Get Informed: Januvia
Active Ingredient(s)
Sitagliptin
What does it do?
This product is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It is believed to work by prolonging the action of hormones that stimulate insulin production.
- Last Text Update:
- 2009-Nov-21 1:44 AM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-20 6:53 PM
Other Names
- Januvia
- Sitagliptin
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- B
- Black Box Warning:
- No
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 16 Oct 2006
- Est US Patients*
- 1,168,000
- Generic Available
- No
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Januvia or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Januvia
- New Information About Reports of Acute Pancreatitis in Patients Using Sitagliptan (Januvia, Janumet)
Januvia Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Januvia interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Januvia used for?
iGuard.org is currently tracking more than 6,800 patients that use Januvia (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Diabetes | 93% | 
|
| Other | 6% |
|
How well does Januvia work?
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 6,800 users taking Januvia (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 78%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Januvia outweigh the bad things.
- 16%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Januvia.
Common Side Effects of Januvia
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 6,800 users taking Januvia (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
16% of patients experience side-effects on Januvia
4% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Januvia
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Cough
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Bloating/Gas, Dizziness, Fatigue, Insomnia, Involuntary Movements, Muscle Pain, Muscle Pain/Stiffness, Nausea/Vomiting
Global Patient Feedback for Januvia (Sitagliptin) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have been on Janumet for over a year with no major problems, but I also take a good multivitamin along with my diabetic and blood pressure meds. I've been taking a multi for over 30 yrs to supplement my regular diet and continued to take it even after being diagnosed in 11/06 with type 2 diabetes. I believe it has helped me to deal with some of the side effects that any drug will give you (my opinion) and it may help some of you adjust better to Januvia.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-11 15:57:26
Question/Comment:
Started talking Janumet 50/500mg April 09 - Sugars well controlled - A1C of 12.1 to 5.6. I believe mostly due to diet change and exercise. The main problem was fatigue, muscle pain & weakness. My Dr did not think the medication was the issue. I stopped taking Janumet for 7 days. Levels 80-98 in the morning and 98-101 at 2 hr mark after a meal. I felt energize without weakness and pain. I found the problem without my Dr's help. Started Januvia 100mg and now something new - I feel bloated and an all day dull pain in my groin. Has anyone (of course male) felt groin pains as a side effect with this medication?
47 year old Male
Posted: 2009-08-23 00:02:27
Answer/Reply:
When I 1st researched Januvia online before taking it I noticed that some people who took it complained of myopathy (muscle aches) after taking Januvia for a while (longer than a month). I haven't felt the myopathy after being on Januvia for a year, but I also take a multivitamin along with my diabetic and blood pressure meds because any drug will deplete your body of something in my opinion. Perhaps adding a multivitamin will help you, please discuss it with your doctor.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-11 15:23:34
Question/Comment:
i have been on januvia for about 6 months and have experienced weight loss approx 3 kilo has anybody else experienced much weight loss my dr. claims januvia is responsible
72 year old Male
Posted: 2009-08-14 19:52:22
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Weight loss is not listed as a reported side effect in the product labeling for Januvia. Januvia does cause nausea and vomiting in some patients which may lead to a loss or decrease in appetite - which can cause weight loss. Three kilograms in six months is a safe weight loss as long as you are not underweight. If you are still concerned, address that with your doctor at your next appointment.
Posted: 2009-08-22 00:52:20
Answer/Reply:
I lost over 30 lbs in the year that I have been on Januvia. I noticed that Januvia tends to suppress my appetite to some extent since how it works is to 'slow down' the digestion process of food so that the body has enough time to produce the 'right' amount of insulin for metabolism. For me it means I don't get hungry as much, so you don't eat as much, which usually means fewer calories eaten during the day. I also exercise regulary, so I ended up losing weight over time.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-11 15:44:49
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
Congratulations on losing weight by taking a healthy approach to it through moderate exercise and food intake. Since weight loss can affect your glucose levels, please continue to monitor your glucose levels - you may need to make adjustments to your medications for your diabetes. In addition you should consult your doctor and have a full medical evaluation to ensure that you are losing weight at a safe rate and that there are no other causes for your weight loss. Do not make any medication changes without first consulting your doctor.
Posted: 2009-11-05 21:40:00
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Januvia for 3 years now. Due to the profession that I am in, my Doctor wanted to put me on Insulin. We had confered over other options that was available. He informed me there was a new medication that just came out. He prescribe Januvia for me and wanted to try it for 30 days. I saw my doctor in 30 days my Glucose Level was down from 150 to 120 and my A1C went from 8.1 to 7.2 I continue to take Januvia my Glucose Level is at 90 and the A1C is now at 5.7 I do take other medications for my diabetes and a diabetic vitamin daily. I Love what this Januvia has done for me. I give it A+A+A+
Male 57 years old
58 year old Male
Posted: 2009-07-30 01:29:09
Answer/Reply:
Could you kindly tell me what are your other diabetic meds and vitamins you take? I would like to know since I am having mixed results with Januvia 100mg. I also take 5mg of Glucotrol XL.
Thanking you,
ChrisR
66 year old Male
Posted: 2009-08-17 00:41:08
Question/Comment:
Took Januvia for 1-1/2 years. Endocrinologist and dermatologist said my skin reactions were not caused by Januvia. Fingers became red, itched, peeled and it was a constant battle at the dermatologist trying to get this cleared up. Finally decided to go off the Januvia and within a week fingers cleared up. Also, had red, itchy spots on body from time to time with the Januvia. Will never use again due to skin reactions..
40 year old Female
Posted: 2009-07-08 09:36:33
Answer/Reply:
I took Januvia for one year. After experiencing all kinds of serious gastro problems, I finally identified Januvia as the culprit. Neither my family doctor nor my gastroenterologist suspected the Januvia. I stopped taking Januvia and all my gastro stopped as well.
72 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-26 16:09:47
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Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
43
Patient Comments about
Januvia