Januvia is a drug manufactured by Merck & Co. to treat Type 2 diabetes, gaining FDA approval in 2006. Januvia contains sitagliptin which inhibits the DPP-4 enzymes in the body, destroying glucagon-like peptide-1 which reduces blood glucose levels. Following a meal, incretin hormones are released from the intestine; these hormone levels are then increased in the bloodstream in patients taking Januvia. When the active ingredient found in Januvia blocks DPP-4, the body can better handle glucose levels, increasing the amount of insulin the pancreas produces when excessive blood sugar demand such an increase. During times when the body does not need the excess liver sugars, the DPP-4 will also lower those sugars. When combined with diet and exercise Januvia can significantly improve blood glucose levels in those with Type 2 diabetes.
There are a variety of potential problems linked to Januvia. Like any prescription drug, patients taking Januvia can suffer an allergic reaction or a serious skin condition as well as “typical” side effects such as stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, stomach pain, diarrhea, joint or muscle pain, back pain or headache. The skin condition is known as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and can cause a red or purple skin rash which leads to blistering and peeling. The most serious potential side effects—and the ones which are getting the largest amount of publicity—include pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and thyroid cancer. Significant bodies of research show that Januvia can create pancreatic abnormalities which lead to pancreatitis. Anyone suffering chronic pancreatitis or who has had acute pancreatitis is much more likely to develop pancreatic cancer and the pancreatic abnormalities caused by Januvia have been recognized as risk factors in the development of pancreatitis.
Many consumers who are taking Januvia or may be considering taking Januvia likely wonder whether the drug is safe or whether it should be avoided. A UCLA study determined the risk of developing pancreatitis among Januvia users was six times that of those not taking the drug while the risk of developing pancreatic cancer while taking Januvia was 2.9 times higher. The UCLA study was triggered by the adverse reports submitted to the FDA from patients taking Januvia who suffered negative health effects. The results of the UCLA study were reported in the journal Gastroenterology.
A more recent report in the JAMA Internal Medicine journal placed the numbers a bit lower, nevertheless finding that Januvia can double the risk of patients developing inflammation of the pancreas. Patients hospitalized due to pancreatitis were twice as likely to be taking Januvia. Merck & Co. continues to maintain their belief in the safety of Januvia stating, “We find no compelling evidence establishing a causal relationship between the use of sitagliptin and pancreatic cancer.”
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