Januvia experience?

cherokee_psh · #1 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009, 07:57 PM

My endocrinologist suggested that I research Januvia before my next appointment because I did not tolerate the move to 1000 mg Meformin twice a day. Does anyone here have any first hand experience with this drug?

I find myself back seeking assistance in my research after a long absence. I've read all the canned propaganda. LOL. I consider myself extremely lucky to have been diagnosed with diabetes very early by an alert OB/GYN. I had plenty of time to make changes early. This past month, however, has been a challenge that I have lost. The holidays combined with a CPAP machine, 2 Granddaughters, a new Grandson (doc has been saying any day since 12/29), and increasing blood sugar numbers that I failed to notice the pattern until I hit 218 (after breakfast) and imported the meter into the software program. Breakfast has been a boring fast and easy standard for a while. So I began testing the fasting levels the past few days the results averaging 140-150. This inspired me to finally start that research.

jillrapp · #2 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009, 08:28 PM

I took Januvia and didn't do well on it. Didn't really notice any difference in my BS at all. Have you tried Metformin ER? The extended release version? I've heard that many here take it without difficulty. Good Luck!

xapbap · #3 (**permalink**) 01-17-2009, 08:14 AM

I have been on Janumet (Januvia 50/Metformin 500 2 times a day) after a disastrous experience with Januvia and Prandin. The Januvia was fine but the Prandin was causing non-stop diarrhea even while it brought me into the "normal" 70-120 range.

My fasting level with Janumet is consistently around 130. It dips to 90-100 midday due to diet and exercise and then rises back to around 130 before dinner. I am going to review this with my doctor at my next A1C appointment.

I am torn between my wish for lower numbers and my fear of reliving the Prandin nightmare. I would be interested to find out about others who are living with slightly elevated blood glucose numbers. Alternately, has anyone found a medication that brings the numbers down to the ideal range and not caused GI distress?

Each of us has a different experience with these meds.

Thanks!

retired60 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-17-2009, 09:14 AM

I also did not tolerate the 1000x2 daily meteforim. The numbers were great but the GI problems were not acceptable. I am also on Lantus.I went back to 500x2 daily, cut a few more carbs and made sure that I execised everyday, and this worked for me. Lst a1c was 5.4. I could get by eating more taking the heavier dose of meteforim but paid for it.

robbytype2 · #5 (**permalink**) 01-17-2009, 12:53 PM

hi , i went from met, 500 a day when first diagnosed it was not enough so then it was met at 500 and glybaride at 5 mg both 1 time a day still not enough so doc added the januvia at 100 mg a day which help it is according to doc supposed to help against weight gain ,,,not sure if that is true but i have had good readings since he added it the januvia i am actually getting a lower dose now down to 25 mg 1 time a day and still doing good ...can say i have had no bad experience with it if you do not have insurance it is very costly..

cherokee_psh · #6 (**permalink**) 01-17-2009, 06:19 PM

Thanks for your posts and sharing your experiences. I still have 3 months before the next appointment. Plenty of time to try to get thing back in control. I'll try the tighter diet control with additional exercise.

jakin · #7 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 10:26 AM

The max dose of Januvia plus the max dose of Amaryl did not keep my numbers low enough so metformin (500mg x 2 daily) was added. Number are better but GI problems are back. I just don't tolerate metformin very well. Not sure what doc will try next.

cherokee_psh · #8 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jakin

The max dose of Januvia plus the max dose of Amaryl did not keep my numbers low enough so metformin (500mg x 2 daily) was added. Number are better but GI problems are back. I just don't tolerate metformin very well. Not sure what doc will try next.

I'm wondering too. Fasting is still under 100 but breakfast can be near 200 again. The rest of the day is fine. I also read Januvia does not play well with certain glaucoma meds. My last testing will be on 4/15 for the measuring and documenting the current state of the eyes. I'm guessing after that I start the glaucoma medications.

pands45 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 07:54 PM

I take januvia once a day at lunchtime. I also take glumetza ( coated metformin) once a day and glyburide twice a day. So far with exercise and diet I manage to keep my BG numbers down. I must admit that for me Januvia is NOT without side effects. Gas, Gas,Gas. I get so-o-o much after the Januvia pill, I could fill up a car's tank!!!