Januvia

This content has been written and checked for quality and accuracy by

Mohamed Imran Lakhi Content Administrator GPhC: 2060586 Updated on: 26/05/2020 Next review: 26/11/2020

This content has been written by

Mohamed Imran Lakhi Content Administrator Updated on: 26/05/2020 Next review: 26/11/2020

What is Januvia?

Januvia is a medication that comes in tablet form and is prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes. It contains sitagliptin which helps control blood sugar levels.

Januvia can be used alone or in conjunction with other antidiabetic medication, such as insulin.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that is caused by too much sugar (glucose) in the blood. This is because the insulin they’re producing either isn’t enough, or isn’t working properly. Insulin helps the glucose in the blood get absorbed into the cells, releasing energy. Without insulin, the glucose in the blood becomes too high.

The symptoms of type 2 diabetes include an increased need to urinate, fatigue, increased thirst and unexplained weight loss. There are multiple diabetes-related health issues that can occur later in life due to diabetes including kidney problems, issues with vision and hearing, sores and infections on the feet, nerve damage, heart disease and stroke.

Treating Diabetes

Without treatment, high levels of glucose in the blood over a long period, caused by diabetes, can cause significant damage to your vital organs, such as your heart and kidneys, nervous and visual systems.

Therefore, it is imperative to control your blood glucose levels to reduce your risk of complications. Your doctor will be able to determine the best course of treatment for you, which may include changes to your diet and lifestyle.

How Does Januvia Work?

Januvia contains sitagliptin which is an inhibitor. It works by increasing the two hormones GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide) in the body. These hormones, which are normally produced naturally in the body, help control blood sugar (glucose) levels by causing the pancreas to create more insulin.

Insulin transfers the glucose from the blood to the cells, reducing the amount of sugars in the blood.

Side effects and cautions

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 to ensure your safety while taking the medicine.

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.

You can view the patient information leaflet for Januvia online.

If you experience the symptoms of lactic acidosis, stop taking Januvia and contact a doctor or the nearest hospital immediately.

Symptoms of lactic acidosis include:

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

Before you buy Januvia online, 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

Allergic reaction

Do not take Januvia if you are allergic any sitagliptin or any of the other ingredients of Januvia.

If you experience an allergic reaction to Januvia, cease taking the medicine and speak to your doctor for advice.

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.

Other safety information

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

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 the sight and reach from children and pets.

How Should I Take Januvia?

Januvia should be taken once a day either with or without food. It can be taken at whatever time suits you, but try to take it at the same time each day.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

If you forget to take your daily dose of Januvia you can take your tablet as usual unless you are already due a tablet that day – don’t take two tablets within 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 NHS advice.

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.

Table of contents

What is Januvia?

How does Januvia work?

Side effects and cautions

How do I take Januvia?

Frequently asked questions