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What Is Januvia Medication?

Januvia is an oral medication prescribed to treat high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. It is one of the brand names for the drug Sitagliptin. The drug triggers the pancreas to release more insulin into the body. It also alerts the liver to stop its production of glucose when the blood contains too much sugar. Januvia medication does not work for individuals who are type 1 diabetics because their bodies do not produce insulin at all. The medication can be used in conjunction with other diabetes medications or it can be used alone.

  1. Dosage

    • The dosage of Januvia will be different for each individual and is determined by the prescribing physician. Any missed doses should be taken as soon as possible. However, if it is time for your next dose, you should not double dose. Simply skip the missed dose. Physicians will monitor the progress of this medication to see if it is producing the desired effects and may adjust the dosage accordingly.

    Hypoglycemia

    • Low blood sugar may occur when taking Januvia. Symptoms include drowsiness, fast heartbeat, excessive hunger, nausea, shakiness, slurred speech, behavior changes anxiety, nervousness, cold sweats, pale skin, headache and weakness. Anyone who is experiencing low blood sugar symptoms should drink fruit juice, non-diet soda or sugar dissolved in water or they should eat honey, corn syrup, sugar cubes or glucose tablets/gel. Sugar levels that drop too low can cause unconsciousness. Blood sugar should be tested every 10 to 15 minutes to ensure that sugar levels are stabilizing.

    Hyperglycemia

    • High blood sugar may occur when taking Januvia. This can occur if the dosage is skipped. Symptoms include increased urination, ketones in the urine, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, rapid, deep breathing, thirst, dry mouth, dry skin and fruity smelling breath. Unconsciousness can occur when blood sugar levels get too high. Blood sugar levels that are too high, over 300, can become a medical emergency. A physician should be consulted and a trip to the emergency room may be ordered.

    Other Side Effects

    • Januvia may cause side effects. Side effects can include ear congestion, nasal congestion, cough, voice loss, sore throat, sneezing, body pain, difficulty breathing and/or fever. Less common side effects can include blurry vision, anxiety/nervousness, confusion, cold sweat, chills, pale skin, depression, headache, fast heartbeat, hunger, nausea, dizziness, shakiness, slurred speech, weakness, tiredness, nightmares and seizures. Individuals who are experiencing side effects should consult their physicians as the dosage may need to be adjusted or the medication discontinued.

    Testing

    • Individuals should expect to undergo routine urine and blood testing when taking Januvia. Test results help physicians determine if the medication is working or if it needs adjusted. It also alerts them as to whether the medication is causing any unwanted side effects in the body---particularly in the kidneys and liver.

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