Side Effects of Januvia
Side effects are unwanted response of the drug that may be experienced by some of the patients using it. It is not necessary that every individual taking Januvia will experience side effects. However, when side effects do occur, they are generally well tolerated. Most of the common side effects of the drug are quite normal and usually disappear after the initial days of the treatment. Common side effects associated with the drug include:
- Headache
- Back pain
- Sore throat
- Joint or muscle pain
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Severe Side Effects of Januvia
It is very rare that patents taking Januvia will experience severe side effects. In case any patient experiences severe side effects, the patient must immediately stop using the drug and consult the doctor. Some of the severe side effects that can be experienced include:
- Pancreatitis that causes severe pain in upper stomach and back. Other symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite.
- Low blood sugar with symptoms including weakness, headache, fast heart rate, dizziness, hunger, etc.
- Severe skin reaction with symptoms like swelling of the face, lips, tongue and throat. Pain in skin followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.
- Little or no urinating
- Swelling or weight gain
- Feeling short of breath
- Kidney problems
Drug Interactions
Januvia does not interact with many medications and thus, there is less chances of drug interactions when patients are on other medications. The drug that is commonly known to interact with Januvia is Digoxin. Both these drugs if taken together can increase the digoxin level thus patients should get their digoxin level monitored when starting or stopping Januvia. Patients, while using Januvia, must consult with the doctor if they have to take any of the following medications:
- Albuterol
- Clonidine
- Reserpine
- Beta-blocker
Warnings Use of Sitagliptin
Patients using Januvia must be aware of certain warnings and precautions related with the drug in order to safely and effectively use the drug. One should be aware of potential allergic reactions the drug may cause and the potential risk for the patients suffering kidney problems.
- Januvia is not recommended to individuals, who are allergic to Sitagliptin or any other ingredients of the drug.
- One should avoid Januvia on experiencing symptoms of pancreatitis or kidney problem.
- Pregnant women should take Januvia only after the recommendation of their doctor. The effects of Januvia are not known on an unborn baby.
- Patients suffering from type 1 diabetes should not use Januvia.
- Januvia is also not recommended for the people with diabetic ketoacidosis.
Patients suffering from any of the following diseases should cautiously use Januvia and must consult the doctor prior taking Januvia:
- Had inflammation or infection of the pancreas
- Kidney problems
- Allergies to food, dyes or preservatives
