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Januvia Smackdown

Get your ringside seats, Folks! A while back I posted about the Merck’s new Type 2 oral drug Januvia (What It Doesn’t Do), explaining how it apparently trumps competitors in terms of patient “tolerability.” No other post has ever generated such ongoing reader energy, both positive and negative. Nearly every day, several new commentors weigh in, duking it out the relative merits of Januvia.

Most everyone seems to agree that Januvia reduces appetite, which is a good thing. But then again, Byetta is known for that effect as well. The key is question whether Januvia fulfills its core function of lowering blood glucose (BG) levels, and lives up to its no-side-effects promise.

As of today, the score stands pretty much tied, as such:

Total comments = 50

Positive = 10

Negative = 13

Mixed = 16 (liked some aspects of the drug but not others)

Neutral = 11 (those asking or responding to questions only)

Among the most vocal of the Pro Team:

“I take Januvia and have for 6 months. I have no side effects. I have experienced a decrease in appetite. I have had no headaches or respiratory problems. My BG has gone down. It is a great drug.” — Mike

“Januvia has been a positive thing for me. My sugar levels dropped from 240+ to 110 +/- 10 after fasting. I have taken 100 mg once per day for a month… I am not as hungry as before usage.” — Jim K. L.

“I’ve been on Januvia for a little over three months and have lost over 15 pounds which I had put on with Actos. I’ve experienced no side effects, other than I am not hungry all of the time. For me it has been very effective…” — Bill

“I am substantially less hungry then I have felt in years … and my BG hovers around 100 – 120 between meals/fasting, and 120 – 160 for a few hours after a heavy carb meal. The usual BG spikes of 180 – 200+ are completely gone.” — Earl

Au contraire, says the Con Team, in so many words:

“Prior to taking Januvia my BG was in the 160 to 180 range. Now it has gone up into the 260 to 300 range. I feel OK but this can’t be right.” — Tom Peck

“Januvia is no picnic — from the first time I took it felt as if I had a fever would shiver as if I was freezing after a week added getting dizzy to the mix spent the day in the hospital my enzymes were all messed up but got better as time went on within 2 days of stopping Januvia all symptoms went away.” — Marty

“Januvia seems to have raised my blood sugar to unacceptable levels. Although I was put on it because my numbers were too high, the Januvia seemed to raise them even higher, into the 300’s. Not good! Dr. told me to stop it for a few days and try it again. I did. Numbers dropped way down to 80 to 110, although I was still having some high numbers in the 200’s, particularly in the morning…” — Julie

“I used Januvia for a month and a half. It worked well at first. Then my right knee swelled, my left foot I could not walk on. When I stopped taking Januvia swelling went away. It worked well at controlling my blood sugar levels, but too much pain. Oh… I never injured my knee or foot.” — Kathleen S.

So is there a Truth in here somewhere? Or is it really like pro sports, where the most aggressive team/contender is always right?

Note that a recent Johns Hopkins University analysis concluded that older, cheaper diabetes drugs are equally safe and effective as the newer ones. How safe and effective is that? Up for debate, it seems. The clear winner in the JH analysis was metformin, sold as Glucophage and generically for about $100 a year.

Explore posts in the same categories: Diabetes Essentials, Diabetes Product Parade

Thursday, August 16th, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (68)

Comments

Jeez, if your BG is 300+ use insulin! Enough with this T2 business…
Posted by: MoHo | August 16th, 2007 at 7:57 am
My brother was a medical research analyst for Goldman Sachs before the FDA approved Januvia & Symlin. He said he couldn’t believe they let them be put on the market, because they don’t really work on BG levels, but they have an impact on Seratonin, like an anti-deppresive medication, so you FEEL better.
Posted by: Chloe B. | August 16th, 2007 at 8:14 am
Januvia suppresses an enzyme that is also used by the immune system. It was not tested anywhere enough carefully and there is some possibility that it may turn off the mechanism the body uses to fight melanoma.

