Januvia – also known as sitagliptin – is a drug that is used to control high blood sugar levels in patients that have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Even though the release of a generic version is slated for 2022, the cost of Januvia has remained relatively high since its introduction into the marketplace; it is covered by most insurance plans and Medicare plans, but the price for uninsured patients leaves many scratching their heads. Even with a manufacturer’s coupon, the average price of Januvia clocks in at around $565.70 out-of-pocket. If you are an uninsured or under-insured American who is struggling to pay for Januvia, read on to find out how The Rx Solution can help pay for your Januvia prescription.

What is Januvia?

First, let’s take a look at what Januvia does in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Sitagliptin helps control blood sugar levels in the body by enhancing your body’s own ability to lower blood sugar. It works when blood sugar is high by instructing your liver to cut back on the production of glucose (sugars) in the body; Januvia also boosts insulin levels, which can help your body use sugar for energy or energy storage. Januvia will work less when blood sugar levels start to drop and normalize. Januvia is a once-daily pill that works wonderfully when paired with a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Januvia Side Effects

Januvia is an oral diabetes medication that is used to treat high blood sugar in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Some of the most common side effects may include:

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain or nausea
  • Joint / muscle pain
  • Back pain
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose

The above symptoms are not a call for alarm; however, if you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

  • Signs of pancreatitis, which is an inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms may include severe nausea and vomiting, severe pain in the upper stomach which spreads to the back and abdomen, an unusually fast heart rate, and a loss of appetite. Shortness of breath, swelling, weight gain, and swelling in the face, tongue, or extremities may also occur.
  • Signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia does not usually occur because of Januvia itself, but it may occur when paired with other anti-diabetic medications. Symptoms may include dizziness, blurred vision, tingling hands/feet, sweating, shaking, hunger, and fast heartbeat.

How to Take Januvia

diabetic equipment

Before taking Januvia or starting any treatment plan for type 2 diabetes, make sure to disclose your full medical history to your doctor. There are certain confounding factors, which can include a history of kidney problems, alcoholism high blood triglyceride levels, stones in the gallbladder, and pancreatitis. In addition to these conditions, tell your doctor about any prescription medications that you may be taking, as Januvia has the potential to adversely react with a number of different pharmaceutical drugs.

Here are a few guidelines to follow when taking Januvia:

  • Always follow your doctor’s recommendations
  • Take Januvia at the same time each day (with or without food)
  • If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember
  • Never double-dose
  • Stress or trauma may affect the amount of diabetes medication that your body requires. Let your doctor know if you are experiencing unusually high levels of stress due to a life event
  • Follow a healthy diet and exercise program to help control blood sugar levels
  • Regularly check your diabetes with blood sugar level test and hemoglobin A1C tests

Need Help Paying for Januvia?

Januvia is an expensive medication without a generic equivalent. For uninsured and under-insured Americans, it can be a struggle to find the money to pay for Januvia on top of all the other expenses that life calls for. The Rx Solution was founded to help these uninsured Americans pay for the medication that they need. We help qualify patients with little-to-no prescription drug coverage for prescription assistance programs, which are programs that bring together drug manufacturers, health care providers, doctors, and patient advocacy programs to help financially burdened individuals.

Our mission is to increase the awareness and enrollment rates of prescription assistance programs for eligible individuals. We believe that no one should have to choose between the rent and their medication. To find out more information and to see if you qualify, give us a call at (888) 823-0042 or visit our contact page by clicking here.