Januvia (Sitagliptin)

Sitagliptin is an oral diabetes mellitus treatment that helps to control blood sugar levels. It is prescribed for the treatment of type-2 diabetes. Type-2 diabetes is a condition characterised by the body’s inefficiency in producing enough insulin.

Your doctor may recommend combining Sitagliptin with other treatments such as metformin. You should also maintain a controlled diet and exercise regularly while suffering from diabetes.

Sitagliptin is a generic version of the treatment Januvia. Both of these treatments work in the same way; the only difference is their price and manufacturer.

Sitagliptin contains the active ingredient sitagliptin phosphate, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor.

This substance works by increasing the amount of 'incretin' hormones in the body. Incretins are released by your gut after eating - their job is to tell your pancreas to produce more insulin. More insulin means you can better regulate blood sugar levels.

As mentioned above, you will also need to pay attention to what you eat when taking any diabetes medication. Medication alone is not enough to treat the condition. A doctor will also advise you to exercise regularly; this is to keep you from becoming obese and to improve circulation, heart health and for other health benefits.

Remember to always check usage instructions, which can be found on the packaging of the medication. All orders will also include a patient information leaflet that will list instructions, side effects and precautions.

Sitagliptin can be taken with or without food, but you should follow the doctor's instructions. It is most effective when taken as part of a complete treatment program, including exercise, diet, weight control, and regular blood sugar testing.

The recommended dosage of Sitagliptin is 100mg to be taken once a day. In some circumstances, the dosage will vary; for example, if you are taking Sitagliptin alongside other anti-diabetic medications. Additionally, for patients who have moderately or severely decreased kidney function, the dose of Sitagliptin will be reduced.

All medications can cause side effects. The doctor will weigh up the risk of side effects with the benefits of the treatment when prescribing.

The most common side effects associated with Sitagliptin include:

• headaches
• nausea
• vomiting
• low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)*

Other side effects that are less common include constipation, stomach pain and dizziness. In most cases, these will disappear once your body has become accustomed to the treatment, but if you feel unwell and this persists, you should inform your doctor as soon as possible.

A complete list of side effects is detailed in the patient information leaflet.

*Hypoglycemia is where your blood sugar levels drop too low. This has the potential to be dangerous, especially when driving or operating machinery. To counteract low blood sugar, you should snack on fruit or drink fruit juice. Symptoms of low blood sugar include fatigue and vision problems.

Not all medications are suitable for everyone. Past and current medical conditions can make Sitagliptin unsuitable for you. If any of the following apply to you, ask your doctor for other treatment. You:

• have allergies to any of Sitagliptin’s ingredients
• have a history of kidney or pancreatic disease
• have a history of gallstones
• are pregnant

There are many treatments available for type-2 diabetes, so do not worry if you cannot use this one.

What precautions should I take?

You should take certain precautions when using Sitagliptin; this is to ensure your safety. These include:

• paying attention to how you react to the medication before driving; as mentioned, Sitagliptin can cause hypoglycemia, which in turn can cause confusion and vision problems
• reducing your alcohol intake; drinking to excess while taking Sitagliptin can also cause hypoglycemia
• informing your doctor if you are planning to conceive or you are breastfeeding; the medication can pass to your child
• informing your doctor of any current and new medications you are taking; this is so they can ensure they will not interact with Sitagliptin

Sitagliptin is available online from HealthExpress. First, you must have a previous prescription from your doctor; our doctors are unable to initiate a prescription for safety reasons.

To order, you should start our quick and easy consultation. Once completed, this will be reviewed by our doctor; they will assess your suitability and recommend a dosage. If your consultation is approved, you will be able to buy this medication, safely and securely, along with other treatments that are suitable for your condition.

Our service is approved by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and all our doctors and pharmacists are registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and other medical regulatory bodies. Links to certificates can be found in the footer of this page.