I have documented the research about this issue at:
http://www.phlaunt.com/diabetes/18538604.php

Many doctors do not understand how it works, either, and are prescribing it to patients for whom it cannot possibly work.
Posted by: Jenny | August 16th, 2007 at 3:34 pm
I have been using Januvia for about 7 months. Morning bs 140-160. It’s running higher than before when I was on Metformin. No side effects with either medication.
Posted by: james allen | December 25th, 2007 at 9:55 am
I changed from Metformin to Januvia because of diarrhea from the Metformin.
1 week after starting the Januvia I had constipation to the point of bleeding hemorrhoids. Plus my blood sugar was up.
I guess I am stuck with the Metformin & the diarrhea.
Cannot seem to find good info on side affects of Januvia.
Posted by: Margaret B. | January 2nd, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Januvia works well as a combination agent with metformin or a TZD in patients who still have significant beta cell function. It does not normally do much by itself or for patients who have lost significant beta cell function.
Posted by: Jose | February 16th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
took Januvia for 2 months, craved sugar more then ever before. Numbers ran high so it did not help. Also the arthritic pain was horrific (never had before in my life) blood pressure went sky high, heart palpataions, sleeplessness and vivid dreams, night sweats, cold hands and feet. Went off Januvia and felt better right away, still having the arthritc pain, hopping it leave. Janie
Posted by: Janie | February 22nd, 2008 at 10:20 am
I took Januvia and became urinary incontenent
Posted by: Ben H Bennett | February 24th, 2008 at 12:16 pm
BG this morning 259, ate brown beans and cornbread last night, real no-no!! Took januvia, 30-min. walk, BG 113
Posted by: Donna | February 28th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Took Janvia for 3 months. Have had terrible heart burn, stomach problems, which I have never had before. My blood sugars went up instead of down. Was on metformin which caused diarrhea but think I would rather have that than constipation and stomach problems. My doctor wants to keep me on Januvia and add Actos or Avandia which I hear may cause heart attacks.
Posted by: ann | March 12th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
gylset, advantamet, all of these cause me MAJOR stomach problems-not just diahreaa but uncontrollable pasing og gas and even accidents-which is VERY embarrassing.

so my docotr put me on Januva last year with asmaples-I was onit 2 months-it worked GREAT-but becaus eit was still a new drug, my insuranc ewould not cover it.

So my doctor put me on glimpiride-fast forward to now-one year later I have gained 25 pounds and I now have high cloestral and borderline high blood pressure. (both wwere normal a year ago)
so now since now my insurance will pay for Januvia-he has me on that- the problem is now (I guess because of the extra 25 pounds) it is not conrolling my blood sugar.

My doctor told me to take a small amount of glimepiride (instead of a whole pill- to take 1 fourth of a pill) with the Januvia-but I am taking half a pill and STILL my blood sugar is higher. I tis running over 200 in the evening.

BTW my A1C was 6.1-so that was NOT the problem-it is the other health issues caused by the weight gain.

I am just wondring if anyone can help me to know if there is a med I can take with the Januvia. sinc ethe glimpiride is not working and the other has terrible effects on my system.
Posted by: Jane | March 12th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
have been taking januvia 100mg with glyburide and glucaphage for 3 months my A1C went from 8.8 to 7.1 and my BG went from 193 to 107 also changed diet and walking more am 47 yr old male
Posted by: rick | March 14th, 2008 at 10:01 am
I started Januvia with samples from doctor and my blood sugar dropped to normal within a week. Then when I got my prescription, it had no effect whatsoever. Is there counterfeit Januvia out there?
Posted by: donna | March 17th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Wow, the good, the bad and the ugly. I just saw my doctor today and because my A1C was 7.3 she gave me the 100mg samples of Januvia to try and a prescription for the Januvia/met combo. It sounds like anything could happen. I’m hoping for the weight loss and lower morning blood sugars. We’ll see..
Posted by: Jen Zabin | March 19th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
I took one Januvia last week…first dose…first prescription from my endo and I had high hopes soon dashed by bizarre symptoms, feeling like I was just going to die, dizziness, nausea, weakness, high BP, anxiety, I mean I felt so ill I couldn’t believe it and how frightened I was. Then I asked for some Levemir to try that out and half an hour after taking that I called 911 and ended up in ER where they had to give me an Ativan to calm me and after awhile these symptoms died down. I noticed someone here mentioning the effects on Seratonin…well that might answer why my anxiety shot through the roof
Posted by: Rand | March 26th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Dear whoever….. I have a bottle of Januvia sittin on th counter waitin to be tried BUT after all this stuff I think it will end up in th trash!!!! NOT liken all th negative results. Really scares th bejabbers outta me. I’ll do less eating and more walkin and forget th Januvia. wish me luck!!!!
Posted by: Karen Olsen | April 14th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Has anyone developed a “fatty Liver” after taking januvia? My AST and ALT were 20 each. After a few months of taking Januvia along with metformin they rose. Dr took me off of metformin but AST and ALT continued to rise. After about 1 year on Januvia my AST is now 98 and my ALT is 185. Just wondering if this is one of those unexpected side effects.
Posted by: sherry | April 24th, 2008 at 4:38 pm
Has anyone developed a “fatty Liver” after taking januvia? My AST and ALT were 20 each. After a few months of taking Januvia along with metformin they rose. Dr took me off of metformin but AST and ALT continued to rise. After about 1 year on Januvia my AST is now 98 and my ALT is 185. Just wondering if this is one of those unexpected side effects.
Posted by: sherry | April 24th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
I was diagnosed w/fatty liver in October ‘07, coincidental to a severe stomach virus (landed me in the hospital, very unlike me) that led to an abdominal ultrasound RX’d by my gastroenterologist. I’d started Januvia in January ‘07. No one ever suggested a correlation although that doesn’t mean there isn’t one. Also no way of knowing how long it’s been like that. Interesting.
Posted by: Jan | May 1st, 2008 at 10:58 am
I was diagnosed w/fatty liver in October ‘07, coincidental to a severe stomach virus (landed me in the hospital, very unlike me) that led to an abdominal ultrasound RX’d by my gastroenterologist. I’d started Januvia in January ‘07. No one ever suggested a correlation although that doesn’t mean there isn’t one. Also no way of knowing how long it’s been like that. Interesting.
Posted by: Jan | May 1st, 2008 at 10:59 am
i think you guys are being unrealistic here. Some back ground on me former biochem major in college, good friend in high school did the advanced trials on implantable insulin pumps, and loads of family and friends with T2 diabetes.

