• Januvia is a medication used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.
• Januvia is the brand name for sitagliptin
• Januvia is prescribed when dietary changes and exercise have not helped to normalise blood sugar levels
• Januvia can cause nausea (feeling sick) and headache, but these tend to settle quickly
• You will need regular check-ups with your doctor to make sure that Januvia suits you and is helping to control your blood sugar levels
• Januvia is often taken just once a day
• You may need to take other medications to help you control your diabetes
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Insulin is made by the pancreas, and helps to keep your blood sugar levels stable. If your body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or doesn’t respond well to the insulin that is being produced, your blood sugar levels can rise. If your blood sugar levels rise above the normal range, a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus can be made.

Januvia increases the amount of insulin that your body makes. This helps your body to lower blood sugar levels to a healthier range. Januvia also reduces the amount of glucagon in the body. This is important, because glucagon causes the liver to release sugar into the blood. By reducing glucagon levels, less sugar is released into the blood, helping to keep blood sugar levels normal.

Januvia is a tablet medication that should be swallowed with some water. It is usually taken once a day with or without food.

A common dose of Januvia is 100mg once a day. You should take it at the same time every day, at a time to suit you.

People with kidney disease may require a lower dose of Januvia. Your doctor will check your kidney function by performing a blood test to check if any dose adjustment is required.

If you also take insulin, you may be prescribed a lower dose of Januvia to prevent low blood sugar levels (hypos) occurring. 

Like all medications, Januvia can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Headaches
• Other aches or pains
• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Flatulence (wind)
• Nose and throat infections
• Swollen feet or ankles.

Most of these side effects will be short-lived. However, if they are troublesome or persistent, you should speak to a doctor for further advice. In addition, simple pain relief can be taken for any aches or pains you experience.

Rarely, some people experience severe, persistent stomach ache or abdominal pain. This could be a symptom of pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas), and you must call a doctor straight away.

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Januvia is unlikely to cause low blood sugar, or a ‘hypo’ on its own, but if you are taking another diabetes medication such as metformin or insulin, you should be aware of the early signs of low blood sugar. These include:

• Feeling hungry
• Trembling or shaking
• Struggling to concentrate or feeling confused
• Sweating.

Januvia may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your doctor if you:

• Have kidney disease or renal impairment
• Have ever had an allergic reaction to sitagliptin or another medication
• Have a history of pancreatitis
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Some medications can interact with Januvia. You may be advised that Januvia will not suit you if you already take:

• Certain antibiotics or antifungal medications
• Ciclosporin
• Other medications for type 2 diabetes.

Because Januvia may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Januvia will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, Januvia will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription, allowing you to pick the medication up at your convenience.

Can I buy Januvia online?

You can safely buy Januvia online at EU Meds. You will first need to have an online consultation with a pharmacist independent prescriber before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Januvia is the right medication for your medical condition.

Do I need a prescription for Januvia?

Yes, in order to purchase Januvia you will need a valid prescription. Please note, all requests for supply of prescription medications are subject to an online clinical consultation and the decision to prescribe will be made by a doctor.