Januvia contains sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor used for type 2 diabetes in adults. It comes in three tablet strengths, with the prescribed dose depending in part on kidney function.
The approved uses and formulations described here follow US prescribing information. They may differ in other countries.
| Medicine detail | Details |
|---|---|
| Active ingredient(s) | sitagliptin |
| Medicine class | DPP-4 inhibitor |
| Forms and strengths | Oral tablets: 25, 50 and 100 mg |
How sitagliptin works
Sitagliptin reduces breakdown of incretin hormones through DPP-4 inhibition, influencing glucose-dependent insulin and glucagon responses. The US label covers adults with type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise. It is not an insulin product or a GLP-1 receptor agonist injection.
Source: [1]
Strengths and kidney function
Januvia tablets contain 25, 50 or 100 mg and are taken once daily. Lower doses are used with certain degrees of kidney impairment. The clinician checks kidney function when choosing the dose and during treatment; do not change the strength without their advice.
Source: [1]
Warnings to discuss
The label addresses pancreatitis, acute renal failure, serious hypersensitivity, severe joint pain and bullous pemphigoid. It also calls for consideration of heart-failure risk factors. Hypoglycemia becomes more relevant when sitagliptin is combined with insulin or an insulin-releasing medicine.
Source: [1]
Follow-up during treatment
Report persistent severe abdominal pain, serious allergic symptoms, severe joint pain or skin blistering to the clinical team. Regular follow-up remains important with an oral medicine, including review of kidney function and the other diabetes medicines being taken.
Source: [1]
Januvia and Janumet
Janumet contains sitagliptin with metformin, so its precautions and dosing differ from Januvia’s. Ask whether a new Janumet prescription replaces Januvia. Taking both would duplicate sitagliptin unless specifically directed by the prescribing clinician.
Source: [1]
Questions and answers
Is Januvia a GLP-1 injection?
No. It is oral sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor.
Why might Januvia be prescribed at 25 mg?
The label uses lower doses for defined kidney impairment. The prescriber determines the appropriate dose.
Does Janumet also contain sitagliptin?
Yes. Janumet combines sitagliptin with metformin. Confirm with the prescriber which medicines to take so that sitagliptin is not duplicated.
Related reading
Sources
Sources checked 1 October 2026. This information does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. For complete warnings and instructions, read the product information and consult the prescribing team.
Reviewed by: Mattias Hagman, PhD
About the reviewer:
Dr Mattias Hagman (PhD, University of Sydney) has an academic background and experience working with healthcare-related content and regulated industries. He has lecturing experience at international universities, including Stockholm University and the University of Malta.
Last reviewed: October 2026