Got questions about JANUVIA?
Get the facts from our FAQs.

What is JANUVIA?

  • JANUVIA is a prescription medicine used along with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
  • JANUVIA is not for people with type 1 diabetes.
  • If you have had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in the past, it is not known if you have a higher chance of getting pancreatitis while you take JANUVIA.
  • The safety and effectiveness of JANUVIA have not been established in pediatric patients.

Learn more about JANUVIA

How does JANUVIA work?

Along with diet and exercise, JANUVIA works by enhancing your body’s own ability to lower blood sugar.

  • When your body senses blood sugar is high, JANUVIA works to help significantly lower it.
  • And when your body senses blood sugar is low, JANUVIA works less.
  • JANUVIA works more when you need it, and less when you don’t.

Learn more about how JANUVIA works

How should I take JANUVIA?

  • Take JANUVIA 1 time each day exactly as your doctor tells you.
  • You can take JANUVIA with or without food.
  • Your doctor will do blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working before and during your treatment with JANUVIA.
  • Your doctor may tell you to take JANUVIA along with other diabetes medicines. Low blood sugar can happen more often when JANUVIA is taken with certain other diabetes medicines. See question below “What are the possible side effects of JANUVIA?”.
  • If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses of JANUVIA at the same time.
  • If you take too much JANUVIA, call your doctor or local Poison Control Center right away.
  • When your body is under some types of stress, such as fever, trauma (such as a car accident), infection or surgery, the amount of diabetes medicine that you need may change. Tell your doctor right away if you have any of these conditions and follow your doctor’s instructions.
  • Check your blood sugar as your doctor tells you to.
  • Stay on your prescribed diet and exercise program while taking JANUVIA.
  • Talk to your doctor about how to prevent, recognize and manage low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), and problems you have because of your diabetes.
  • Your doctor will check your diabetes with regular blood tests, including your blood sugar levels and your hemoglobin A1C.

Learn more about taking JANUVIA

Can JANUVIA cause my blood sugar to go too low (hypoglycemia)?

JANUVIA, by itself, is not likely to cause hypoglycemia because it works less when your blood sugar is low.

If you take JANUVIA with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin, your risk of getting low blood sugar is higher. The dose of your sulfonylurea medicine or insulin may need to be lowered while you use JANUVIA. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include:

  • headache
  • drowsiness
  • irritability
  • hunger
  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • sweating
  • feeling jittery
  • weakness
  • fast heart beat

Do I still have to manage my diet and exercise program while taking JANUVIA?

Yes. Making smart food choices and being physically active are important ways to help control blood sugar levels. A well-balanced diet is one part of a healthy lifestyle for people with type 2 diabetes. Thirty minutes of exercise – such as a brisk walk – most days of the week (150 minutes weekly) is recommended.

Always talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Does JANUVIA cause weight gain?

JANUVIA, by itself, is not likely to cause weight gain. Keeping a healthy weight is an important part of managing diabetes.

Who should not take JANUVIA?

JANUVIA should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes. If you have had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), it is not known if you have a higher chance of getting it while taking JANUVIA.

Do not take JANUVIA if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in JANUVIA. See question below “What are the ingredients in JANUVIA?” for a complete list of ingredients in JANUVIA.

Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to JANUVIA may include rash, raised red patches on your skin (hives), or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat that may cause difficulty in breathing or swallowing.

What are the possible risks and side effects of JANUVIA?

What is the most important information I should know about JANUVIA?
JANUVIA can cause serious side effects, including:

  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) which may be severe and lead to death. Certain medical problems make you more likely to get pancreatitis.
    Before you start taking JANUVIA, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

    • pancreatitis
    • high blood triglyceride levels
    • stones in your gallbladder (gallstones)
    • kidney problems
    • a history of alcoholism

Stop taking JANUVIA and call your doctor right away if you have pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that is severe and will not go away. The pain may be felt going from your abdomen through to your back. The pain may happen with or without vomiting. These may be symptoms of pancreatitis.

  • Heart failure. Heart failure means your heart does not pump blood well enough.
    Before you start taking JANUVIA, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart failure or have problems with your kidneys. Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:

    • increasing shortness of breath or trouble breathing, especially when you lie down
    • swelling or fluid retention, especially in the feet, ankles or legs
    • an unusually fast increase in weight
    • unusual tiredness

These may be symptoms of heart failure.

What are the possible side effects of JANUVIA?

