Januvia

What is it?

Composition

The main active ingredient in Januvia is sitagliptin, which is a DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitor. This component helps regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin levels and decreasing the livers production of glucose after meals.

In addition to the active substance, Januvia tablets contain a number of inactive components that are necessary to give the drug its shape and stability:

• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate
• Sodium croscarmellose
• Magnesium stearate
• Sodium stearyl fumarate
• Propyl gallate

How to use?

Januvia should be taken once daily, exactly as directed by your doctor. It can be taken with or without food, making it convenient for patients with busy schedules. It is important to continue to follow your doctors diet and exercise plan while taking Januvia.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue taking the medicine at your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed dose. If you take too much Januvia, call your doctor or poison control center right away.

1. Take Januvia every day, at the same time.
2. It can be taken with or without food.
3. Follow your prescribed diet and physical activity.
4. Do not double the dose if you miss a dose.
5. Monitor your blood sugar regularly.

How does it work?

Januvia (sitagliptin) belongs to a class of drugs known as DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an enzyme called DPP-4, which is broken down in the body, inactivating incretins, hormones that help regulate blood sugar. Incretins stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin after meals and also reduce the amount of sugar produced by the liver.

Through this mechanism of action, Januvia helps control blood glucose levels, especially after meals, when the risk of high blood sugar is greatest. In doing so, it reduces the risk of hypoglycemia, making it an effective and safe choice for people with type 2 diabetes. The drug works more naturally, helping the body respond to fluctuations in blood sugar without the significant side effects that can occur with other treatments.

Indications

Januvia is used to treat adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control. It can be used alone or in combination with other antidiabetic agents, such as metformin, sulfonylurea, or insulin, when the medication alone is insufficient to achieve target blood sugar levels.

The main indications for Januvia are:

• Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who require improved glycemic control
• Use in combination with other hypoglycemic agents when monotherapy is insufficient
• As an adjunct to diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels

Contraindications

Januvia has a number of contraindications that should be considered before starting therapy. The drug should not be used if you have an allergy or hypersensitivity to sitagliptin or any other components of the drug, as this may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema.

Major contraindications include:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the components of the drug
• History of severe allergic reactions, such as angioedema and Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, as Januvia is not intended to treat these conditions

Side effects

Although Januvia is generally well tolerated by patients, it can cause a number of side effects that should be considered when taking it. The most common side effects are mild symptoms such as runny nose, sore throat, and headaches. However, some patients may experience more serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.

The main possible side effects of Januvia include:

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can be life-threatening
• Hypoglycemia, especially when used with insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications
• Severe allergic reactions such as angioedema and Stevens-Johnson syndrome
• Joint pain (arthralgia), which can be quite severe
• Pemphigus (bullous pemphigoid), which may require hospitalization and stopping the drug