Januvia

What is Januvia?

Januvia is a brand of sitagliptin manufactured by Merck Sharp and Dohme. It is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Januvia may be prescribed on its own or in conjunction with other antidiabetic medication, such as metformin or insulin.

You can renew your prescription for Januvia through our private online prescription service. Fill out our online medical form to begin your order.

Our online prescribers are on hand to review your online consultation and determine your suitability. If your order is approved before 3pm on weekdays, our pharmacy can dispatch your item the same day via a fast and discreet next-day delivery.

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How Does Januvia Work?

Januvia contains sitagliptin, which is a Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor.

DPP-4 regulates incretin hormones by breaking them down. Sitagliptin binds to the DDP-4 enzyme and prevents the breakdown of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP).

GLP-1 and GIP, which are normally produced naturally in the body, stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin and prevent the liver from creating more glucose.

By increasing the amount of GLP-1 and GIP, the body produces more insulin, so that more glucose can be moved from the blood to the cells that need it.

Reducing the level of glucose in the blood subsequently reduces the risk of complications caused by high blood sugar levels.

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Side effects and cautions

You must read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine before you start taking Januvia.

The patient information leaflet contains instructions on storing, taking and discarding your Januvia tablets, as well as important safety information about the product.

You can view the patient information leaflet for Januvia online.

Discuss any doubts or concerns you may have about the information presented in the patient information leaflet with your doctor.

Who should not take Januvia?

Januvia is not suitable for everyone.

Before taking Januvia, tell our prescriber if you have or have had:

• alcohol dependency
• diabetic ketoacidosis
• gallstones
• high levels of triglycerides in your blood
• pancreatitis or other disease of the pancreas
• problems with your kidneys
• type 1 diabetes

If you are unsure whether Januvia is suitable for you, speak to your doctor.

Side effects

Every medicine, whether prescribed or bought over-the-counter, can cause side effects.

Though not everybody experiences them, understanding the risks associated with Januvia, and being aware of the side effects, is important during your course of treatment.

Side effects of Januvia may include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Flatulence
• Low blood sugar
• Nausea
• Stomach ache
• Vomiting

This is not a complete list of side effects. Further information regarding the safety of this medication can be found in the patient information leaflet.

Allergic reaction

Do not take Januvia if you are allergic to sitagliptin or any of the other ingredients of Januvia listed in the patient information leaflet.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Januvia if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

If you become pregnant while taking Januvia, speak to your doctor for further advice.

Do not take Januvia while breastfeeding.

Speak to your doctor for advice.

Other safety information

Always seek your doctor's advice before you buy Januvia online.

Symptoms of lactic acidosis include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Fatigue
• Lethargy (feeling unwell)
• Muscle cramps
• Reduces body temperature
• Slowed heartbeat
• Stomach ache (abdominal pain)
• Vomiting

Do not take Januvia past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of that month - for example, "EXP: 03/20" means the 31st of March 2020.

Do not throw unused medicine away via water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your pharmacy for them to dispose of safely.

Always keep medicine out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Never share a medicine that has been prescribed to you with anybody else, even if they have been diagnosed with the same condition or are experiencing the same symptoms as you.

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How Should I Take Januvia?

Always take Januvia tablets as prescribed by your doctor.

Januvia should be taken once a day, either with or without food.

Swallow Januvia tablets whole with a glass of water.

Do not crush or chew Januvia tablets.

It can be taken at whatever time suits you, but try to take it at the same time each day.

If you are unsure how you should take Januvia, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

What should I do if I forget to take Januvia when I should?

If you forget your dose of Januvia, take it as usual unless you are already due a tablet that day.

Do not take more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.

What should I do if I take too much Januvia?

If you take more than one tablet of Januvia in one day, seek the advice of a medical professional as soon as possible, or dial 111 for advice from the NHS.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink alcohol while taking Januvia?

Alcohol may affect glucose levels in the blood. Drink in moderation and with food, and speak to your doctor if you need advice.

Will Januvia impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Low blood sugar could impair your ability to drive or operate machinery, so you should be cautious and monitor how you are feeling before driving or using heavy equipment. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned.

Can Januvia cause weight gain?

Januvia is unlikely to cause weight gain. If you notice any significant or unexplained changes in weight while taking Januvia, speak to your doctor for further advice.

Where can I buy Januvia online?

You can buy Januvia online from Prescription Doctor following a straightforward questionnaire.

Our secure online service facilitates buying diabetes treatments online. All medicines are approved by the MHRA and our pharmacy, based in the United Kingdom, is registered with the GPhC.

When is the best time to take Januvia?

You can take Januvia at any time of day - morning or night. However, you may find it best to take it alongside a meal, such as breakfast or dinner.

If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicines, set a reminder on your phone to remind you.

Is Januvia the same as Metformin?

Januvia is not the same as metformin. However, your doctor may prescribe Januvia alongside metformin to more effectively control your blood sugar levels.

What's the difference between Januvia and Janumet?

Janumet contains sitagliptin and metformin in one tablet, while Januvia only contains sitagliptin.

Both Januvia and Janumet are marketed by Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) for the treatment of type-2 diabetes.

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