Januvia

Januvia (sitagliptin) is a prescription-only diabetes medication in the form of tablets that helps control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Januvia works by regulating insulin levels after eating or drinking. In some cases, Januvia is used in conjunction with other type 2 diabetes treatments to reduce diabetes side effects and the risk of further associated health problems. Januvia can be prescribed with other type 2 diabetes treatments, including Metformin and Competact.

Januvia works by targeting two main issues in type 2 diabetes: it promotes insulin production in the pancreas and lowers glucose overproduction in the liver. Clinical studies have shown that Januvia enhances blood sugar management, especially when used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise.

When eating foods high in sugar or carbohydrates, the levels of sugar in the blood rise. A type of hormone called an incretin is released, which stimulates cells in the pancreas that release insulin. The incretin hormones are rapidly broken down by an enzyme called dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4). In people with diabetes, the levels of DPP-4 enzyme are significantly dysregulated and this results in high blood sugar levels

Januvia is a DPP-4 inhibitor that works by inhibiting the breakdown of incretin hormones,increasing insulin production from the pancreas and lowering glucagon release from liver. It boosts insulin production by increasing and maintaining incretin levels.

Januvia is able to block DPP-4, which means that the pancreas is stimulated for longer to break down excess sugar and remove it.

The usual dose for Januvia is 100mg, and it is taken in tablet form once daily. This is the recommended dose for most patients, but it is also available as a 25mg or 50mg dose. Your GP will prescribe you the most suitable dosage.

You should take the tablets at around the same time, and can be taken with or without food. People with kidney problems may be put on a lower dose. It is advisable to lead a healthy lifestyle, including a well balanced diabetes diet and exercise, in conjunction with taking Januvia.

If you accidentally miss a dose of Januvia you should take it when you remember as long as it is not close to when the next dose is due. If it’s the next day, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as normal. As with all medications, if you take Januvia over the prescribed dose, you should seek medical advice and do not try to induce vomiting.

Why can’t Januvia tablets be crushed or chewed?

Januvia tablets aren’t scored and should not be crushed, cut in half, nor chewed. Doing so may alter the effectiveness of the tablet and may have an adverse effect on your health. As a general rule, tablets that aren’t scored are specifically coated to facilitate slow dissolution. If the tablet is broken, crushed or chewed, this coating will break and the tablet's effectiveness will be affected. Always check with a healthcare professional and read the patient information leaflet before starting your medicine.

You should not take Januvia if you:

• have type 1 diabetes
• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• are over 75
• have or have had pancreatitis, gallstones or alcoholism
• have kidney or liver problems
• are allergic to any of the ingredients in Januvia
• have been advised by a medical professional you cannot take Januvia

You should always read the enclosed patient information leaflet before taking Januvia. As with all medications, there is a possibility of side effects, and more so while your body adjusts to the medication.

The most common side effects of Januvia include:

Less common:

If you experience any severe and persistent abdominal pain, discontinue taking Januvia immediately and speak with your doctor, as these could be symptoms of acute pancreatitis, and is an indication of a serious side effect of the medication.

Does Januvia cause erectile dysfunction?

Clinical studies have not shown a link between the use of Januvia and erectile dysfunction, however type 2 diabetes in itself may cause ED in some men.

Januvia is a prescription-only medication, which you can buy from euroClinix after filling in a short consultation form, provided you have had it before. One of our registered doctors will review the form to determine whether Januvia is suitable for you, and to confirm that it will not cause adverse effects on your health nor interfere with any medication you may be currently taking. Once your suitability has been established, our pharmacy will dispense and dispatch Januvia to your address via a free next-day delivery.