Januvia Side Effects

Summary

The most common side effects of Januvia are; diarrhea, constipation runny or stuffy nose, headache, nausea, sore throat, upper respiratory infections, and upset stomach. Common side effects usually do not require medical help however, if they persist or become bothersome contact your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.

Common Januvia Side Effects

The most common Januvia side effects include the following:

• Diarrhea
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Headache
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Upper respiratory infections
• Upset stomach
• Constipation

The side effects listed above usually do not require medical attention as they will commonly diminish when your body adjusts to the medication.

Your doctor may also be able to advise you of ways to reduce or prevent these common side effects from occurring. However, if any persist or become bothersome you should notify your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.

Serious Januvia Side Effects

An allergic reaction can occur with a sitagliptin medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms indicating an allergic reaction, get emergency medical help right away.

• Rash, hives, or itching
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Tightness in chest
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Unusual hoarseness

Other side effects associated with Januvia can occur that are not indicative of an allergic reaction but are still very serious. If you have any of the following side effects, notify your doctor immediately.

• Decreased urination
• Pancreatitis- intense pain in the upper stomach that spreads to the back, accompanied by vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea and fast heart rate.
• Headache, sore throat, and fever accompanied by a severe red rash that peels and blisters.

Existing Medical Conditions

You should not use Januvia if you are allergic to sitagliptin or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis. Notify your doctor if you have kidney disease, are on dialysis, or have a history of pancreatitis, special tests or a dosage adjustment  may be necessary to ensure you can safely take this medication. Your doctor may give you additional instructions regarding food, drink, and activity restrictions to help you obtain maximum potential from this drug. If you experience severe pain in your upper stomach accompanied by vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea, or fast heart rate at any time while taking Januvia, call your doctor immediately.

If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking Januvia. This medication has been placed in category B by the FDA, which means it is unlikely that the drug will harm an unborn child. If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this drug as it is not known if it passes through breast milk or what effect it may have on a newborn. Januvia should not be given to a child younger than 18 without talking to a doctor first.

Low Blood Sugar

It is important to avoid letting your blood sugar levels to get too low. This state of hypoglycemia can occur if you have overexerted yourself, skip a meal, drink alcohol, or are under stress. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include; weakness, hunger, headache, tremors, irritability, sweating, or trouble concentrating. You should carry glucose tablets or hard candy to use in case a dip in blood sugar levels occurs.

It is also important to ensure that family and friends are well informed about how to help you in an occurrence of hypoglycemia. It is a good idea to monitor your own blood sugar levels at home by taking them frequently; it is helpful to provide your doctor with this information as it may help design your treatment plan more effectively.

Lifestyle Factors

Januvia should be used only as one part of a whole treatment approach to healthy living to control blood sugar levels. It is important to monitor your diet, exercise, and weight and other medications may also be utilized in an attempt to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. When Januvia is used in conjunction with a healthy living plan that incorporates other elements you can obtain the maximum potential of this drug, it is also important to take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit out of it.

Other Medications

It is very important to inform your doctor of all over the counter, prescription, and herbal medications that you take prior to starting a new one. Notify your doctor if you take any of the following medications as they could cause a dangerous drug interaction to occur if taken with Januvia.

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
• Beta-blockers
• Aspirin or other salicylates
• Sulfa drugs
• probenecid
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Januvia is medication used to regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This medication may be most effective when used in conjunction with a healthy living plan. Certain medical conditions may place you at an increased risk for side effects and should be discussed with a health care provider prior to starting this medication. If you experience a serious side effect or a common one becomes bothersome, contact your doctor right away.