Januvia (Sitagliptin) is used with a proper diet and exercise program and possibly with other medications to control high blood sugar. It is used in people with type 2 diabetes. Controlling high blood sugar helps prevent kidney damage, blindness, nerve problems, loss of limbs, and sexual function problems. Proper control of diabetes may also lessen your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Sitagliptin is a diabetes drug that works by increasing levels of natural substances called incretins. Incretins help to control blood sugar by increasing insulin release, especially after a meal. They also decrease the amount of sugar your liver makes.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, kidney function, and response to treatment. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Carefully follow the medication treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program your doctor has recommended.

Check your blood sugar regularly as directed by your doctor. Keep track of the results, and share them with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your blood sugar measurements are too high or too low. Your dosage/treatment may need to be changed.

Before taking sitagliptin, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, heart failure, disease of the pancreas (pancreatitis), stones in your gallbladder (gallstones).

Although sitagliptin by itself usually does not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), low blood sugar may occur if this drug is prescribed with other diabetes medications. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether the dose of your other diabetes medication(s) needs to be lowered.

Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor about the reaction right away. Low blood sugar is more likely if you drink large amounts of alcohol, do unusually heavy exercise, or do not consume enough calories from food. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal.

Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor right away. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication(s).

Tell your doctor right away if any serious side effects, including:

signs of kidney problems (such as a change in the amount of urine), joint pain, unusual skin blisters, signs of heart failure (such as shortness of breath, swelling ankles/feet, unusual tiredness, unusual/sudden weight gain).

Can my blood sugar go too low on Januvia?

Januvia, by itself, is not likely to cause blood sugar going too low (known as hypoglycemia) because it works less when your blood sugar is low. If you take JANUVIA with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin, your risk of getting low blood sugar is higher. Your doctor may lower the dose of your sulfonylurea medicine or insulin while you use Januvia. See Important Safety Information to learn more.

Do I still have to manage my diet and exercise program while taking JANUVIA?

Yes. Making smart food choices and being physically active are important ways to manage blood sugar levels. A well-balanced diet is one part of a healthy lifestyle for people with type 2 diabetes. Thirty minutes of exercise—such as a brisk walk—most days of the week is recommended.

Always talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.