You make it seem like its a good or a bad drug.

I know nothing about HOW this drug interacts to affect your glucose levels BUT the fact that it tends to drop hunger normally generated other drugs it SHOULD be affecting the insulin/glucose interaction in a different way.

Given that diabetes patients under go their diabetes in a wide range of symptoms and I would say this is because T2 let alone T1 happens for more than a single reason or mechanism.

Thus some will experience a good experience with it and some will have a bad experience. For example I cant use the scrip antihistamine Resaid as it makes me talk weird for a bit then crash for 12 hrs as if Im in a coma
Posted by: gary | May 6th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Have taken Januvia 100mg for two months now. BG went from 216 to 118 in am. No bad side effects at all. For an old timer like me who does not get much exercise it works. Have been able to reduce caloric and carb intake as well.
Posted by: Joe Toscano | May 10th, 2008 at 9:16 am
No matter what time of day or night I took the januvia it made my heart race. That and it sent my blood sugar through the roof. I was really disappointed – my doc really sold this to me as the miracle drug.
Posted by: CJ Porter | May 10th, 2008 at 11:23 am
My doctor wants me on Januvia and I don’t know why other than she wants me to lose weight. I currently take metformin (500g) and amaryl (can’t remember dose off hand – I take 1/2 pink pill). My A1c is 6 and my numbers hardly ever go higher than 170 and that’s 2 hrs after eating (usually either after eating too much or eating something I’m not supposed to). Normal numbers are between 90 and 125; in the morning 125 right after getting up and 90 by the time I have breakfast (a few hours later).After reading all the comments, I really don’t want to take this medication. What do you suggest? I’m happy with the metformin and Amaryl. Also, what does this Januvia do to your kidneys?
Posted by: Chloe | May 14th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
Can anyone tell me how soon I should see my fasting BS come down after starting Januvia only 4 days ago? Still 130 – 150. I was on Actos for a year and gained 20lbs then changed to Metformin lost 15lbs but developed severe headches after 3mo. Had a CT Scan so I have been off the Metformin for 5 days. Now trying Januvia which has headaches as a possible side effect. So we’ll see. Concerned not seeing any drop in BS but may be too soon. Thanks!
Posted by: JANET | May 15th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Well, I got started on the Diabetes “merrygoround” back in 2000 when I was found to have high (150 and above but not usually out of the 200 range) blood sugars. Doctor put me on metformin. Took it once, thought I was gonna DIE for sure! Refused to take it again. Doctor tried Avandia, felt like I was swelling up and felt bad. Tried Actos, it has seemed to work but sometimes my blood sugar goes up higher than I would like. I saw the Januvia commericals on TV but from what I see here, guess I will NOT be using that! A while back I read somewhere that they are working with a drug made out of lizard spit. Haven’t heard any more about that.
Posted by: Marshall | June 2nd, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Gave up on Januvia after a month. My BG readings with Glucotrol XL and herbals were around 130s after meals. With Januvia 180-200. I can go to bed normally at 130-140 and I USED to wake up at 100-115. Now I wake up at 180-200. No thanks. I called my doc and said she had to switch me back today, if not sooner.
Posted by: Tom | June 2nd, 2008 at 7:00 pm
Started taking januvia sample from Dr worked great, got a prescription and have had nothing but trouble my face got swollen and I was depressed. Stopped taking Januvia felt better but blood sugar was too high in a.m. 160 so I tried Januvia again and leg pain, constipated and
depressed. My stomach looks like I swallowed a basketball. I will again stop Januvia and just take metiformin
Yvonne
Posted by: yvonne brum | June 29th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Started with Rezulin, shortly changed to Avandia and metformin- took for years until Met upset GI system. Then Januvia alone was insufficient so took Janumet ever since. Lost weight but good readings. Constipation has increased though.
Posted by: Julian | July 1st, 2008 at 9:20 am
Started 50 mg. Januvia (once daily) + 10 mg glipizide xl (twice daily) about a month ago because doc said glucovance (metforman + glyburide) was no longer an option for me. He said I would no longer be able to take metformin, bad for kidneys. Januvia dosage is lower than normal because of impaired kidney function. Fasting BG was around 140-160 now it is 190+. Sometimes my BG is around 300 after a meal, it never was even close to that high previously. I have been trying to really cut down on my portions and carbs. I am hungry all the time. The first week or so I experienced such extreme dizziness, I was afraid to drive. That has gone away. I have developed a rash near both elbows, wonder it is the Januvia.

