Sitagliptin — the generic for Januvia® tablets for type 2 diabetes

What Sitagliptin Is and How It Works

Sitagliptin (sitagliptin phosphate) is a dipeptidyl peptidase‑4 (DPP‑4) inhibitor used for adults with type 2 diabetes, often alongside diet and exercise. It helps your body increase insulin release when glucose is high and lowers glucagon, which together reduce fasting and post‑meal glucose. You can check sitagliptin price by strength to plan monthly costs.

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Sitagliptin is taken by mouth once daily. It is available as the same active ingredient found in the brand product Januvia. Common strengths include 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg. Many people use sitagliptin with metformin or an SGLT2 inhibitor to reach A1C targets.

Sitagliptin is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Your prescriber selects a dose based on kidney function and your overall plan. Tablets can be taken with or without food.

Dosage and Usage

• Typical starting dose for adults with normal kidney function: 100 mg by mouth once daily.
• Moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30–45 mL/min/1.73 m²): often 50 mg once daily.
• Severe renal impairment or end‑stage renal disease: often 25 mg once daily, regardless of dialysis timing.
• Take at the same time each day, with or without food.
• Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush or split unless your prescriber advises.
• If you miss a dose, take it when remembered the same day. Skip if it is nearly time for the next dose. Do not double doses.
• If used with a sulfonylurea or insulin, your prescriber may lower those doses to reduce hypoglycemia risk.
• Tell your clinician about all medicines you take. Digoxin levels may need monitoring when used with sitagliptin.

• Store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); short excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) are acceptable.
• Keep tablets dry in the original container with the desiccant and child‑resistant cap.
• Avoid heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. Do not store in a bathroom.
• For travel, keep medicine in a carry‑on, with the pharmacy label, and a spare supply if possible.
• Do not leave in a parked car or near heaters. Use a small pill case for day trips and keep it sealed.

Benefits and Savings

Sitagliptin lowers A1C by about 0.5–0.8% for many adults, with a low risk of hypoglycemia when used alone. It is weight neutral and taken once daily, which supports adherence. It can be paired with metformin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, or basal insulin to improve glycemic control.

Ordering the sitagliptin generic can lower your monthly spend compared with brand Januvia. Many people compare sitagliptin cost at 50 mg and 100 mg to choose the best option. You may also review Januvia tablets if your prescriber prefers the brand.

Customers often see 60–80% savings versus typical US prices. This can make a difference in the expected Januvia cost per month, or when you review sitagliptin 100 mg price alongside the 50 mg option. Multi‑month supplies and occasional bulk promotions may reduce the per‑month cost further.

If you are looking for a promotion, our discount card for januvia page lists current offers.

Side Effects and Safety

• Common effects: stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough.
• Headache or mild dizziness.
• Stomach discomfort, nausea, or diarrhea.
• Back pain or muscle aches.
• Mild upper respiratory infection symptoms.
• Rarely, skin rash or itching.

Serious but uncommon risks include pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain), severe joint pain, bullous pemphigoid (blistering skin), and hypersensitivity reactions such as angioedema or Stevens‑Johnson syndrome. Kidney function affects dosing, and monitoring is advised in chronic kidney disease. Hypoglycemia risk increases when sitagliptin is combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea; dose adjustments of those agents may be needed. Not established for use in children.

Onset Time

Fasting glucose may begin to improve within the first week. Post‑meal readings often settle over two to four weeks as daily dosing continues. A1C changes are usually assessed after 8–12 weeks. When combined with metformin or an SGLT2 inhibitor, many patients see additional improvements over the first three months.

Compare With Alternatives

Metformin remains first‑line for most adults and can be used with sitagliptin. It reduces hepatic glucose production and often lowers A1C by 1–1.5%, with possible gastrointestinal side effects at initiation.

SGLT2 inhibitors such as empagliflozin or dapagliflozin may be added when cardiovascular, kidney, or weight considerations are priorities. They lower A1C and support modest weight loss and diuresis, with risks such as genital infections and rare ketoacidosis.

GLP‑1 receptor agonists (for example, semaglutide) can produce larger A1C reductions and meaningful weight loss, but they are injectable and can cause gastrointestinal effects. Not typically used together with a DPP‑4 inhibitor.

Janumet combines sitagliptin with metformin in one tablet. Common strengths include janumet 50 1000 and janumet 50 1000 mg, which may simplify regimens when both components are prescribed.

Combination Therapy

• With metformin: complementary mechanisms; often first add‑on pathway.
• With SGLT2 inhibitor: provides additional A1C lowering and post‑prandial control.
• With basal insulin: may smooth fasting and post‑meal glucose; consider lowering insulin dose to prevent hypoglycemia.
• With a sulfonylurea: effective but monitor closely; sulfonylurea dose reductions may be needed.
• Do not combine with another DPP‑4 inhibitor.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Sitagliptin uses include improving glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise alone do not suffice. It is suitable for people seeking a weight‑neutral, once‑daily oral option with low hypoglycemia risk when used alone.

Sitagliptin may not be appropriate for those with a history of pancreatitis, serious hypersensitivity to DPP‑4 inhibitors, severe skin reactions, or for patients with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Use in pregnancy or breastfeeding requires clinician guidance. Kidney impairment needs dose adjustments; your care team will review labs and choose 25 mg, 50 mg, or 100 mg as appropriate.

To manage expenses, compare sitagliptin 50 mg price with sitagliptin 100 mg price to match your prescribed strength. Some patients ask about a generic drug for Januvia or the Januvia generic; sitagliptin is the active ingredient in that brand. People sometimes search for “Januvia other names,” which typically refers to sitagliptin itself or fixed‑dose combinations like Janumet.

If your prescriber specifies brand, you can still review januvia 25 mg price or januvia 100 mg price to understand options. Multi‑month orders may lower shipping fees and per‑month costs. Set a reorder reminder so you have time to upload a renewed prescription if needed.

For clarity, sitagliptin generic and “generic for sitagliptin” refer to the same medicine. Sitagliptin phosphate is the salt form used in tablets. Always follow your prescriber’s advice on which product and dose you should use.

Authoritative Sources

Merck US Prescribing Information for Januvia

Health Canada Drug Product Database: Sitagliptin entries

FDA Label and Medication Guide for Sitagliptin (Januvia)

Order Sitagliptin from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express shipping.

This information is educational and does not replace personalized medical advice from your healthcare professional.