Januvia
Sitagliptin
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Januvia
Januvia is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor medicine. It acts by increasing the insulin release in your body and also by reducing the amount of glucose production in your body.
Therapeutic Uses of Januvia
Januvia is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, in the patients whose blood sugar can not be controlled by diet and exercise alone. This medicine is not an alternative of diet and exercise but used along with diet and exercise. Januvia can be used alone or with other oral anti diabetics or with insulin.
Direction of use of Januvia
Use Januvia as per direction of your doctor. Januvia is taken by mouth with food or without food. Keep taking Januvia even if you feel well. Because it can not cure diabetes, it only keeps diabetes under control. Do not miss any dose of Januvia.
Follow the instruction of use given in the label of the medicine. There is also an extra leaflet available with Januvia. If you have any doubt about the medicine you should consult your doctor and clarify your doubt.
If You Miss a Dose of Januvia
If you miss a dose of Januvia you should take it as soon as you can remember it. If it is long time since you miss the dose and almost time for the next dose than skip the missed dose and continue with regular dosing schedule. Never take 2 doses of Januvia without asking your doctor.
How to Store Januvia
Januvia should be stored in a tightly closed light resitent container away from heat and moisture. Keep it out of reach of children. It should not be stored in the bathroom. Januvia should be stored at room temperature i. e. 68 to 77 degree Fahrenheit or 20 to 25 degree Celcius.
More Information About Januvia
Januvia should be taken by the patient of diabetes for whom it is prescribed and should never be shared with anyone. If there is no improvement in your symptoms or worsening of your symptoms you should consult your doctor; you may need to change the medicine or increase the dose of Januvia. If you have any question about Januvia you should consult your doctor or other health care provider.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Januvia
Do not use Januvia if you have any of the following medical conditions and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Januvia.
- If you are suffering from type 1 diabetes or IDDM (insulin dependent diabetes mellitus).
- If you have high blood ketone body levels.
Some medical conditions may cause reaction to Januvia and you should inform your doctor if you have any medical problem that may cause reaction with Januvia. The following are the medical conditions that may interact with Januvia:
- If you have any kidney problems.
- If you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy or if you are breast feeding.
- If you have allergy to any other substance including allergy to other medicines or foods.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, non prescription or over the counter medicine or any diet supplement and herbal preparation.
Some medicines may cause interaction with Januvia. Inform your doctor or other health care provider if you are taking any medicine that may cause interaction with Januvia. The following medicines may cause interaction with Januvia:
- The risk of side effects of digoxin and sulfonylureas like glipizide may be more due to Januvia.
Possible Adverse Effects of Januvia
- All medicines have side effects and Januvia also has some side effects. The most common side effects of Januvia are headache, nausea, running nose, stuffy nose, URTI (upper respiratory tract infection), sore throat etc. You should consut your doctor if the common side effects become bothersome or they persist for longer duration than usual.
- You should get immediate medical attention if you get side effects that are serious. The serious side effects of Januvia are fever, chills, red or swollen skin (edema), peeling of skin, blistering of skin and severe allergic reaction. Severe allergic reaction is manifested by rash, hives, itching, and difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, unusual hoarseness etc.