I have tried taking it different times of the day, nothing helps. I thought it was just me, but see that evidently this new “miracle” drug is not for everyone. I am really disappointed because I really had to jump through hoops to get my insurance company to approve me for Januvia.

I guess I am going to call my doctor next week and ask about a different medication or ???
Posted by: Kathi | July 5th, 2008 at 11:19 am
I have been taking januvia for two months know and wasn’t sure about the side effects. my sugars were running 147 in the am know if i over eat the are always under 120 in the am and the dr wants them at or below 120. I also take 500 milligrams of the metformin and glipizide xl but last night while driving i experience right knee pain does any one know if this could be the januvia? Plus I am gaining weight instead of loosing it head aches and not sleeping well at all feels like I didn’t sleep waking up odd hours of the night and I never do that.
Posted by: tlj | July 20th, 2008 at 7:46 am
I just started glipizide also and I too have gained weight,having trouble sleeping (getting up all hours) and having leg and feet pain. Maybe it is the glipizide what do you think? How long have you been on that? Did you start the other at the same time?
Posted by: meme3289 | July 20th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Ihave taken Januvia for a month and it is definitely lowering my blood sugar. However, I am concerned about the long term effects. The way Januvia works may also inhibit your immune system, according to articles I have read, but there are not studies to be sure. The problem with this is that it may allow the growth of some cancers in the body.

I am confused as to whether to continue on this drug.
Posted by: Geralyn | July 23rd, 2008 at 8:07 am
I was diagnosed as a diabetic a year ago. my a1c was at 10.2

my doctor recommended insulin.

i resisted, and begged him to let me try to lose weight to see if i could control it with diet. I went on a low carb diet, and lost 40 pounds.

3 months later, my A1c was 7.2
6 months later, my A1c was 5.2
9 months later….5.1
1 year, and I am at 5.0

The point is that my endocrinologist is sticking to his guns. Even with my positive tests, he still wants me to go on meds…now he wants me to go on Januvia…of course, i am resisting.

