Januvia 100 mg – Uses, Side Effects and Dosage

Januvia is FDA-approved anti-diabetic medicine used in the treatment course of type 2 diabetes. This januvia drug is prescribed by the doctor when a type diabetic is dealing with very high blood sugar. According to a medical study done by Vascular Health and Risk Management, Januvia has proven to reduce fasting and post-prandial blood sugar. It also eventually lessens HbA1c levels and increases beta cell functioning.

Januvia 100 mg tablets or even Januvia 50 mg tablets work by blocking a protein called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). There are incretin hormones in your body which help regulate overall blood sugar. DPP-4 inactivates incretin hormones from its functioning.

When you eat and the food reaches the stomach, the body sends out incretin in the digestive tract. This, in turn, signals the pancreas to release insulin.

When DPP-4 is blocked, more incretin and insulin hormones are released. This helps your body regulate blood sugar with ease, and this is how Januvia works.

Januvia generic form goes by the name of Sitagliptin januvia is just the brand name.

Januvia 100 mg Uses

The most common form of power that sells most in the market is the Januvia 100 mg tablet. The other variants available in the market are Januvia 50 mg and Januvia 25 mg. The main Januvia tablet uses are:

• Regulates your sugar levels
• Blocks DPP-4 protein that inactivates incretin
• Enhances the release of insulin

Read More: HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c) A1c Chart, Test, Levels, & Normal Range

Things to Know Before Using Januvia Tablets

The following are the considerations to take when using the Januvia drug:

Interacts with medicines

Be it Januvia 100 mg or Januvia 50 mg, all variants of Januvia can interact with medicines. Therefore, it becomes necessary to reveal all the current medication you are taking to the doctor. Januvia drug also reacts with related diabetes drugs like:

• Glimepiride (Amaryl)
• Glyburide (Glynase)
• External insulin

Heart patients

If you have heart problems and are at high risk of heart attack, Januvia med might not be the first thing you go for. Januvia will further deteriorate your heart’s functioning. However, your doctor will be the best judge in this situation. They’ll check whether the benefits of Januvia outweigh its risks. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, Januvia enhances the chances of heart attacks and failures within the first year of its use. Heart problems accompany symptoms like:

• Swollen ankles and feet
• Body weight fluctuations
• Breathing problems

When on Januvia tablets, if you notice similar signs, immediately get in touch with your doctor.

Kidney patients

Kidney patients who are already facing kidney problems should avoid the Januvia drug. According to the WebMD website, Januvia will negatively impact the kidney, pushing it on the verge of dialysis. Therefore, you must tell your doctor about your kidney problems firsthand. The doctor will adjust or prescribe the dosage accordingly. Symptoms of deteriorating kidney conditions include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Watch out for these symptoms and instantly connect with your diabetologist for the same.

Read More: Chart of Normal Blood Sugar Levels

Januvia and alcohol

There is one piece of good news for diabetics who are alcoholics. Unlike other anti-diabetic medicines, Januvia doesn’t interact with alcohol. However, this doesn’t give you a license to become a full-blown alcoholic. Alcohol isn’t good for diabetes patients as it increases your sugar levels by disturbing insulin functioning. Consult with your doctor about the safe limit of alcohol consumption.

Januvia during pregnancy and breastfeeding

There are sufficient studies to rely on that analyze the effect of Januvia on pregnant and lactating women. It is also unknown whether Januvia passes into breast milk or not. Therefore, never decide to start consuming it on your own. In this regard, the doctor will be the best person to decide. However, according to the Medical News Today website, Januvia shouldn’t be used during pregnancy and lactation.

Januvia Dosage

Januvia med is available only on a doctor’s prescription and should never be taken without medical advice. Januvia med is available in the following strengths:

• Januvia 100 mg
• Januvia 50 mg
• Januvia 25 mg

Regarding januvia dosage, your doctor will decide after examining your health condition. If you are having kidney ailments, then they’ll prescribe the renal dose of Januvia (lower strength). The Januvia tablet is taken 1 per day.

