Pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back
Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
Red skin lesions, often with a purple center
Redness of the skin
Severe joint pain
Sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
Vomiting
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Body aches or pain
Difficulty with breathing
Ear congestion
Loss of voice
Muscle aches
Stuffy or runny nose
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Frequently asked questions about Januvia (sitagliptin)
What are the risks and warnings for Januvia (sitagliptin)?
Januvia (sitagliptin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Pancreas problems
Though rare, few people who took Januvia (sitagliptin) have reported having inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). It’s not known if this medication led to their pancreatitis or if they had other risk factors. Stop taking Januvia (sitagliptin) and let your provider know right away if you experience symptoms of an inflamed pancreas, such as pain in the upper stomach, fever, nausea, and vomiting.
Heart failure
Risk factors: Heart failure | Heart problems | Kidney problems
Though rare, people who took similar medications to Januvia (sitagliptin) have developed heart failure. But it’s unclear whether Januvia (sitagliptin) carries this same risk and more research is needed in this area. To be safe, tell your provider if you have medical conditions that raise your risk for heart failure, including heart or kidney problems. let your provider know before starting Januvia (sitagliptin). Get medical help right away if you experience any symptoms of heart failure, such as trouble breathing, tiredness, swelling in your body, or sudden weight gain.
Sudden kidney problems
Risk factors: History of kidney problems | Taking a higher-than-recommended dose of Januvia (sitagliptin)
Few people who took Januvia (sitagliptin) reported developing sudden kidney injury, and at times, required dialysis. Your provider might order blood work done before you start treatment and while you take Januvia (sitagliptin) to check your kidney health, especially if you already have kidney problems. If you develop any kidney problems, you might need to stop taking this medication. Talk with your provider if you’re urinating less than usual while taking Januvia (sitagliptin).
Serious allergic reactions
Risk factor: History of allergy to DPP-4 inhibitors (also called “gliptins”)
Rarely, Januvia (sitagliptin) can cause serious allergic reactions, such as rash, peeling or blistering skin, swelling, trouble breathing, and dizziness. This is more likely to happen within the first three months you start this medication. Let your provider know if you’ve had an allergic reaction to other DPP-4 inhibitors or “gliptins”, such as Tradjenta (linagliptin) or alogliptin (Nesina). Though unclear, it’s possible that taking Januvia (sitagliptin) might cause you to have another allergic reaction. If you experience an allergic reaction to Januvia (sitagliptin), stop the medication and get medical care right away.
Joint pain
People who take diabetes medications similar to Januvia (sitagliptin) have experienced severe joint pain. This can happen anytime from a day to many years after starting the medication. For most people, the pain goes away after they stop the medication. If you experience any discomfort in your joints, speak to your provider right away.
Severe skin reactions
Some people taking Januvia (sitagliptin) have experienced an itchy, blistering rash (bullous pemphigoid). Typically, the blisters or sores go away once you stop taking the medication. If you have itchy skin, rash with blisters, or sores, talk to a provider right away and stop taking Januvia (sitagliptin).
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