Anyone hear of this type of thing happening? i think my doctor is very stubborn about my diagnosis, and i hate to think this way, but i think he loves putting people on meds…..
Posted by: Mike | July 25th, 2008 at 6:55 am
My mother was on glugapage and gliperide for 20 years She totally lost her appetite and was down to 105 and was becoming anemic. Her medicine was changed because her blood sugar was running high and a kidney doctor was concerned about the effect of the medicine on her kidneys. Avandia only caused her blood sugars to go higher not to mention other side effects. Then starlix caused disgestive disorders and high and low spikes. Shes been on januvia now for 6 months. Fantastic readings, food tastes good to her. She is not gaining much weight but she is eating. Did some research and found that metformin can cause lack of appetitie. I guess everyone is different.
Posted by: Carolyn | August 1st, 2008 at 11:16 pm
My mother was on glugapage and gliperide for 20 years She totally lost her appetite and was down to 105 and was becoming anemic. Her medicine was changed because her blood sugar was running high and a kidney doctor was concerned about the effect of the medicine on her kidneys. Avandia only caused her blood sugars to go higher not to mention other side effects, as did Actos. Then starlix caused disgestive disorders and high and low spikes. Shes been on januvia now for 6 months. Fantastic readings, food tastes good to her. She is not gaining much weight but she is eating. Did some research and found that metformin can cause lack of appetitie. I guess everyone is different.
Posted by: Carolyn | August 1st, 2008 at 11:21 pm
JANUVIA HAS BEEN A GOD SEND TO ME. NOTHING EVER WORKED TO HELP WITH MY INSULIN RESISTANCE. AVANDIA GAVE ME CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE, AND METFORMIN ONLY MADE ME RUN TO THE BATHROOM ALL THE TIME. BIETTA DID NOTHING AT ALL, ACTOS WAS THE SAME, BUT WITH JANUVIA, MY 150-200 UNITS OF INSULIN A DAY HAS NOW BEEN CUT BY MORE THAN HALF!!! AND I HAVE LOST 20 LBS, WHICH WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO DO BEFORE. MY BLOOD PRESSURE IS THE SAME AS BEFORE AND I HAVE HAD ZERO NEGHATIVE SIDE EFFECTS. SO LIKE WITH ALL MEDICATIONS, IT WORKS FOR SOME AND NOT FOR OTHERS AND EVEN SOMETIMES BADLY FOR OTHERS, THAT’S WHY IT’S NOT OTC. THE ONLY BAD THING IS THAT HUMANA INSURANCE REFUSES TO PAY FOR IT, SINCE IT WAS NOT APPROVED FOR USE WITH INSULIN, SO FDA, GET GOING ON THIS. MY FORMER INSURANCE, UNITED HEALTHCARE DID PAY FOR IT, SO SHAME ON YOU HUMANA. GUESS THAT JUST PROOVES THAT HUMANA INSURANCE IS IN FINANCIAL TROUBLE.
Posted by: ELIZABETH | August 26th, 2008 at 10:01 am
I just came back from the doctor – have been taking 1000 mg metforminm since I was diagnosed and my A/C1 test usually ran in the middle 6s. All of a sudden I can’t get it below 7 so he suggested I add Januvia. I don’t want meds that make you gain weight. Now after reading all these blogs, I’m afraid to take it.
Posted by: arline handin | September 5th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
Took Januvia samples from doctor, wow they really worked well!! So did my 3 month supply from insurance. Started a new bottle Monday, and all hell broke loose. My sugar went from 225 to 395 yesterday. I went to the ER, and got insulin injections to try to bring it down. I have also broken out in hives, at first every few days, and now every day, on my back, waist, above elbows, and buttocks. The ER said they never saw hives from Januvia, but I didnt eat for 12 hrs. yesterday, and hives stayed with me. Now I am taking Metformin again with a 100mg of Januvia. Still itching, sugar is still sky high. Now I am back to staying in the washroom, with terrible diarrhea from the metformin, and I have only taken one dose of it so far. Was also on Actos for awhile before the Januvia, but it didnt work, and I gained weight on it, as well as my legs swelling up.
This is insane!! Does Merck provide samples that work well, and then the prescriptions do nothing? I cant believe how my numbers have gone beyond sky high, like to 400, all of a sudden. I am going crazy!!
Posted by: chicago gal | September 6th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
My Dr. game me some sampleas of Januvia because my sugar is 300+ everyday but after reading all this stuff about Januvia Im going back to the Dr friday. Not taking this pill.
Posted by: Kay Testa | September 9th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
ALLERGIC REACTION TO JANUVIA PART:2 – saw an Endo on Monday, put me back on Metformin XL one 500mg AT BEDTIME. You would not believe how great this is, as diarrhea is non existent, only having loose stools two hrs. after breakfast. Am also taking one 2mg Prandin before each meal. Hives have stopped from allergic reaction to Januvia, BG was 414 on Monday, now Wed. its 215 when I wake up. He also wanted to put me on Byetta along with the other drugs, but I said nope.

