Comprehensive medication guide to Januvia including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Estimated Insurance Pricing
$5/fill with the Merck savings card for commercially insured patients (saves up to $150 per prescription); Tier 2–3 on most commercial plans without savings card; prior authorization may apply.
Estimated Cash Pricing
$600–$700 retail for brand Januvia 100 mg (30 tablets); as low as $285 with SingleCare or GoodRx coupons; generic sitagliptin (Zituvio/authorized) available for ~$80–$110/month at select pharmacies.
Medfinder Findability Score
72/100
Summarize with AI
On this page
Januvia (sitagliptin) is a prescription oral medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It was FDA-approved in October 2006 and is manufactured by Merck & Co., Inc. Januvia belongs to the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor class of diabetes medications, also known as gliptins.
Januvia is taken once daily as an oral tablet and is used alongside diet and exercise. It is available in three strengths — 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg — with dosing adjusted based on kidney function. The standard adult dose is 100 mg once daily.
Januvia is also available in fixed-dose combination products: Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) and Janumet XR (sitagliptin/metformin extended-release). Nearly 8 million Januvia prescriptions were filled in the United States in 2022, making it one of the most widely prescribed type 2 diabetes medications.
We have a 99% success rate finding medications, even during nationwide shortages.
Need this medication?
Januvia works by blocking the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4). This enzyme normally breaks down incretin hormones — specifically GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) — within minutes of their release after meals. By inhibiting DPP-4, Januvia allows these hormones to remain active in the bloodstream at roughly double their normal levels.
The elevated incretins trigger two complementary effects: they stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin (but only when blood glucose is elevated — a glucose-dependent mechanism), and they suppress glucagon secretion, reducing the liver's output of glucose into the blood. The result is lower blood sugar both after meals and at fasting.
Because the mechanism is glucose-dependent, Januvia carries a low risk of hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar) when used alone or with metformin. Clinical studies show Januvia reduces HbA1c by approximately 0.4–0.9% and is weight-neutral — it does not cause significant weight gain.
25 mg — tablet
For patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 mL/min/1.73 m²)
50 mg — tablet
For patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR 30–44 mL/min/1.73 m²)
100 mg — tablet
Standard adult dose for patients with normal kidney function (eGFR ≥45 mL/min/1.73 m²); once daily
Januvia is not listed in the FDA Drug Shortage Database as of 2026. Merck produces adequate supply, and most major chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Rite Aid) carry Januvia in their standard inventory. Locating it physically at a pharmacy is generally not difficult for the 100 mg dose.
The bigger challenge is affording it. At $600–$700/month retail without insurance and no true generic yet widely available, cost is the primary access barrier. Smaller independent pharmacies may not routinely stock it due to its high acquisition cost. The 25 mg and 50 mg doses (used in patients with kidney disease) are less commonly stocked at retail pharmacies and may require a special order.
If you're struggling to locate Januvia at your local pharmacy, medfinder calls pharmacies in your area on your behalf to check which ones can fill your prescription, then texts you the results — saving you the time and frustration of calling pharmacies yourself.
Januvia (sitagliptin) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider in all 50 states without special registration requirements. Most Januvia prescriptions are written by primary care physicians, though specialists and advanced practice providers prescribe it as well.
Primary care physicians (family medicine, internal medicine) — most common prescribers
Endocrinologists — diabetes specialists who manage complex cases
Nurse practitioners (NPs) — full prescribing authority in most states
Physician assistants (PAs) — prescribing authority varies by state collaborative agreement
Januvia is also available via telehealth. Because it is not a controlled substance, telehealth providers can prescribe it in most states after a standard clinical evaluation — no in-person visit required. Telehealth platforms including Teladoc, MDLive, and Sesame offer diabetes management consultations and can send prescriptions electronically to your pharmacy.
No. Januvia (sitagliptin) is not a controlled substance and is not scheduled by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). It does not have abuse potential and is not subject to special prescribing requirements beyond a standard prescription.
Because it is not a controlled substance, Januvia can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider in all 50 states, including via telehealth, without the need for special DEA registration or in-person visit requirements. Prescriptions can also be transferred between pharmacies without restriction, and pharmacists can fill 90-day supplies where allowed by insurance.
Januvia is generally well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effects (occurring in 5% or more of patients) include:
Upper respiratory tract infection (cold symptoms)
Nasopharyngitis (stuffy or runny nose)
Headache
Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea (less common)
Pancreatitis: Severe abdominal pain with or without vomiting — stop Januvia and seek immediate medical care
Acute kidney injury: Post-marketing reports of sudden renal failure, some requiring dialysis
Severe joint pain (arthralgia): FDA warning added in 2015; disabling joint pain that resolves with discontinuation
Serious allergic reactions: Anaphylaxis, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Bullous pemphigoid: Rare skin blistering condition
Hypoglycemia: Increased risk when combined with sulfonylureas or insulin
Know what you need? Skip the search.
Tradjenta (linagliptin)
DPP-4 inhibitor; no dose adjustment for kidney disease; preferred in CKD patients; brand-name only
Onglyza / generic saxagliptin
DPP-4 inhibitor; generic available (lower cost); heart failure warning — avoid in HF patients
Nesina / generic alogliptin
DPP-4 inhibitor; generic available (lower cost); heart failure warning — avoid in HF patients
Jardiance (empagliflozin)
SGLT2 inhibitor; proven cardiovascular and kidney benefits; preferred in patients with ASCVD, HF, or CKD
Ozempic (semaglutide)
GLP-1 receptor agonist; injectable; stronger A1C reduction (1–2%); significant weight loss benefit
Prefer Januvia? We can find it.
Sulfonylureas (glipizide, glyburide, glimepiride)
moderateIncreased hypoglycemia risk; lower sulfonylurea dose may be required
Insulin (all types)
moderateIncreased hypoglycemia risk when combined with Januvia; monitor and consider dose reduction of insulin
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
minorJanuvia modestly increases digoxin AUC (~11%) and Cmax (~18%); monitor digoxin levels; no dose adjustment typically required
Cyclosporine
minorCyclosporine increases sitagliptin AUC by ~29% and Cmax by ~68%; monitor but generally not clinically significant
Corticosteroids (prednisone, dexamethasone)
moderateCan raise blood sugar and reduce Januvia's effectiveness; monitor glucose during steroid courses
NSAIDs / Aspirin / Salicylates
minorMay affect blood glucose control; monitor glucose more closely with regular NSAID use
Januvia (sitagliptin) has been a cornerstone of type 2 diabetes management since 2006. Its combination of proven efficacy, low hypoglycemia risk, weight neutrality, and once-daily oral dosing make it a clinically attractive option for many patients. Its major limitation has been cost — at $600–$700/month retail with no widely available true generic, affordability has been a significant barrier.
The landscape is changing in 2026. Merck's key sitagliptin patent expires November 24, 2026, and settlement agreements may allow generic manufacturers into the market as early as May 2026. When generic sitagliptin becomes widely available, prices are expected to fall 80–85% — potentially to $50–$100/month. Until then, the Merck savings card (as low as $5/fill for commercially insured) and the Merck Patient Assistance Program (free for qualifying uninsured patients) remain the best tools for reducing cost.
If you're having trouble locating Januvia at a pharmacy near you, medfinder is here to help. medfinder calls pharmacies in your area on your behalf and texts you which ones can fill your prescription. It's a fast, practical solution that takes the stress out of finding your medication.
Medfinder Editorial Standards
Our medication guides are researched and written to help patients make informed decisions. All content is reviewed for accuracy and updated regularly. Learn more about our standards
ChatGPT
Claude
Perplexity
Grok
Gemini