Januvia and Upset Stomach: What Users Say

• Sre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 22, 2013

For Type 2 Diabetes "One month before, I got newly diagnosed that I am diabetic. My A1C test shows 6.9 and the doctor told me I have diabetes. He prescribed Januvia 100mg (1 time) with metformin 500mg (2 times). I felt some side effects initially that went away after a few days. Now I am doing regular exercise. But if I stop exercising or eat more food, the side effects like stomach problems easily come back. When I check my sugar on the device, it shows around 70-80 when fasting and 90-105 two hours after breakfast. I notice my glucose coming down when I miss a meal anytime, which I find hard to tolerate. So I believe exercise is more important than any medicine. Once I dropped all medicines for ten days and exercised only, my glucose levels showed normal."

• Anonymous
• December 1, 2008

For Type 2 Diabetes "While I was on Januvia it felt like I was on a high-power diet pill. I did not go to the bathroom but once in 5 days, had bloating and stomach problems, and it felt like my hormones were out of whack. I could not sleep. This is my second day off Januvia, and I can't wait to go home and sleep tonight. All of the not sleeping is finally catching up with me. I hope when someone else tells their doctor about this, you don't get the look like I got. Hope this helps someone."

• Anonymous
• November 6, 2009

For Type 2 Diabetes "Since starting taking Januvia, I have been throwing up almost every morning. The stomach acid is so strong and now my throat is raw. My stomach constantly churns and very nauseous. Since taking this medicine, I have heartburn and indigestion. My sleeping habits have changed because of the constant stomach churning, and it has been keeping me up. I got tired of being sick every day. This is no way to live and try to enjoy life. I have quit taking Januvia, and now I feel 'normal'. My regular sleeping habits return, and stomach feels fine."

• Pri...
• November 26, 2015

For Type 2 Diabetes "I would have given it a 10 because I felt it was really working for me. But... after about 6 days of having a horrible stomach ache, I've thrown in the towel. I just can't take it. I'm really bummed out because I can't take Metformin either. :("

• Lul...
• July 17, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Endo prescribed Januvia along with Farxiga and Metformin 4 months ago. Regular ER Metformin caused horrid gastric distress (diarrhea). Two doses of Januvia and the upper abdominal ache started, constipation, scalp itching, fatigue, and extremely high blood sugars. Now prescribed TEVA manufacturer Metformin instead of the generic brand that costs nothing at certain pharmacies. TEVA doesn't use the same fillers as the other Metformin - I take two with dinner and working to go to four a day with no GI issues. Before Januvia, my sugar was controlled - never going over 180. With Januvia and Farxiga, my readings are in the high 100s, 200+ - I called my endo and told her I had stopped the Januvia (stomach ache is gone). She said to also stop Farxiga since it appears that both drugs are not helping my sugars. I am going back to my routine I had BEFORE Farxiga and Januvia. Those two drugs' cost is $1600 each for three months WITH excellent insurance."

• CAB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 3, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "I took Januvia for a few months to lower my A1C, prescribed by my endocrinologist’s APN, and my PCP took me off because she didn’t see the benefits and didn’t understand why I was prescribed it in the first place. My PCP said Januvia is usually prescribed for older patients (80 years +) with kidney issues. I am 50 and have no kidney problems, but I experienced horrible stomach issues on Januvia and regretted taking it. Why is this being prescribed? It didn’t work for me and didn’t lower my A1C. Period."

• Luc...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 2, 2019

For Type 2 Diabetes "Started Januvia a week and a half ago - metformin gave me major gastric distress. Januvia has been horrid - upper abdominal ache and constipation. My blood sugars have been very high since starting Januvia. Sugars have never been above 190 until Januvia. I am going back to metformin and deal with the diarrhea. I will let my doctor know what is going on again."

• Har...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 22, 2018

For Type 2 Diabetes "Terrible drug worked okay the first few weeks, then I began developing the most severe diarrhea and dysentery. I would spend 3 or 4 days glued to the toilet, going through 20 to 30 pairs of underwear (diapers). I was pooping in my sleep in bed. The dysentery went away when I discontinued the pills but came back immediately when I resumed taking them. Became dehydrated, shortness of breath, sweating, dizzy, vomiting, dry heaves, and felt weak. Severe stomach cramps ended up in the ER room with an IV drip of morphine to stop the pain. I almost died."

• Hor...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2023

For Type 2 Diabetes "I have been on Januvia 50 mg for a year with Metformin ever since after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes about 12 years ago. I had no side effects from Januvia during much of that time. It did lower my A1C significantly and reduced my hunger urges. Several months ago, I noticed an increase in diarrhea, and more recently, I have almost daily gas, bloating, and stomach aches that affect my sleep. I cannot account for these symptoms from food, as I gave up carbonated and diet drinks to no effect. I have contacted my doctor to hopefully find an alternative medication such as Jardiance, which may also benefit my congestive heart failure from a heart attack 4 years ago."