Januvia has a big advantage in that it can stimulate insulin production in the body, and may be less likely to cause hypoglycemia than other drugs. If blood glucose falls too low, the drug ceases to stimulate insulin production. The disadvantage? The price.
The drug is "very expensive," says Glenn Cunningham, MD, an endocrinologist and professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. He notes that it costs $160 for a 30-day supply of 100-mg tablets.
Nevertheless, "Januvia is becoming a much more popular drug," Dr. Cunningham says. It does not cause weight gain or weight loss, he explained, and is less likely to cause hypoglycemia.
Examples
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| sitagliptin | Januvia |
| sitagliptin and metformin | Janumet |
Janumet is a combination medicine that contains sitagliptin and metformin.
How It Works
Medicines that contain DPP-4 inhibitors, such as Januvia and Janumet, lower blood sugar.1, 2
- Especially after a meal, when blood sugar is high.
- Between meals.
Januvia and Janumet lower high blood sugar (glucose) levels after a meal or between meals. They do this by helping your body make more insulin after a meal. They also reduce how much blood sugar your body makes.
Why It Is Used
Januvia and Janumet are used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. They may be taken alone or along with other medicines to control blood sugar.
How Well It Works
Januvia and Janumet can lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin control in people with type 2 diabetes.1, 2
Side Effects
The most common side effects that may occur with Januvia include:1, 3
- An upper respiratory infection.
- A stuffy or runny nose and sore throat.
- A headache.
The most common side effects that may occur with Janumet include:2
- Stomach pain.
- Diarrhea.
- Flatulence.
- Nausea.
- A metallic taste.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Before taking Januvia or Janumet, tell your doctor if you:
- Have any allergies.
- Have kidney problems.
- Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, because Januvia may not be right for you.
- Are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed.
People who took this medicine found that they did not gain weight.
Continue to test your blood sugar, especially 2 to 3 hours after a meal and after fasting, to see how the medicine is working.
Talk with your doctor right away if you have a fever, an injury, or an infection, or if you have recently had surgery. Your medicine may need to be changed.
You may need to stop taking Janumet temporarily before major surgery or other medical tests or procedures such as X-rays that use contrast dyes. Talk to your doctor beforehand.
Januvia and Janumet:
- Have not been studied in children younger than 18 years of age.
- Have not been studied with medicines known to cause low blood sugar, such as sulfonylureas or insulin.
- May be prescribed if other medicines have not worked well for you or if for some reason you cannot take other medicines.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) 
(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2006). FDA approves new treatment for diabetes. FDA News P06-169. Available online: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2006/NEW01492.html.
Sitagliptin/metformin (Janumet) for type 2 diabetes (2007). Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics, 49(1262): 45–47.
Sitagliptin (Januvia) section of Investigational drugs (2006, August). In RM Wickersham et al., eds., Drug Facts and Comparisons, pp. KU-109. St. Louis: Wolters Kluwer Health.
Last Updated: August 14, 2007 