8 Types of Oral Diabetes Medications and How They Work
Oral diabetes medications help manage blood sugar levels in those with diabetes. Learn the types of oral medications and how they keep glucose levels stable.
Januvia
Used for Diabetes Type 2
Used for Diabetes Type 2
Januvia (sitagliptin) is a prescription medication that helps lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It works best when you also follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. It belongs to the drug class called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, or gliptins. Januvia (sitagliptin) comes as a tablet you take by mouth once a day. Side effects include stuffy or runny nose and headache. Januvia (sitagliptin) is a brand-name medication only; the generic version isn't available yet.
What is Januvia (sitagliptin)?
What is Januvia (sitagliptin) used for?
- Type 2 diabetes in adults
How Januvia (sitagliptin) works
Januvia (sitagliptin) is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It blocks a protein in the body called DPP-4 from working. This helps insulin stick around in your body longer. It also stops your body from making glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. Together, this helps control your blood sugar levels.
When does Januvia (sitagliptin) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Januvia |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | DDP-4 inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Januvia (sitagliptin) essentials
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 or stuffy nose and other symptoms of the common cold (5%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Headache
Januvia (sitagliptin) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Pancreatitis: upper stomach pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, yellow skin or eyes
- Heart problems: sudden weight gain; trouble breathing; unusual tiredness; swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs
- Sudden kidney problems: not urinating, swelling in legs or ankles, feeling tired, trouble breathing, confusion, nausea
- Severe skin reaction or allergic reaction: rash, blisters, sores, trouble breathing, swelling
When do Januvia (sitagliptin) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
M
H
D
W
M
Risk of joint pain
Risk of serious allergic reaction
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.
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The following Januvia (sitagliptin) 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
blurred vision
chills
cold sweats
confusion
cool, pale skin
dizziness
fast heartbeat
headache
increased hunger
loss of consciousness
nightmares
seizures
shakiness
slurred speech
unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
Blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin
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
difficulty with breathing
ear congestion
loss of voice
muscle aches
stuffy or runny nose
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.
Get your GoodRx coupon
$428.08
GoodRx discount
$328.62
Pros and cons of Januvia (sitagliptin)
Pros
- Taken once a day
- Not likely to affect your body weight
Cons
- Not for people with Type 1 diabetes
- Possible risk of severe joint pain
Pharmacist tips for Januvia (sitagliptin)
- Take Januvia (sitagliptin) every day with or without food. Choose a time that works best for you and try to stick to the same time each time. This can be helpful for remembering to take your medication every day.
- Swallow Januvia (sitagliptin) whole with water. Don't cut the tablets in half. They don't have a score line down the middle to help you cut it. It's generally not recommended to cut unscored tablets. You might not get even halves and you might hurt yourself. Talk to your prescriber if you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole.
- It's best to avoid alcohol when possible while taking Januvia (sitagliptin). Drinking alcohol can lower your blood sugar when you have diabetes. Drinking too much can also raise your risk of pancreatitis, which could also happen with this medication. If you drink alcohol often and have trouble cutting back, ask a healthcare professional for help.
- Be sure you know how to look for signs of low blood sugar, especially if you're taking Januvia (sitagliptin) with other diabetes medications like insulin or glipizide. If you feel shaky, confused, or have a fast heartbeat, check your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is low, drink half a cup of fruit juice or take 4 glucose tablets to help treat it.
- Talk to your care team about ways to plan nutritious meals and exercise regularly. This helps you get the most out of your treatment and keep your blood sugar under control.
More on Januvia (sitagliptin) tips
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.
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Although rare, a few people who took Januvia (sitagliptin) have had pancreatitis, which means the pancreas gets inflamed. It's not clear if people who've had pancreatitis before are more likely to get it again with this medication. Be sure to let your prescriber know if you've had it in the past.
Stop taking Januvia (sitagliptin) and call your prescriber right away if you have signs of pancreatitis. Watch for upper stomach pain that spreads to your back and doesn't go away. You also might have a fever, nausea, or vomiting.
Risk of heart failure
- Risk factors: Heart failure | Heart problems | Kidney problems
In a study, some people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease who took a medication like Januvia (sitagliptin) developed heart failure. It's not clear if Januvia (sitagliptin) has the same risk.
Before starting Januvia (sitagliptin), tell your prescriber about your full medical history, especially if you have heart or kidney problems. They can check your risk of heart failure.
Get medical help right away if you have signs of heart failure while taking Januvia (sitagliptin). This includes trouble breathing, feeling very tired, swelling in your body, or sudden weight gain.
Sudden kidney problems
- Risk factors: History of kidney problems | Taking a higher-than-recommended dose of Januvia (sitagliptin)
Few people who took Januvia (sitagliptin) had sudden kidney injury. Sometimes, they needed dialysis.
Before starting Januvia (sitagliptin), your prescriber might order blood work to check your kidneys. They'll also check your kidneys from time to time during treatment. If you get any kidney problems, your prescriber might lower your dose or ask you to stop taking it.
Talk to your care team if you're urinating less than usual while taking Januvia (sitagliptin). This can be a sign of a kidney problem.
