Managing Type 2 diabetes can be tough, especially if you are taking metformin and finding that it is not doing enough to balance your blood glucose level. Combining metformin with another kind of diabetes agent may work better. A combination pill like Januvia could be the kick start you may need.
Januvia is the first once-daily prescription medicine that has metformin in one tablet. The extended-release pills may control high blood glucose in adults with Type 2 diabetes.
What is Januvia?
Januvia is a diabetes drug which is used with diet and exercise to help lower sugar. Your physician will decide if the combination therapy is right for you. The medicine is not recommended for people with Type 1 diabetes or people with increased ketones in the blood or urine. Patients with kidney problems are advised not to take the combination drug. Your physician may perform a blood test to check how your kidneys are working before and after treating with this diabetes agent. Januvia has Sitagliptin, a DPP4 inhibitor, which acts by increasing the release of insulin from the pancreas and decreasing the hormones that are responsible for causing a hike in blood glucose level. This helps in reducing both fasting and post-meal sugar levels.
What is the Recommended Dosage?
The intake of Januvia tablet is based on the current condition of the patient, tolerability, and effectiveness. To reduce the gastrointestinal issues, the tablet should be taken with meals. Swallow the tablet whole without chewing, crushing, or cutting it.
When your body is struggling with problems like fever, trauma, infection, or surgery, the amount of diabetes medicine needs to be changed. Let your physician know if you have any of these problems. You may require a regular blood test to check your diabetes, your blood glucose level, and your haemoglobin. Follow your physician’s instructions when it comes to glycemic control. Talk to your physician if low blood sugar is a problem for you.
Check your blood sugar as your physician tells you to do. Stick to your prescribed diet and exercise program while taking Januvia. By chance, you miss a dose, take it as prescribed unless the physician instructs you. Avoid taking an extra pill to compensate for the missed one. In the case of excess consumption, visit the nearest health care center.
What are the possible side effects of Januvia?
It is advisable to discontinue the use of Januvia and have a discussion with your physician if you have signs of pancreatitis including vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, and extreme pain in the upper area of the stomach that spreads to your back. Some people reported having lactic acidosis. Early signs might get worse over time. Other mild side effects of the medicine include weakness or muscle pain, trouble breathing, cold or numbness in your legs, tiredness, vomiting, and stomach pain.
Also Read: Know How to Treat Diabetes Type 1 and 2
