Januvia
What is Januvia?
Januvia (Sitagliptin) is an oral gliptin drug used to lower blood glucose levels amongst people with type 2 diabetes Sitagliptin is the first of a class of drugs to be approved that mimics the actions of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme.
When do we prescribe Januvia?
If you are type 2 diabetic and blood sugar is not controlled by life style modification, diet changes and metformin. Januvia is prescribed only as a second medication
How to take Januvia?
You can take Januvia with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with a snack or meal. Check your blood sugar as your doctor recommends and stick to your diet and exercise program every day. Try to take your medicine same time every day.
Can I take Januvia with other diabetes medicines?
Yes. But if you are taking Januvia with Glipizide watch out signs of hypoglycemia as some patients have reported higher chance of hypoglycemia. Your doctor would have already assessed and modified your dosage of medicines. We typically switch Glipizide to Glipizide XL to reduce chance of hypoglycemia
What are the signs of hypoglycemia?
Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may include:
- confusion
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- fast heartbeat
- headache
- irritability
- feeling hungry
- feeling jittery
- looking pale
- slurred speech
- sweating
- weakness
How do I treat when I have hypoglycemia?
To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar such as fruit juice (for example: orange juice) or a soda that contains sugar. If you have a glucagon injection for severe hypoglycemia, be sure your friends and family know how to give it to you in an emergency if your blood sugars have gone too low and you are unconscious.
I have more questions?
Please ask questions regarding this topic and get answers from your doctor during your office visit. If we get similar questions from other patients we will update this document. Thanks.