Januvia (Sitagliptin) belongs to a class of medications called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Januvia (Sitagliptin) used alone or sometimes together with other medications helps treating high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes. It should be used as part of the diabetes management program that includes proper diet and exercise. This medication works by increasing the amounts of certain natural substances that lower blood sugar when it is high. Januvia is not used for treating type 1 diabetes.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always take Januvia (Sitagliptin) as directed by your physician.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Januvia (Sitagliptin) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Take sitagliptin at around the same time every day. Do not stop taking sitagliptin without talking to your doctor.

Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Always take Januvia (Sitagliptin) exactly as directed by your doctor.

Before using Januvia (Sitagliptin), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

You should not use Januvia if you are allergic to sitagliptin, or if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);

• heart problems;

• pancreatitis;

• high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);

• gallstones; or

• alcoholism.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking sitagliptin, call your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions about using Januvia if you are pregnant. Blood sugar control is very important during pregnancy, and your dose needs may be different during each trimester.

Januvia is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome.

• Arm, leg, or back pain
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Stuffy or runny nose

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• Joint pain
• Symptoms of low blood sugar (e.g., headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, irritability, hunger, fast heartbeat, sweating, and feeling jittery)
• Symptoms of kidney problems (e.g., nausea, loss of appetite, weakness, shortness of breath, passing little or no urine)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• Severe skin rash (blistering, peeling, spreading)
• Symptoms of pancreatitis (e.g., prolonged, severe abdominal pain with or without vomiting)
• Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; skin rash; hives; or difficulty breathing)

This is not a complete list of side effects and other may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. 

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line. You may have signs of low blood sugar, such as extreme weakness, blurred vision, sweating, trouble speaking, tremors, stomach pain, confusion, and seizure (convulsions).

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store the medicine at room temperature.

Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I avoid while taking this medication?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.