Januvia 50
Januvia 50 is a tablet made by MSD that contains Sitagliptin 50 mg. Sitagliptin is a diabetes medicine (dpp-4 inhibitor): helps the body release insulin after meals to lower blood sugar.
| Ingredient (salt) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Sitagliptin | 50 mg |
What it is used for
Helps the body release insulin after meals to lower blood sugar.
How it works
A DPP-4 inhibitor (gliptin). It boosts the gut hormones that tell the pancreas to release insulin after meals, and rarely causes low sugar on its own.
How to take it
Usually 100 mg once a day, with or without food; lower doses for kidney disease.
Common side effects
- Headache
- Stuffy nose or sore throat
- Joint pain
Get medical help straight away if
- Severe stomach pain spreading to the back (pancreatitis)
- Blistering skin (bullous pemphigoid)
- Allergic swelling
Be careful
Report severe stomach pain (rarely pancreatitis).
Other medicines and interactions
Low blood sugar is more likely when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding; insulin is preferred.
Same composition, other brands (1)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching brands.
Same ingredients, different strength or form
Common questions
What is Januvia 50?
Januvia 50 is a tablet by MSD containing Sitagliptin 50 mg.
What is Januvia 50 used for?
Helps the body release insulin after meals to lower blood sugar.
How should I take Januvia 50?
Usually 100 mg once a day, with or without food; lower doses for kidney disease. Always follow the dose your doctor or the pack gives.
What are the side effects of Januvia 50?
Common side effects include: Headache, stuffy nose or sore throat, joint pain. Get medical help straight away for: Severe stomach pain spreading to the back (pancreatitis), blistering skin (bullous pemphigoid), allergic swelling.
Does Januvia 50 need a prescription?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Can I take Januvia 50 in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Not recommended in pregnancy or while breastfeeding; insulin is preferred.
What are the substitutes for Januvia 50?
Brands with the same composition: Istavel 50. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching.
Sources and further reading
- Sitagliptin: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Composition checked against pack details from large Indian online pharmacies. Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.
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