Januvia (Sitagliptin) prescription available online

Januvia is considered a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, or DPP-4 inhibitor, which functions by reducing glucose production by the body while stabilizing insulin levels simultaneously. Like any DPP-4 inhibitor, this medication can only be used for type 2 diabetes. It is ineffective against type 1 diabetes because it will not help to increase insulin due to the inactivity of the pancreas in these patients.

Some conditions that Januvia is known to treat include high blood glucose levels and unstable insulin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Januvia is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation under different brand names, including sitagliptin. 

Januvia may be prescribed as a tablet. There are three different tablet strength options on the market, which includes:

• 25 mg

• 50 mg

• 100 mg

It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.

If you are prescribed Januvia, be sure to complete the entire course of the anti-diabetic medication unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about continuing the prescription drugs.

If you don’t complete your prescription, the DPP-4 inhibitor may not fully treat your type 2 diabetes. 

Januvia has certainly recognized drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs. 

It is crucial to avoid using other medications that affect blood glucose control when taking Januvia. When combined with insulin or other medicines that lower blood glucose levels, the patient is at an increased risk of low blood sugar. This can lead to hypoglycemia, resulting in severe complications for the individual.

Junavia may also interact with a type of heart medication called Digoxin. The generic form of Digoxin is called Lanoxin. This interaction can cause an increase in the amount of Digoxin that remains in the blood circulatory system. In turn, it increases the risk of experiencing side effects associated with the use of Digoxin. The patient may experience severe headaches, dizziness, and diarrhea.

Talking to your doctor if you are taking birth control medications is essential. When you are on birth control, the pills cause specific changes in the hormones circulating through your body. These changes also generally cause an increase in blood sugar levels. When you take Januvia with birth control, the anti-diabetes drug may not work as effectively. Thus, you may still experience high blood sugar levels while you take the medication. 

You should also be wary of taking Januvia with certain herbal products. Combining this drug with natural substances that reduce blood sugar levels may also lead to drug interactions. Fenugreek, aloe vera, astragalus, ginseng, Lycium, olive leaf extract, and St. John’s Wort are a few supplements that may cause blood sugar levels to decline. Combined with Januvia, you are at an increased risk of experiencing low blood sugar. 

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Januvia.

Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may cause low blood sugar and affect the pancreas. Alcohol may also reduce the medication’s ability to do its job, making it harder for you to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Excessive alcohol consumption may also cause a condition known as pancreatitis. In this condition, the pancreas becomes swollen and may not be as effective at producing insulin. If you previously experienced pancreatitis due to alcohol consumption, then using Januvia may cause a flare-up of the symptoms. 

Some common signs of pancreatitis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and a rapid pulse. Tenderness and a swollen feeling in the abdomen may also be signs of pancreatitis. 

In cases where alcohol causes you to experience a drop in blood sugar levels, using Januvia also increases the risk of hypoglycemia. The combination may cause low blood sugar at a severe level. Thus, tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly. 

Tell your doctor if you have recently had a history of severe joint pain, heart failure, and an upper respiratory tract infection. While the medication can help to improve blood sugar control, it may interact with certain health conditions. This is why you should focus on more than drug interactions.