JANUVIA may cause serious side effects, including:

  • See above “What is the most important information you should know about JANUVIA?”
  • Kidney problems, sometimes requiring dialysis.
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you take JANUVIA with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin, your risk of getting low blood sugar is higher. The dose of your sulfonylurea medicine or insulin may need to be lowered while you use JANUVIA.
    Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include:

    • headache
    • drowsiness
    • irritability
    • hunger
    • dizziness
    • confusion
    • sweating
    • feeling jittery
    • weakness
    • fast heart beat

  • Serious allergic reactions. If you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, stop taking JANUVIA and call your doctor right away or get emergency medical help. See above “Who should not take JANUVIA?”. Your doctor may give you a medicine for your allergic reaction and prescribe a different medicine for your diabetes.
  • Joint pain. Some people who take medicines called DPP-4 inhibitors like JANUVIA may develop joint pain that can be severe. Call your doctor if you have severe joint pain.
  • Skin reaction. Some people who take medicines called DPP-4 inhibitors like JANUVIA may develop a skin reaction called bullous pemphigoid that can require treatment in a hospital. Tell your doctor right away if you develop blisters or the breakdown of the outer layer of your skin (erosion). Your doctor may tell you to stop taking JANUVIA.

The most common side effects of JANUVIA include upper respiratory infection, stuffy or runny nose and sore throat, and headache.

JANUVIA may have other side effects, including stomach upset and diarrhea, swelling of the hands or legs, when JANUVIA is used with metformin and rosiglitazone (Avandia). Rosiglitazone is another type of diabetes medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of JANUVIA. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I tell my doctor before taking JANUVIA?

Before you take JANUVIA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • Have or have had inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis).
  • Have kidney problems.
  • Have heart failure.
  • Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if JANUVIA will harm your unborn baby. If you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about the best way to control your blood sugar while you are pregnant.
  • Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if JANUVIA will pass into your breast milk. Talk with your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you are taking JANUVIA.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses of JANUVIA at the same time.

What are the ingredients in JANUVIA?

Active ingredient: sitagliptin

Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, and propyl gallate. The tablet film coating contains the following inactive ingredients: polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, red iron oxide, and yellow iron oxide.

How should I store JANUVIA?

Store JANUVIA at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).

Keep JANUVIA and all medicines out of the reach of children.

Is there a savings offer that may help me save on my out-of-pocket costs for JANUVIA?

Yes. Eligible, privately insured patients may pay as little as $5 per prescription. Maximum savings is $150 per prescription. The coupon may be redeemed once every 30 days. Not all patients are eligible. Certain restrictions apply. Please see the Coupon page for Terms and Conditions.

What are some questions about JANUVIA to ask my doctor?

Whether you’ve just started taking JANUVIA or have been taking it, talk to your doctor about any questions you may have.

See some tips about talking to your doctor

What is JANUVIA?

JANUVIA (jah-NEW-vee-ah) is a once-daily prescription pill that, along with diet and exercise, helps lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

JANUVIA should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes. If you have had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), it is not known if you have a higher chance of getting it while taking JANUVIA.

Selected Risk Information About JANUVIA

Before you take JANUVIA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. JANUVIA can cause serious side effects, including pancreatitis, which may be severe and lead to death. Before you start taking JANUVIA, tell your doctor if you’ve ever had pancreatitis. Stop taking JANUVIA and call your doctor right away if you have pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that is severe and will not go away. The pain may be felt going from your abdomen through to your back. The pain may happen with or without vomiting. These may be symptoms of pancreatitis.

Before you start taking JANUVIA, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart failure (your heart does not pump blood well enough) or have problems with your kidneys. Contact your doctor right away if you have increasing shortness of breath or trouble breathing (especially when you lie down); swelling or fluid retention (especially in the feet, ankles, or legs); an unusually fast increase in weight; or unusual tiredness. These may be symptoms of heart failure.

Kidney problems, sometimes requiring dialysis, have been reported.

Do not take JANUVIA if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, including sitagliptin. Symptoms of serious allergic reactions to JANUVIA, including rash, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat that may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing, can occur. If you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, stop taking JANUVIA and call your doctor right away or get emergency medical help.

Some people who take medicines called DPP-4 inhibitors like JANUVIA, may develop joint pain that can be severe. Call your doctor if you have severe joint pain.

