Generic Januvia (Sitagliptin)

Product information:
The generic Januvia contain sitagliptin as the main active ingredient in it. It is an anti-diabetic drug and used for the treatment of diabetes type 2 mainly in those patients who cannot achieve a good glycemic control by only diet and exercise. The mechanism of action of the drug involves the competitive inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 thus increasing the amount of insulin in the blood. This, in turn, decreases the amount of sugar in the body to maintain its level.

Usage:
Generic Januvia is used to treat type 2 diabetes and is used as an adjunct to exercise and diet. The drug can be used in combination with other drugs for type 2 diabetes.

Dosage:
The usual recommended dose is 100 mg once daily in oral form. However, the dose is adjusted according to the function of kidney and liver of the patient. It is taken orally as a whole tablet and regularly as well. Also, you have to follow the diet and exercise plan for its effective work. While using the drug, you have to check your sugar levels daily and should not take two doses of sitagliptin together in case you miss a dose. Regular blood tests are also required like kidney function tests and HbA1C levels.

Contraindications:
If you are allergic to the drug, it is contraindicated. Also, it is not given if you are suffering from type 1 diabetes or have had any episode of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Side effects:
The drug may cause certain side effects like:
•    Nausea
•    Flu
•    Diarrhea
•    Headache
•    Sneezing 
•    Common cold
•    Hypoglycemia
•    Photosensitivity
•    Arthralgia or joint pain
•    Nausea
•    Vomiting 
•    Allergic reactions
•    Renal failure producing a rash, urticaria, vasculitis, anaphylaxis etc.
•    Steven Johnson syndrome
•    Pancreatitis
•    Hepatic enzyme elevation
•    Acute renal failure
•    Pemphigoid 
•    Headache
•    Myalgia
•    Pruritis
•    Back pain
•    Sweating
•    Anxiety
•    Tremors
•    Chills
•    

Precautions:
It is used with great care in elderly patients and those who are younger than 18 years old. There are certain medical conditions that can affect the functioning of sitagliptin so it should be used carefully if you are suffering from conditions like angioedema including swelling of hands, lips, eyes, face, throat, tongue, difficulty breathing etc, present or history of kidney disease, gallstones or pancreatitis. 
Also let your doctor know if you are suffering from any allergy, taking alcohol or having hypertriglyceridemia.
A drug interaction can occur with sitagliptin if it is used with certain drugs like insulin, sulfonylureas, digoxin, meglitinides as these can increase the toxicity of the drug. So let your doctor know if you are taking these drugs.
If you are planning the pregnancy or are pregnant, tell your doctor as it can be harmful to the unborn child.
Also if you are suffering from any disease or having the fever, any injury, infection or undergoing surgery, talk to your doctor to get your dose adjusted.