Manufactured by Merck Sharp & Dohme Ltd. for diabetes, Januvia (sitagliptin) was approved by the FDA in 2006. Part of the drug family Glitazone, Januvia is a “Gliptin” or oral DPP (dipeptyl peptidase) IV inhibitors. Taken once a day in pill form, Januvia works by increasing insulin production in the pancreas while reducing the amount of glucose made by the liver. Specifically speaking, the drug is an incretin enhancer, meaning it enhances the effects on incretins (hormones produced in the bowel in response to food) that stimulate the release of insulin. Once released into the system, incretins are destroyed by DPP-IV. Januvia prolongs their presence by slowing down their destruction by DPP-IV.

Treating Diabetes – Januvia Side Effects

In clinical trials patients taking Januvia the most common side effects were diarrhea, sore throat, and colds. In some rare cases the drug can lead to mild cases of pancreatitis …