According to the Januvia Website, Januvia should only be taken once a day, and it shouldn’t be given to type 1 diabetics.

Missed Dose

In case you have missed the scheduled daily dose of Januvia, take it as soon as you recollect. However, please don’t take it too close to your next scheduled dose. This can result in overdose, which can lead to hypoglycemia.

Overdose

Always take Januvia in the prescribed dosage. In case you have taken it more than that, immediately connect with your doctor.

Read More: Glucophage 500 MG Tablets to Control Your Blood Sugar Level

Foods to Avoid While Taking Januvia

Certainly! When you’re taking anti-diabetic medicines, it’s crucial to manage your diet to help control blood sugar levels effectively. Here’s a detailed breakdown of foods to avoid:

High-Glycemic Carbs

Avoid: Foods with high glycemic profiles, such as white foods like refined flour, bread and rice, and sugary cereals.

Choose Instead: Opt for whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread. These have a lower impact on blood sugar.

Sugary Foods and Beverages

Avoid: Mithais, toffees, pastries, and desserts high in refined sugars.

Choose Instead: Consume low to medium GI fruits in moderation and choose sugar-free alternatives. Opt for naturally sweet snacks like berries.

Processed Foods

Avoid: Highly processed foods often contain hidden sugars and unhealthy fats.

Choose Instead: Focus on fresh, whole foods. Prepare meals at home with lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains.

Fried and Fatty Foods

Avoid: Foods having a high percentage of saturated and trans fats, like deep-fried items and fatty cuts of meat.

Choose Instead: Opt for sources of healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.

Excessive Portion Sizes

Avoid: Overeating can lead to spikes in blood sugar.

Choose Instead: Control portion sizes and eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.

Dairy Products

Avoid: Full-fat dairy products may contribute to excess saturated fat intake.

Choose Instead: Opt for low-fat or fat-free dairy options.

Remember, maintaining a well-balanced diet, regular physical activity, and consistent januvia dosage are key components for managing diabetes.

Read More: Glycomet Trio 2 Uses and Composition

Januvia Side Effects

Like all anti-diabetic drugs, Januvia also has mild to severe side effects. Moreover, Januvia side effects will vary from person to person and vary according to your:

• Age
• Present health conditions
• Medicines you are on

According to Drugs.com, we are listing some common side effects of Januvia that you may experience:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Upset stomach
• Sinus infection
• Breathing difficulties

Note that these are less severe side effects and might go with related meds. However, if they persist for longer, consult with your diabetologist at once.

Severe side effects are:

Hypoglycemia

Januvia causes an increase in insulin secretion in your body. Therefore, the risk of hypoglycemia in diabetes patients on Januvia is pretty high. The Januvia drug and similar types contain sulfonylurea drugs, which heighten the risk of hypoglycemia. Common hypoglycemia symptoms are:

• Nervousness
• Anxiety
• Pale skin
• Hunger
• Blurred vision
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Excessive thirst
• Numbness
• Seizures
• Irritation in behaviour

Pancreatitis

Another prominent side effect of Januvia is pancreatitis. Januvia tablet causes severe inflammation in the pancreas. In this, you will experience extreme stomach and back pain. You can also experience vomiting sensations and nausea.

Joint Pain

Some may experience joint pain when on januvin. The joint pain can start within the first few days of taking Januvin or after some years. It differs from person to person.  The drug group to which Januvia belongs is known to cause joint pains. Other popular medicines of this group are saxagliptin (Onglyza), linagliptin (Tradjenta), etc.

Allergic Reaction

Some diabetics can be allergic to Januvin. Symptoms of allergy include:

• Skin rash
• Excessive itching
• Redness
• Redness of skin

Some rare allergic reactions can be underskin swelling, swelling of the tongue, throat, face, eyelids, etc.

Facing any of the signs at once, visit your doctor.

Read More: Vildagliptin Tablet: Uses and Side Effects

FAQ’s ( Frequently Asked Questions)