Let me also add, that I hadnt checked my BG for over a month. If I did, I wouldve seen the Januvia stopped working awhile ago. Yes, I am stupid. I almost went into kidney failure.
My primary doc said she has been seeing a lot of adverse affects in her patients recently from Januvia, and also Byetta. I am her first allergic reaction to it though.
Please remember to always check your BG. It really can make a difference between life and death.
Posted by: chicago gal | September 10th, 2008 at 1:13 pm
I think everyone should look into other ways to control one’s sugar. I use STEVIA in all things like coffee, tea, breakfast grains (no sugar added products), anything you would normally put sugar in…Replace it with “STEVIA”..i CAN’T UNDERSTAND WHY FOOD MANU DON’T USE THIS WONDERFULL PLANT INSTEAD OF USING SUGAR..Look it up on the NET!…

Also, go hear and look at this it will change your life.. http://www.melabic.com

Here is my email address: gibman7@gmail.com if you want to contact me!

Rgds – George Martin
Queensland, Australia.
Posted by: George Martin | September 17th, 2008 at 9:59 pm
I started on Metformin which was very good a lowering my blood sugar. After a while I could no longer tolerate it and ended up in ER twice with inflammed colon. I was put on a double dose of Glyburide. This gave me an insatiable appetitie and I gained 30 pounds. I started Januvia several weeks ago, and I love it! My appetite has gone way down, and I don’t notice the “sugar swings” I used to get. I am sold.
Posted by: Gail McNertney | September 19th, 2008 at 10:11 am
I have just been prescribed Januvia after taking 2 wks of this medication from samples received from my doctor. At that time I noticed that my readings were higher than before but didn’t really think anything of it.

For the past four days it has been over 150 which was much higher than before i started taking anything. I am just getting into this medication thing and am going to look for something else as these numbers are not acceptable and all of the comments plus the high cost are driving me to find something else. Thanks for all of your comments, it has helped me make my decision.
Posted by: Ginny Aguilar | September 22nd, 2008 at 8:33 am
Diagnosed two weeks ago with diabetes – nearly 620, doc gave me a hit of insulin and actos, metformin, and prandin – waking up with 320 one week later. doc sees my first measurement in the 290s and though I was elated, he’s disturbed hits me with another shot of insulin and adds januvia to the mix. I want to do what’s right, but i don’t want to be the local poster dad for the diabetes foundation. How do I negotiate these medical drug hurdles? Any assistance will be appreciated.

WSD
Posted by: Walter S. Dyer III | September 30th, 2008 at 9:26 am
I have been Type 2 for 15 years. Glipizide and Actos have added 40 lbs. I have fought with the Doctors to get off of these, finally I refused to take them. I have always been on Metformin though with no side effects as noted from others but it’s not enough. Kaiser does not have Januvia on there formulary list but the doctor has agreed to override that and prescribe it. After reading the pros and cons I am worried but willing to try it…..the other drugs are making me FAT and I LIVE on weight watchers. I’m glad to read that others have gained weight because my doctor and endo just say I eat too much when I know I haven’t.
Posted by: Barbara Kei | October 2nd, 2008 at 6:11 pm
I too take Januvia once a day as well as Metformin. The Metformin was not enought but with addition of Januvia my blood sugar is doing great. My last A1C was 5.7. I have not had any side effects from either medication.
Posted by: Kim E | October 28th, 2008 at 10:08 am
Have been fighting high blood sugar for 5 years with slowly increasing dose of Metformin. My A1C went up to 8.1 in July 2007 with current Metformin dose of 2500mg a day. My doctor gave me some samples of Janumet, then Januvia (25mg). It brought my A1C down to 7.2 in Sept. 2007 and to 6.6 in Jan. 2008. Humana insurance won’t cover it so I’m switching insurance companies Jan. 1. Have not had any side effects from these medications.
Posted by: Dave A. | October 28th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
An important addendum to my current condition. When my doctor gave me Januvia it was to be used in addition to the 2500mg of Metformin. Metformin is to battle insulin resistance while Janumet is for insulin release. Two very different things. Both together are superior to either separately.
Posted by: Dave A. | November 1st, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Hello, Since 2003 I have tried Byetta, Glucophage, Metforman – all cause severe abdominal (diverticulitis) Been on Lantis 20 Units 1 x per day, Apidra 7 Units 2 x day. No stomach problems with either but extreme BS drops once in a while. Started Januvia 3 weeks ago. Had some headaches but nothing tylenol can’t handle. Loved it but now have extreme leg aches and tired legs. Not sure if it is Januvia or the combination of Lantis and Januvia. Any feedback would be great. Januvia reduces the appetite, helps me stay very focused and keeps my blood sugars down but not so far that I go down with them. I consider myself kind of a weenie when it comes to meds but gotta tell you, the leg thing is not something I can live with.
Posted by: Dawn | November 3rd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I have been taking Januvia for 3 weeks and have developed a wheezing sound in the last week. I wheeze lying down or sitting up. Do you know if this is a side effect of the Januvia? I also got a stiff neck that has been very painful.
Posted by: Betsy | November 5th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
I’ve been on glucophage for 6 years without any side effects and good BS control. MD added Januvia this year and had to stop after a month because of terrible stomach pain, heartburn and also respiratory problems. The heartburn was so bad it affected my vocal chords, throat, and mouth and kicked off asthma. The stomach pain sent me to an ER for possible ulcers or appendicitis. They’re the ones who told me about Januvia and heartburn.

