You should not use Januvia if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
Call your doctor if you have symptoms of heart failure--shortness of breath (even while lying down), swelling in your legs or feet, rapid weight gain.
Stop taking Januvia and call your doctor if you have symptoms of pancreatitis: severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, with or without vomiting.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Januvia if you are allergic to sitagliptin, or if you have diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
heart problems;
pancreatitis;
high triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood);
gallstones; or
alcoholism.
Follow your doctor's instructions about using Januvia if you are pregnant or you become pregnant. Blood sugar control is very important during pregnancy, and your dose needs may be different during each trimester. Having high blood sugar may cause complications in both the mother and the baby.
Your name may need to be listed on a Januvia pregnancy registry when you start using this medicine.
It may not be safe to breast-feed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
Januvia is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take Januvia?
Take Januvia exactly as it was prescribed for you. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take Januvia with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Your blood sugar may need to be checked often, and you may need other blood tests at your doctor's office.
You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel very hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, or shaky. To quickly treat hypoglycemia, eat or drink a fast-acting source of sugar (fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, raisins, or non-diet soda).
Your doctor may prescribe a glucagon injection kit in case you have severe hypoglycemia. Be sure your family or close friends know how to give you this injection in an emergency.
Also watch for signs of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) such as increased thirst or urination, blurred vision, headache, and tiredness.
Blood sugar levels can be affected by stress, illness, surgery, exercise, alcohol use, or skipping meals. Ask your doctor before changing your dose or medication schedule.
Januvia is only part of a complete treatment program that may also include diet, exercise, weight control, blood sugar testing, and special medical care. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
