Foods To Avoid While Taking Januvia

Drug

When we take any medication, we are advised to be careful about our drugs, food, and substance intake as certain possible interactions can be harmful to health. Some food or drug ingredients can interact with the ingredients of the prescribed medication and so are not advised to be taken together. An interaction occurs when one substance causes another substance to act differently on the body than expected.

Januvia is one such medication with potential interactions. Doctors may advise the patient taking Januvia to not take certain other drugs, substances, or certain foods to avoid while taking Januvia. For further details about Januvia’s interactions and what to avoid, keep reading this blog “Foods to avoid while taking Januvia”. Read on to learn more about Januvia.

What is Januvia used for?

Januvia is a brand name, an oral prescription drug prescribed to adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin-dependent diabetes). It is not indicated for type 1 diabetics but may be used for other medical conditions as determined by a doctor. It is not given alone but in adjunct with diet and exercise to help reduce blood sugar levels or reach the A1C goal. A1C is a blood test that shows the average amount of blood sugar (glucose) over 2-3 months, indicating one’s glycaemic control over time.

To provide greater effect to the diabetic, Januvia may be prescribed along with other diabetes medications. However, Januvia may interact with other drugs, substances, and foods. Talk to your diabetes specialist, if Januvia can help reduce your blood sugar. You can also read this blog to learn more about Januvia interactions and foods to avoid while taking Januvia.

How does Januvia work?

Januvia belongs to the pharmacological class: Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4). DPP4 is a class of medication, an antidiabetic agent that may be prescribed to type 2 diabetes patients for lowering high blood sugar levels.

It works by slowing the inactivation and degradation of GLP-1- a hormone that has a role in glucose removal from the gut. Using this course of action helps improve blood sugar control and decreases both fasting and after-fasting glucose levels in the blood, without increasing the body’s weight.

Generally, it does not cause hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar) unless it is combined with other diabetes therapies that cause a significant reduction in blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Do you take Januvia with food?

Januvia can be taken with or without food. If its intake on an empty stomach makes it upset, the patient should take Januvia with a snack or meal. When on course of this medication, the patients should keep checking their blood sugar level and have a fixed routine of eating healthy and doing exercise.

One who is taking Januvia must follow the doctor’s instructions regarding dosage and timing for taking the medicine. It's important to maintain a consistent routine of healthy eating and exercise and one must also monitor their blood sugar levels. Following the devised guidelines help maximize the effectiveness of Januvia in diabetes management. If thinking about what drinks and foods to avoid while taking Januvia” switch to the following section for more details.

Foods to avoid while taking Januvia:

When considering foods to avoid while taking Januvia, diabetics should make a proper diabetes diet plan. Certain foods from each food group should be taken to have a healthy, balanced diet.

The food to avoid when having diabetes include:

• Avoid Refined Carbohydrates: This includes white bread, white pasta, cereals, crackers, and baked goods should be avoided due to their impact on blood sugar levels. One can eat whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, barley, and oats, which provide fiber and nutrients while helping to regulate blood sugar levels.
• Sugar-Loaded Foods and Drinks: Maple syrup, candy bars, fruit-flavored yogurts, agave nectar, sweeteners, and sauces can disrupt blood sugar control. Eliminate sugary items to support Januvia's effectiveness in managing blood sugar levels.
• Processed or Fatty Meats: Proteins from processed or fatty meats should be limited to maintain a balanced diet.
• Unhealthy Fats: Butter, full-fat mayonnaise, fast foods, salad dressings, french fries, and foods containing hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils are detrimental to diabetic health.
• Supplements made from Garlic: Consumption of garlic supplements or foods with extra garlic can elevate the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with Januvia.
• High Glycemic Index Foods: Avoid white bread, white rice, and sugary cereals to stabilize blood sugar levels while on Januvia.
• Avoid high Sugar Fruits, and Starchy Vegetables: Foods like high-sugar fruits and starchy vegetables should be restricted. Eat fruits with lower sugar content, such as berries, apples, pears, and citrus fruits, in moderation to satisfy sweet cravings.
• High-Fat and Processed Foods: Limit intake of high-fat and processed foods to maintain overall health and blood sugar control.
• Avoid Sweetened Breakfast Cereals: Many breakfast cereals contain added sugars that can increase your blood sugar levels. Avoid pastries like donuts, sweet rolls, and muffins that are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates.
• Flavored Yogurts: Avoid flavored yogurts as they contain added sugars. It is better to choose plain yogurt and add fresh fruits for sweetness.
• Sweetened Sauces: This includes teriyaki, sweet and sour, and honey mustard. They can contribute to elevated blood sugar levels.
• Alcohol: Januvia is not known to interact with alcohol. However, a healthcare provider advises to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Januvia. That’s because alcohol may affect blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients. The risk of hypoglycemia is higher in case the patient drinks alcohol on an empty stomach or after exercise. Therefore, drinking alcohol while on this medication could make it hard for the drug to treat the condition.

FAQs:

Is there a generic for Januvia?

Januvia is a brand-name medication that got FDA approval in 2006 for lowering blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. The is available with CanadaPharmacyPro. Contact them today!

Can Januvia and Ozempic be taken together?

Januvia is not known to interact with Ozempic. Januvia (Sitagliptin) and Ozempic (Semaglutide) are both anti-diabetic (hypoglycaemic) drugs that help improve blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Januvia is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor taken orally while Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist taken intravenously. Both work to increase insulin and reduce glucagon production. If taken together, there would be significant glycaemic control (Hypoglycemia) so may not be recommended.

Can you take Januvia and Jardiance together?

Januvia is not known to interact with Jardiance. Januvia (Sitagliptin) and Jardiance (Empagliflozin) are both oral diabetes medications for reducing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. Januvia is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor whereas Jardiance is a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2. If taken together, there would be significant glycaemic control (hypoglycemia) so may not be recommended. For best results, it is important to be informed about foods to avoid while taking Januvia and even Jardiance.

When is the best time to take Januvia?

One 100 mg Januvia tablet should be taken once a day, exactly as the doctor prescribes, in conjunction with a healthy diet and routine exercise. It can be taken either in the morning or evening with or without food. To enjoy the desired effects of Januvia to its best extent, it is best to take Januvia at the same time daily.

Can Januvia cause weight gain?

As per clinical trial reports, neither weight gain nor weight loss was reported. Unusual rapid weight gain may be a sign of serious side effects of taking Januvia. If you are experiencing weight gain suddenly after taking Januvia it is important to know foods to avoid while taking Januvia or you must consult your doctor to learn more.

References:

• https://www.rxlist.com/januvia-drug.htm
• https://www.drugs.com/food-interactions/sitagliptin,januvia.html
• https://www.rxlist.com/januvia_vs_jardiance/drugs-condition.htm
• https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-145704/januvia-oral/details
• https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/januvia