Low blood sugar when taken with other diabetes medications
- Risk factors: Also using insulin | Also taking sulfonylureas like glipizide
There's a higher chance of having low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) if you take Januvia (sitagliptin) with certain other diabetes medications. This is mainly if you also use insulin or take sulfonylureas like glipizide. Very low blood sugar can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of low blood sugar include feeling shaky, very hungry, confused, or weak. You also might be nervous or anxious, have a fast heartbeat, or sweat. Be sure you know how to spot and treat low blood sugar. Talk to your care team if you're worried about low blood sugar while taking Januvia (sitagliptin).
Serious allergic reactions
- Risk factor: Allergy to DPP-4 inhibitors (also called "gliptins")
Some people can have a serious allergic reaction to Januvia (sitagliptin). It can look like a rash, peeling or blistering skin, swelling of the face or lips, or trouble breathing. There could also be other signs of anaphylaxis. Reactions can happen within the first 3 months of starting the medication. If this happens, stop taking Januvia (sitagliptin) and get medical care right away.
Tell your prescriber if you've had an allergic reaction to other DPP-4 inhibitors like Tradjenta (linagliptin) or alogliptin (Nesina). You might be more likely to react to Januvia (sitagliptin).
Joint pain
Some people who take DPP-4 inhibitors like Januvia (sitagliptin) have had 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 have any discomfort in your joints, speak to your care team right away.
Severe skin reactions
Some people taking Januvia (sitagliptin) have had a skin problem called bullous pemphigoid. It can cause itchy skin, blistering rash, or sores. These usually go away once you stop taking the medication and get treated.
If you notice a rash with blisters or itchy skin, talk to a healthcare professional. You might need to stop taking Januvia (sitagliptin) and see a dermatologist.
More on Januvia (sitagliptin) warnings
Januvia (sitagliptin) dosage
The average cost for 30 tablets of 100mg of Januvia (sitagliptin) is $328.88 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 23.32% off the average retail price of $428.89. 
Tablet
Tablet| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100mg | 30 tablets | $328.88 | $10.96 |
| 50mg | 30 tablets | $328.72 | $10.96 |
| 25mg | 30 tablets | $328.62 | $10.95 |
Typical dosage for Januvia (sitagliptin)
The typical dose is 100 mg by mouth once daily.
Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.
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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.
More on Januvia (sitagliptin) interactions
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
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.
- Acarbose
- Balofloxacin
- Besifloxacin
- Chloroquine
- Chlorpropamide
- Ciprofloxacin
- Enoxacin
- Fleroxacin
- Flumequine
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Glimepiride
- Glipizide
- Glyburide
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Lanreotide
- Levofloxacin
- Lomefloxacin
- Metformin
- Moxifloxacin
- Nadifloxacin
- Nateglinide
- Norfloxacin
- Octreotide
- Ofloxacin
- Pasireotide
- Pazufloxacin
- Pefloxacin
- Prulifloxacin
- Repaglinide
- Rufloxacin
- Simeprevir
- Sparfloxacin
- Thioctic Acid
- Tolazamide
- Tolbutamide
- Tosufloxacin
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.
- Acebutolol
- Atenolol
- Betaxolol
- Bisoprolol
- Carteolol
- Carvedilol
- Celiprolol
- Esmolol
- Labetalol
- Levobunolol
- Metipranolol
- Metoprolol
- Nadolol
- Nebivolol
- Oxprenolol
- Penbutolol
- Pindolol
- Practolol
- Propranolol
- Sotalol
- Timolol
How much does Januvia (sitagliptin) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Januvia (brand)
$328.62
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.
News about Januvia (sitagliptin)
How Does Januvia Affect Your Kidneys?
Januvia is a Type 2 diabetes medication that is generally well-tolerated, though some have reported kidney-related side effects.
What Pharmacists Say About How Januvia Works (Plus 5 Tips for Taking It)
Januvia is an oral medication that is used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Learn more about how Januvia works and the best time to take the medication.
5 Foods and Drinks to Avoid If You’re Taking Januvia
Foods to avoid while taking Januvia include processed foods and high-glycemic foods. Choosing low-glycemic foods can help reduce your symptoms.
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Januvia Dosages for Adults: Your GoodRx Guide
The recommended Januvia dosage is 100 mg daily, but this may be adjusted for people with kidney problems. Get info on the max dosage and varying strengths.
8 Januvia Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Cold symptoms, joint pain, and low blood sugar are potential side effects of Januvia. Learn about Januvia side effects and when to seek help for them.
Does Metformin Cause Hypoglycemia? 6 Diabetes Medications With a Low Hypoglycemia Risk
Can metformin cause hypoglycemia? Some diabetes medications, like metformin, Ozempic, and Jardiance, have lower risks than others. Learn more.
Jardiance vs. Januvia: 6 Differences Between These Diabetes Medications
Learn about key differences between Jardiance and Januvia — including costs, uses, and mechanisms of action — to understand which might be better for you.
Sitagliptin (Januvia) and Metformin: When Do You Need Both?
The combination of Januvia (sitagliptin) and metformin can help lower blood glucose levels for people with Type 2 diabetes. Here’s how they work together.
Januvia (sitagliptin) images
