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Januvia

sitagliptin
Used for Diabetes Type 2
Used for Diabetes Type 2

Januvia (sitagliptin) is a prescription medication used along with a healthy diet and exercise to treat Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the drug class dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, also known as gliptins. Januvia (sitagliptin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Most people don't experience many side effects from this medication, but possible ones include stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and headache.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Ally Tsai, PharmD
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 10, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Januvia (sitagliptin)?

03:11
Featuring Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD
Reviewed by Daisy Chau, PharmD, Alexandra Schwarz, MD | July 31, 2024

What is Januvia (sitagliptin) used for?

  • Type 2 diabetes in adults

How Januvia (sitagliptin) works

Typically, your body controls blood sugar by releasing certain hormones. These hormones tell your body to make more insulin and to produce less sugar. But a protein called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) breaks down these hormones. As a result, you have higher levels of sugar in your blood.

Januvia (sitagliptin) is a DPP-4 inhibitor, which means that it blocks the action of DPP-4. In doing so, Januvia (sitagliptin) allows insulin to stick around longer in your body and tells your body to make less sugar. These actions lower your blood sugar levels.

Are you looking for information on Janumet (metformin / sitagliptin) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsJanuvia
Drug ClassDDP-4 inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

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What are the side effects of Januvia (sitagliptin)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of the common cold (5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Headache

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Inflamed pancreas: upper stomach pain, fever, nausea, vomiting
  • Severe skin or allergic reactions: rash, blisters, sores, trouble breathing, swelling
  • Sudden kidney problems: not urinating, swelling in legs or ankles, feeling tired, trouble breathing, confusion, nausea

Source: FDA

More on Januvia (sitagliptin) side effects

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8 Januvia Side Effects and How to Manage Them

Written by Julie Adkison, PharmD, BCACP, CDCES

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Anxiety

blurred vision

chills

cold sweats

confusion

cool, pale skin

depression

dizziness

fast heartbeat

headache

increased hunger

loss of consciousness

nausea

nightmares

seizures

shakiness

slurred speech

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin

diarrhea

hives or welts, itching, or skin rash

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

loss of appetite

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

redness of the skin

severe joint pain

sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips

vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Body aches or pain

cough

difficulty with breathing

ear congestion

fever

loss of voice

muscle aches

sneezing

sore throat

stuffy or runny nose

Less common

Diarrhea

stomach pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Januvia (sitagliptin)

thumbs-up

Pros

Only taken once a day

Can take with or without food

Not known to affect your body weight

thumbs-down

Cons

Can cause severe joint pain

Not a first choice option for people with Type 2 diabetes and heart problems

Might cause sudden kidney injury in people with kidney problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Januvia (sitagliptin)

pharmacist

  • Take Januvia (sitagliptin) every day with or without food.

    • It's best to avoid alcohol when possible during treatment with Januvia (sitagliptin). Drinking alcohol with this medication can cause dangerously low blood sugar and raise your risk of an inflamed pancreas. If you drink alcohol regularly and it's difficult for you to cut it out completely, ask your provider what's a safer amount to drink.

      • Tell your provider right away if you experience severe stomach pain that doesn't go away. This can be a symptom of an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis).

        • If you're taking Januvia (sitagliptin) with other diabetes medications that can lower your blood sugar levels, like insulin or glipizide, you might be at risk of having dangerously low blood sugar. Make sure to check your blood sugar if you feel shaky, confused, or have a fast heartbeat. Drink four ounces of fruit juice (about the amount in a typical juice box) or take four glucose tablets if your sugar levels are low (less than 70 mg/dL).

          • Tell your provider if you experience any changes in weight, trouble breathing, unusual tiredness, or swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs while taking Januvia (sitagliptin). Though rare, it's possible for this medication to cause or worsen heart failure. Let your provider know if you have a history of heart problems before starting Januvia (sitagliptin).

            • It's important to eat healthy and exercise regularly to keep your blood sugar under control. Make sure to work with your provider on a diet and exercise plan while taking Januvia (sitagliptin).

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Januvia (sitagliptin)

              The most common Januvia side effect is cold symptoms, such as a stuffy nose and coughing. These are …  Learn more
              Januvia doesn’t usually affect your kidneys. But worsening kidney function has been reported as a ra…  Learn more
              Januvia is an oral prescription medication that’s FDA approved to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. I…  Learn more
              Januvia (sitagliptin) is an effective oral medication option for treating Type 2 diabetes in adults.…  Learn more
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              What are the risks and warnings for Januvia (sitagliptin)?

