Januvia

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Januvia (generic name: Sitagliptin) is an oral anti-diabetic drug of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class.

Januvia is used to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Type 2 diabetes is also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, or NIDDM.

Januvia works in the following ways:

It helps to improve the levels of insulin after a meal
It decreases the amount of sugar made by the body

Januvia works when blood sugar is high, especially after a meal. This is when the body needs the greatest amount of help in lowering blood sugar. Januvia also lowers blood sugar between meals.

Januvia by itself is unlikely to cause low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) because it does not work when your blood sugar is low.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using Januvia provided by your doctor. Take Januvia exactly as directed.

The recommended dose is one 100 mg tablet once a day by mouth, with or without food.

If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe lower doses.

Your doctor may prescribe Januvia along with certain other medicines that lower blood sugar.

Continue to take Januvia as long as your doctor prescribes it so you can continue to help control your blood sugar.

Diet and exercise can help your body use its blood sugar better. It is important to stay on your doctor recommended diet, exercise and weight loss programme while taking Januvia.

Take Januvia only when prescribed by your doctor.

In studies, Januvia worked well in and was well-tolerated by older adult patients. No dosage adjustment is necessary based on age.

Precautions

Tell your doctor before taking Januvia, if:

you have or have had type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine), any kidney problems, or any past or present medical problems;
you are pregnant or breast-feeding.