Januvia

Januvia (Sitagliptin) 25 mg, 50 mg & 100 mg — Uses, Price & Buy Online

Januvia is an oral diabetes medicine that helps to control blood sugar levels. Sitagliptin is the active ingredient that helps control type 2 diabetes, and Januvia is the brand name under which it is sold. The right dose of metformin helps regulate blood sugar and improves how your body uses insulin.

Doses like 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg are currently being sold in the USA. You can buy sitagliptin online in different brands and find more information at RxCroma. 

Prescription Required: Januvia and Sitagliptin are prescription medications. Order and take only the dose and type prescribed by your physician or healthcare provider.

What Is Januvia (Sitagliptin)?

Januvia (Sitagliptin) is a medication in the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class, or “gliptins” for short. The pills are taken orally once daily, with or without food. Common brands like Januvia are combined with Sitagliptin for treating type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. 

What Does Sitagliptin Treat? (Uses)

Sitagliptin is an oral prescription medication that lowers blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. 

Primary prescribed uses of Sitagliptin are: 

• Control of Type 2 Diabetes: It is used along with a healthy diet and physical activity.

• In Combination with Other Medicines: You can take it alone or with other diabetes medicines, including metformin, insulin, or sulfonylurea, if diet, physical activity, and one medication aren't enough.

• As Fixed-Dose Combinations: It can also be taken in combination with metformin as Janumet and Janumet XR.

How Does Sitagliptin Work?

Januvia (sitagliptin) is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It blocks a protein called DPP-4. This helps insulin stay active longer. It also reduces glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. Januvia works by inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme, increasing GLP-1 and GIP levels. 

These two incretin hormones also enhance insulin secretion and lower glucose production. By retaining insulin and reducing glucagon, it helps control your blood sugar levels. 

Choosing Your Sitagliptin Strength: 25 mg vs 50 mg vs 100 mg

Januvia (Sitagliptin) is a prescription medicine and should primarily be taken as per your doctor's instructions. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the standard and maximum dose of sitagliptin (Januvia) for type 2 diabetes is 100 mg once daily.  Doctors prescribe the 25 mg and 50 mg doses for reduced kidney function and based on personal preference for intensity. 

Sitagliptin 25 mg — For Reduced Kidney Function

Sitagliptin 25 mg tablets are mostly prescribed for patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR or creatinine clearance <30 mL/min) or those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. 

Sitagliptin 50mg — Moderate Kidney Function Dosing

Sitagliptin  50 mg tablets are mostly prescribed for patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR or creatinine clearance from 30 to 44 mL/min or 30 to <50 mL/min).

Sitagliptin 100mg — Standard Dose for Normal Kidney Function

The typical and maximum recommended daily dose for adults with normal or mild kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] or creatinine clearance ≥ 45 mL/min or ≥ 50 mL/min).

How to Take Januvia (Sitagliptin)

Take Januvia (Sitagliptin) as it was prescribed to you by your doctor. Follow all directions provided in your prescription and read all medication guidelines or instruction sheets. Follow all prescription instructions carefully and read all medication guidelines. If your doctor changes your dose, follow the changed set of dosage instructions. 

Never change the dose yourself; do not increase or decrease without consulting your doctor. Do not discontinue therapy, as sudden disruption can cause adverse effects. 

Taking Sitagliptin With or Without Food

You can take sitagliptin with or without food. Meals don't affect how the medication works, so you can take it on an empty stomach or with food. However, if the medication causes mild nausea or stomach irritation, taking it with a snack or meal can ease the discomfort. 

Take your dose at the same time every day, whether you choose morning or night, to keep a steady level of the drug in your body.

Januvia Ingredients

Januvia contains the active medical ingredient sitagliptin (as sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate). Sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate (equivalent to 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg of sitagliptin free base per tablet). 

Note: The exact ingredients can vary slightly by region or manufacturer batch. You can view the officially prescribed brands and compositions at RxCroma. 

Sitagliptin Side Effects

Glucophage (Metformin) commonly causes upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, which usually improve after your body adjusts to the medication. In many cases, side effects can result from the wrong dose, improper use, or other existing medical conditions. In other cases, with the proper dose, duration, and consumption, common side effects involve: 

Common Side Effects

Common and mild side effects include: 

• Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. 

