Januvia 100 mg tablet

What is Januvia 100 mg?

Januvia 100 mg is a prescription diabetes tablet manufactured by MSD. Its active ingredient is sitagliptin. Sitagliptin belongs to a drug class called DPP-4 inhibitors. It is used in adults with type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar levels. It does not treat type 1 diabetes.

What is Januvia 100 mg used for?

Januvia 100 mg is used for managing blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It works alongside diet and exercise. Sometimes doctors prescribe it with other diabetes medications like metformin or insulin when one drug is not enough. It helps reduce both fasting blood sugar and post-meal sugar spikes.

How does Januvia 100 mg work?

Sitagliptin works by blocking an enzyme called DPP-4. This enzyme normally breaks down hormones called incretins, which the body releases after eating. By blocking DPP-4, sitagliptin allows those hormones to stay active longer. The pancreas then releases more insulin and reduces glucagon output when blood sugar rises. The result is better blood sugar control after meals.

It does not cause insulin release when blood sugar is already low.

There is also a heart-related point worth knowing about Januvia. Clinical data has shown that sitagliptin does not raise the risk of major cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and existing heart disease. This makes it a suitable option for patients who also carry cardiovascular risk.

What strength is available?

Januvia comes in a 100 mg tablet. 

• Store tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight. 
• Keep them in their original packaging until use.

How should you take it?

• It can be taken with or without food. Take it at the same time each day to keep levels steady.
• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double dose.
• Irregular dosing affects how steadily blood sugar is controlled through the day. Try not to miss doses.

What are the side effects?

Side effects are mild and pass on their own for most people. Some occur more commonly than others.

Common side effects:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Diarrhoea

If any serious symptom appears, stop the medication and contact a doctor.

Who should not take Januvia 100 mg?

Not every patient is a suitable candidate for this treatment. Avoid Januvia 100 mg if any of the following apply:

• You have type 1 diabetes
• You have a known allergy to sitagliptin or any ingredient in the tablet
• You have a history of pancreatitis
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding - safety in these groups has not been fully established
• You have severe kidney disease - a dose adjustment or alternative may be needed

Patients already taking insulin or sulfonylureas carry a higher risk of low blood sugar when adding sitagliptin. Tell your doctor about every medication you are currently taking before starting this treatment. A doctor should guide any decision about whether this drug is right for your situation.

Januvia 100 mg Price

The tablet is available by prescription and can be ordered online where regulations permit. The 100 mg strength is the most prescribed dose. Pricing is dependent on your pack size.