Januvia (Sitagliptin): How It Works, Dose and Side Effects

Januvia (sitagliptin tablets)

Sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor taken once a day, used to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.

We do not currently have Januvia, so there is no price list. It is prescription-only and on the PBS in Australia. The type 2 diabetes medicines we can supply are listed on our diabetes page.

Januvia is sitagliptin, a once-daily tablet for type 2 diabetes — and it is not currently available from us. This page explains what it is and how it is used; the other type 2 diabetes medicines, and which of them we can supply, are compared in our guide to type 2 diabetes medicines.

What is Januvia?

Januvia contains the active ingredient sitagliptin and is used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes (Januvia CMI). Sitagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor, or "gliptin": it increases the insulin your own body releases and lowers glucagon (healthdirect). Januvia is on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and is prescription-only; with metformin in the same tablet it is Janumet.

How is Januvia taken?

Once a day by mouth, with or without food, at the same time each day (Januvia CMI). If you have kidney problems, your doctor may prescribe a lower dose and monitor your kidney function. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — unless the next dose is nearly due, in which case skip the missed one. Your doctor decides the dose.

Does Januvia cause hypos or weight gain?

On its own, a gliptin does not usually cause hypoglycaemia (Diabetes Victoria). Low blood sugar can happen when Januvia is used together with a sulfonylurea or insulin (Januvia CMI), so your doctor may adjust those doses. Weight gain is not among its effects in the Australian sources; sulfonylureas and insulin are the medicines that can cause it (Diabetes Victoria).

What are the side effects of Januvia?

The common ones include respiratory infections, stomach and bowel symptoms, muscle or joint discomfort and skin reactions. Serious ones need a doctor straight away: an allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat), severe and persistent stomach pain (possible pancreatitis), severe skin blistering, and kidney problems (Januvia CMI). healthdirect notes gliptins can cause a runny nose, sore throat and headache (healthdirect).

Can Januvia be combined with other diabetes medicines?

Yes — it is often used with metformin (the combination tablet is Janumet) and can be used with a sulfonylurea or insulin, where the hypo risk above applies. Which combination suits you is your doctor's decision.

Can you get Januvia from us?

No. We do not currently have Januvia or Janumet, so there is no price list for them. The medicines we can supply for type 2 diabetes — Rybelsus, Victoza, Glucophage, Amaryl and Prandin — and what each is on the Australian register are set out in the diabetes medicines guide. Januvia is on the PBS (healthdirect — Januvia), so with a prescription it is available from Australian pharmacies.

Sources

Januvia CMI (Merck Sharp & Dohme (Australia), prepared May 2025)
healthdirect — Diabetes medicines
Diabetes Victoria — Medicines for type 2 diabetes
ARTG search

Januvia — common questions

To lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It contains sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor.

It can be taken with or without food, once a day, at about the same time each day.

Not usually on its own. Low blood sugar can happen when Januvia is used with a sulfonylurea or with insulin, so your doctor may adjust those doses.

Not at the moment: we do not currently have Januvia or Janumet. Januvia is on the PBS, so with a prescription it is available from Australian pharmacies.

Reviews

David 2024-04-01 · 4.0/5

The cost of Januvia is a bit high, but my insurance covers most of it. Even so, I worry about the affordability if my insurance changes in the future. However, the benefits I'm seeing make it worth the cost right now.

Sophia 2024-03-12 · 5.0/5

My doctor recommended Januvia because it can help prevent diabetes-related complications in the long run. I feel confident in this treatment, knowing that it could help me maintain my health over time.

Maria 2024-02-20 · 5.0/5

I take several medications for my blood pressure and cholesterol, and I was concerned about potential interactions. Fortunately, Januvia has worked well with my other meds, and I haven't noticed any negative interactions. It's been a smooth addition to my treatment plan.

Linda 2024-02-05 · 5.0/5

One of the things I appreciate about Januvia is that it hasn't caused any weight gain. In fact, I've been able to maintain my weight since starting it, which is important to me as I manage my type 2 diabetes.

John 2024-01-22 · 5.0/5

Taking Januvia is really convenient. It's just one pill a day, and I can easily take it with my other medications in the morning. It fits perfectly into my routine, and I haven't had any issues with remembering to take it.

Alice 2024-01-15 · 5.0/5

I've been taking Januvia for about six months, and it has significantly helped in lowering my blood sugar levels. My HbA1c has dropped from 7.5% to 6.8%, and my daily glucose readings are much more consistent. This medication has been effective in helping me manage my diabetes.

Mark 2023-12-10 · 4.0/5

Januvia has been generally well-tolerated, but I did experience some mild headaches during the first few weeks. Thankfully, they subsided, and I haven't had any major side effects since. It's been easy to stick with this treatment.

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