Some people who take medicines called DPP-4 inhibitors like JANUVIA may develop a skin reaction called bullous pemphigoid that can require treatment in a hospital. Tell your doctor right away if you develop blisters or the breakdown of the outer layer of your skin (erosion). Your doctor may tell you to stop taking JANUVIA.

If you take JANUVIA with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as a sulfonylurea or insulin, your risk of getting low blood sugar is higher. The dose of your sulfonylurea medicine or insulin may need to be lowered while you use JANUVIA. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, drowsiness, irritability, hunger, dizziness, confusion, sweating, feeling jittery, weakness, and fast heart beat.

Your doctor will do blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working before and during your treatment with JANUVIA. The most common side effects of JANUVIA are upper respiratory tract infection, stuffy or runny nose and sore throat, and headache.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please read the accompanying Medication Guide for JANUVIA® (sitagliptin) tablets and discuss it with your doctor. The physician Prescribing Information also is available.

Having trouble paying for your Merck medicine? Merck may be able to help. Visit merckhelps.com.

What is JANUVIA® (sitagliptin)?

JANUVIA (jah-NEW-vee-ah) is a once-daily prescription pill that, along with diet and exercise, helps lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

JANUVIA should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes. If you have had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), it is not known if you have a higher chance of getting it while taking JANUVIA.

JANUVIA (jah-NEW-vee-ah) is a once-daily prescription pill that,

JANUVIA (jah-NEW-vee-ah) is a once-daily prescription pill that, along with diet and exercise, helps lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

JANUVIA should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes.

Selected Risk Information About JANUVIA® (sitagliptin)

Before you take JANUVIA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. JANUVIA can cause serious side effects, including pancreatitis, which may be severe and lead to death. Before you start taking JANUVIA, tell your doctor if you’ve ever had pancreatitis. Stop taking JANUVIA and call your doctor right away if you have pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that is severe and will not go away. The pain may be felt going from your abdomen through to your back. The pain may happen with or without vomiting. These may be symptoms of pancreatitis.

Before you start taking JANUVIA, tell your doctor if you have ever had heart failure (your heart does not pump blood well enough) or have problems with your kidneys. Contact your doctor right away if you have increasing shortness of breath or trouble breathing (especially when you lie down); swelling or fluid retention (especially in the feet, ankles, or legs); an unusually fast increase in weight; or unusual tiredness. These may be symptoms of heart failure.

Kidney problems, sometimes requiring dialysis, have been reported.

Do not take JANUVIA if you are allergic to any of its ingredients, including sitagliptin. Symptoms of serious allergic reactions to JANUVIA, including rash, hives, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat that may cause difficulty breathing or swallowing, can occur. If you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, stop taking JANUVIA and call your doctor right away or get emergency medical help.

Some people who take medicines called DPP-4 inhibitors like JANUVIA, may develop joint pain that can be severe. Call your doctor if you have severe joint pain.

Some people who take medicines called DPP-4 inhibitors like JANUVIA may develop a skin reaction called bullous pemphigoid that can require treatment in a hospital. Tell your doctor right away if you develop blisters or the breakdown of the outer layer of your skin (erosion). Your doctor may tell you to stop taking JANUVIA.

If you take JANUVIA with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), such as a sulfonylurea or insulin, your risk of getting low blood sugar is higher. The dose of your sulfonylurea medicine or insulin may need to be lowered while you use JANUVIA. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include headache, drowsiness, irritability, hunger, dizziness, confusion, sweating, feeling jittery, weakness, and fast heart beat.

Your doctor will do blood tests to check how well your kidneys are working before and during your treatment with JANUVIA. The most common side effects of JANUVIA are upper respiratory tract infection, stuffy or runny nose and sore throat, and headache.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please read the accompanying Medication Guide for JANUVIA® (sitagliptin) tablets and discuss it with your doctor. The physician Prescribing Information also is available.

Having trouble paying for your Merck medicine? Merck may be able to help. Visit merckhelps.com.

Before you take JANUVIA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. JANUVIA can cause serious side effects, including pancreatitis,

Before you take JANUVIA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions. JANUVIA can cause serious side effects, including pancreatitis, which may be severe and lead to death. Before you start taking JANUVIA, tell your doctor if you’ve ever had pancreatitis. Stop taking JANUVIA and call your doctor right away if you have pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that is severe and will not go away. The pain may be felt going from your abdomen through to your back. The pain may happen with or without vomiting. These may be symptoms of pancreatitis.