• Headache 

• Low Blood Sugar 

• Joint Pain 

• Diarrhea 

Apart from the above-mentioned, rare but serious risks include: 

• Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation)

• New or worsening heart failure

• Worsening kidney function

• Severe joint pain

• Bullous pemphigoid, a skin condition that causes large blisters

• Serious skin reactions

• Anaphylaxis

Januvia and Pancreatitis Risk — Serious Side Effects

Januvia (Sitagliptin) is linked to a risk of acute pancreatitis, which can include severe, life-threatening forms such as necrotizing or hemorrhagic pancreatitis. Patients with a history of pancreatitis may be at an increased risk for recurrence while taking Januvia; caution is advised. 

Sitagliptin Interactions — What to Avoid

When taking Sitagliptin (commonly known by its brand name Januvia), avoid or carefully manage certain medications, foods, and health conditions to prevent dangerous blood sugar drops or severe side effects.

Sitagliptin and Alcohol

Alcohol can erraticize blood sugar levels, causing either high or low blood sugar, and increases the risk of pancreatitis or hypoglycemia, especially if consumed on an empty stomach. 

Combining Sitagliptin With Other Diabetes Medications

Combining Sitagliptin with other diabetes medications can pose certain risks. 

• Combining Insulin and Sulfonylureas can cause Hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). 

• Combining Metformin can result in gastrointestinal upset (nausea, diarrhea) and rare lactic acidosis (linked primarily to metformin).

Other Drug Interactions

• Combining sitagliptin with SGLT2 inhibitors increases the risk of dehydration, urinary tract infections, or changes in kidney function. 

• If sitagliptin is combined with corticosteroids, then steroids can counteract sitagliptin's glucose-lowering effects.

Storage Instructions

First, store your Januvia (Sitagliptin) tablets as your healthcare provider or pharmacist directs. Generally, store sitagliptin tablets at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Store in a dry place away from direct light, heat, and excess moisture. Do not store the tablets in the bathroom. Keep the tablets in their original, tightly closed container or blister pack until you are ready to take them.

Januvia vs. Jardiance: DPP-4 Inhibitor vs. SGLT2 Inhibitor Explained

Januvia and Jardiance are both once daily oral prescription medications used for reducing blood sugar in adults with Type 2 Diabetes; however, they belong to totally different medication groups that have different effects and uses for the human body.

• Januvia (DPP-4 Inhibitor): It inhibits the action of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4), thereby increasing the levels of incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP). It causes postprandial insulin secretion and reduces hepatic glucose production.

• Jardiance (SGLT2 Inhibitor): It inhibits the action of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) proteins in the kidneys, making them incapable of reabsorbing glucose, resulting in its excretion via urine.

Buy Januvia (Sitagliptin) Online — Price by Strength

RxCroma offers prescription medication information and online ordering services. A valid prescription is mandatory to acquire prescription-only Januvia. Only the prescribed strength of this medication must be ordered.

The price of Januvia (Sitagliptin) may differ depending on the strength, quantity, brand name/generic form, manufacturer, availability, and pharmacy pricing.

Brand Januvia vs. Generic Sitagliptin — Price Comparison

Sitagliptin is the brand name for Januvia. The generic name for Sitagliptin is the same medication, just with different branding and at the same strength.

The cost difference between Sitagliptin and generic metformin may be based on the pharmacy, manufacturer, amount of medication, and available discounts.

If the prescription allows for generic substitution, the pharmacist can help determine if the generic is right for you.

Important Safety Information 

Januvia is a prescription drug. The content on this page is meant for educational use only and cannot replace the recommendation of a doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use Januvia if you have been told by a doctor that you should not take Sitagliptin, if you suffer from acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis, or if you have a known allergy to Sitagliptin or to any component of the product.

Inform your physician if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, breastfeed, have liver or kidney issues, or are using any other drugs, either prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, or supplement.

Report to your healthcare provider immediately if you develop unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if it is accompanied by fever or excessive fatigue.

Take Januvia exactly as prescribed, according to the latest medication guide and prescribing information.