              Januvia (sitagliptin) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Pancreas problems

              Though rare, few people who took Januvia (sitagliptin) have reported having inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). It's not known if this medication led to their pancreatitis or if they had other risk factors. Stop taking Januvia (sitagliptin) and let your provider know right away if you experience symptoms of an inflamed pancreas, such as pain in the upper stomach, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

              risk-warning

              Heart failure

              • Risk factors: Heart failure | Heart problems | Kidney problems

                Though rare, people who took similar medications to Januvia (sitagliptin) have developed heart failure. But it's unclear whether Januvia (sitagliptin) carries this same risk and more research is needed in this area. To be safe, tell your provider if you have medical conditions that raise your risk for heart failure, including heart or kidney problems. let your provider know before starting Januvia (sitagliptin). Get medical help right away if you experience any symptoms of heart failure, such as trouble breathing, tiredness, swelling in your body, or sudden weight gain.

                risk-warning

                Sudden kidney problems

                • Risk factors: History of kidney problems | Taking a higher-than-recommended dose of Januvia (sitagliptin)

                  Few people who took Januvia (sitagliptin) reported developing sudden kidney injury, and at times, required dialysis. Your provider might order blood work done before you start treatment and while you take Januvia (sitagliptin) to check your kidney health, especially if you already have kidney problems. If you develop any kidney problems, you might need to stop taking this medication. Talk with your provider if you're urinating less than usual while taking Januvia (sitagliptin).

                  risk-warning

                  Serious allergic reactions

                  • Risk factor: History of allergy to DPP-4 inhibitors (also called "gliptins")

                    Rarely, Januvia (sitagliptin) can cause serious allergic reactions, such as rash, peeling or blistering skin, swelling, trouble breathing, and dizziness. This is more likely to happen within the first three months you start this medication. Let your provider know if you've had an allergic reaction to other DPP-4 inhibitors or "gliptins", such as Tradjenta (linagliptin) or alogliptin (Nesina). Though unclear, it's possible that taking Januvia (sitagliptin) might cause you to have another allergic reaction. If you experience an allergic reaction to Januvia (sitagliptin), stop the medication and get medical care right away.

                    risk-warning

                    Joint pain

                    People who take diabetes medications similar to Januvia (sitagliptin) have experienced severe joint pain. This can happen anytime from a day to many years after starting the medication. For most people, the pain goes away after they stop the medication. If you experience any discomfort in your joints, speak to your provider right away.

                    risk-warning

                    Severe skin reactions

                    Some people taking Januvia (sitagliptin) have experienced an itchy, blistering rash (bullous pemphigoid). Typically, the blisters or sores go away once you stop taking the medication. If you have itchy skin, rash with blisters, or sores, talk to a provider right away and stop taking Januvia (sitagliptin).

                    More on Januvia (sitagliptin) warnings

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                    dosage

                    Januvia (sitagliptin) dosage forms

                    The average cost for 90 tablets of 100mg of Januvia (sitagliptin) is $976.80 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 34.46% off the average retail price of $1490.35.
                    tablet
                    Tablet
                    DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                    25mg30 tablets$335.69$11.19
                    50mg30 tablets$335.63$11.19
                    100mg90 tablets$976.80$10.85

                    Typical dosing for Januvia (sitagliptin)

                    • The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth once daily.

                    Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.

                    More on Januvia (sitagliptin) dosage forms

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                    interactions

                    Interactions between Januvia (sitagliptin) and other drugs

                    Januvia (sitagliptin) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Januvia (sitagliptin). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                    Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                    How much does Januvia (sitagliptin) cost?

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                    alternatives

                    What are alternatives to Januvia (sitagliptin)?

                    There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Januvia (sitagliptin). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                    Januvia (sitagliptin)
                    Used for:

                    • Type 2 diabetes in adults

                    $335.63 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Alogliptin (Nesina)
                    Used for:

                    • Type 2 diabetes

                    $78.03 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                    Tradjenta (linagliptin)
                    Used for:
                    $344.03 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
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                    What is the latest news about Januvia (sitagliptin)?

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                    This medicine is Beige, Round Tablet Imprinted With "277".Beige Round 277 - Januvia 100mg Tablet

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                    References

                    Best studies we found

                    American Heart Association. (2023). What Causes Heart Failure?

                    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Manage Blood Sugar.

                    Dicker, D. (2011). DPP-4 Inhibitors: Impact on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors. Diabetes Care.

                    View All References (6)

                    Kasina, S. V. S. K., et al. (2023). Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV (DPP IV) Inhibitors. StatPearls.

                    Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. (2023). JANUVIA- sitagliptin tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

                    National Kidney Foundation. (n.d.). Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).

                    Weiss, F. U., et al. (2019). Etiology and Risk Factors of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis. Visceral Medicine.

                    White, W. B., et al. (2013). Alogliptin after Acute Coronary Syndrome in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine.

                    You and Your Hormones. (2021). Insulin.

                    GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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