I had been told there were virtually no side effects to Januvis, it was miraculous, etc and I was stupid enough to believe that. I found out otherwise.

Word of warning: anytime you see a new drug heavily advertised on TV, and your doctor pushes it, JUST SAY NO.
Posted by: Ellen | December 31st, 2008 at 10:56 am
Has anyone complained that Januvia may be causing them yeast infections? It seems that I had taken some meds for a yeast infection and when it cleared up I was out of Januvia for about a week. When I got my refill in a day the infection was back. I’m checking with my Doctor today and with the endicronologist on tomorrow. I like the Januvia but some of the things people have described are symptoms that I didn’t realize were side effects to Januvia. The knee pain that someone indicated is something that my husband and I have both been having is it a true side effect?
Posted by: Ethel | January 5th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
I was on Januvia after being on the Metformin and runningto the bathroom many times a day. At first I felt better and the over time I began to realize I was going down hill. I had aches and pains. Even went to the Heart Dr to get checked for a heart attack. I beagn to have the most horrible night sweats and just attributed it to my age “47″….I got I on a web site ….not this one…and read about all the side effects that sounded so much like what I have been experiencing that I knew that it was much more than a coincidence. I have been off Januvia for almost a month and have had ZERO night sweats and less aches and pains. I feel better. The constipation is gone as well as the bloating. I would not take this drug again. I was beginning to worry that my liver was going bad!
Posted by: kim | January 16th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
I am diabetic for past 22 years and have been on Euglecon and Glycomet. Recently my A1c was at 9.1 and my Dr. recommended Januvia 100mg. I am now been on Januvia for 3 weeks and my BG which used to be 200+ has come to normal levels both fasting and PP and I started loosing weight too. I do not have any type of discomforts. Is this really a wonder drug or is it a trick that is played on us by the drug manufacturers? Will someone throw light on the side effects of Januvia.
Posted by: Venkat | February 16th, 2009 at 2:02 am
I’m glad I stumbled on to this info. Been taking Januvia for some time now with Metformn 500 2x daily. Blood sugar readings slowly going up and have gained 30 lbs. on what my dr. tells me is a “weight neutral” drug. That has affected all of my numbers. Cholesterol is now high and they want to add another pill with its own set of side effects to the regimen. I’m already exercising an hour or more a day and watch what I eat. The past few months I’ve been having sleep problems along with the weight gain. Dr. recommending a sleep study program. Why don’t drs. know about all of these side effects? I’ve switched up all meds but Januvia to take in the a.m. to see if that helped me sleep. I was going to start taking the Januvia in the a.m. Now, I’m just going to stop taking it all together. More studies need to be done and I don’t want to be a test subject anymore. I will keep you posted.
Posted by: ritan1 | April 1st, 2009 at 1:07 pm
I started Januvia 5 days ago.Because my A1C is 8.1.
First 3 days I noticed no improvement in my BG test. Then on the 4th day my levels were wonderful. My morning was slightly elevated (145). My before lunch was 110, my before dinner was 100 and 2 hours after was 120. My after snack before bed was 122. I was impressed. I did notice at this time some very loose bowels.
On day 5, I awoke with a huge swelling of my neck. I went straight to the doctors and she ordered a stat CT scan. It was inconclusive. The only new item in my life is the Januvia which I reminded the Doctor. She told me to stop taking it.
I have been losing weight on my own .. and had been using insulin just fine. But my levels were still up. I seriously dont understand all this stuff and I had gone to a dietician and had a Diabetic education class ( I knew more than instructor) *sigh*
This is a complicated disease and it adds so much record keeping to your life…
I wish everyone well.. I for one wont use Januvia anymore.. Thanks you all.
Posted by: Fanci | April 20th, 2009 at 6:00 pm
I began Metformin in July 2006 and my A1H went from 12.1 to 5.6 on a good diet and more excercise. My sugars stablized at abou 104 to 109 each morning. My cholesterol levels were also getting better. I steadly gained weight over about two years.

Along with weight gain, I had a slight gain in A1H levels in the summer of 2008 so in Sept 2008 my doctor put me on JanuMet. I neither lost nor gained any weight. My average sugars increased about 15 % and my suger highs went much higher after meals. My morning sugars averaged 131 by January 2009. I also experienced increased gastronomic discomfort.

I am not back on just Metformin and my sugars are better.
Posted by: Deanna | May 18th, 2009 at 11:45 am
I am really concerned. I just saw where Januvia was giving people kidney cancer and pancreatitis. My blood sugars while on Junuvia were high never as high. I stopped taking it and my numbers dropped. I was diagnosed while on the Januvia with thyroid cancer now I am worrying about other cancers.
Posted by: debbie | May 27th, 2009 at 4:56 pm
Hello I have type 2
Posted by: Nora DeClark | June 15th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
this is getting agravating…..I can’t read the letters!
Posted by: Nora DeClark | June 15th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
OK — different people have different reactions to meds … some people don’t get it apparently — “refusing” to take a med because of any story here is counterproductive. Discuss things with your doctor, do REAL research instead of listening to anecdotes and give it a try. If it doesn’t work, try something different, if it does great. But in the mean time — lose weight and exercise is always a good prescription — just not an easy one to follow!
Posted by: manoman | August 10th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
I was on Avandamet for five years and gained 40 pounds at a steady rate starting the moment I started taking it. My primary care doctor switched me to Januvia after I pointed on the correlation between my weight gain and Avandamet. My blood sugar was well under control though.

After 9 months on Januvia, I had lost 25 pounds but my blood sugar gradually went up, When my last lab result came back with over readings over 200, the doctor referred me to and endocrinologist.

The endo put me on a low-carb diet and prescribed 500 mg Metformin for me. I am still also taking the 100 mg Januvia. Two weeks later my blood sugar before meals is down to the 95 – 110 range. Diet alone had gotten it down to 129 within a week. The addition of the Metformin to the diet got it down to less than 110.

Bottom-line, Januvia alone did nothing. Metformin and low-carb/no-sugar diet did the trick. Avandia made me gain 40 pounds and apparently did nothing. Different medicines do different things for different people at different stages. The only sure way to know is to try different ones.

Diet alone, however, has the most effect.
Posted by: Frank | August 11th, 2009 at 10:16 am
I have been taking Januvia for just 10 days and I have been taking Metformin as well. It doesn’t seem to be having much effect on my blood glocose levels but my appetite is way down and I have been losing weight. However, I have been having some urinary irritation and a stiff neck. I had definitely noticed these things but did not realize they could be from the Januvia until I read this and other forums. The timing of the various symptoms (both good and bad) fits with the start of my taking this medication.
Posted by: Kelly | August 20th, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Different patients have different organic and biochemical situations, and will get different results. Personally, i have had SUPERB results, dropping my morning readfings from 226 to 90! THAT IS NOT A TYPO. two hundred twenty six down to ninty- and rarely, even lower. I felt better than I have in a couple of years, and had more energy. I had NO side effects.

No one medicine can be safely recommended for everyone; therapy has to be tailored to the patient. There are certainly diabetics who should NEVER use januvia. This simply means their situation is not the same as mine. Janivuia has worked wonders for me, and should be given consideration in the case of every type 2 diabetic. Having seen the maker’s vidio on how it operates, it MIGHT POSSIBLY be of use in SOME type 1 diabetics, if I have not misunderstood this blocking chemical’s action on the body.
Posted by: Kirk B | September 7th, 2009 at 11:19 am
I would like to know how many mg of Metformin some of you are taking a day along with the Januvia.
Posted by: Keith | September 15th, 2009 at 7:37 am
Please post the most common side affects from using Januvia? thanl you, Donna
Posted by: Donna McNamara | March 16th, 2010 at 11:40 am