Let's take a minute to talk about your medication.

This is Januvia, and it helps treat type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood sugar in two ways:
* It helps your liver make less sugar, and
* It helps your pancreas make more insulin 

Over time, healthy blood sugar levels may protect you from serious health problems, like damage to your eyes, nerves and kidneys. 

Januvia is taken once a day, at the same time each day. You should take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. You can take it with or without food.

Most patients tolerate this medicine well. Common side effects include a headache, symptoms of a head cold, or a stuffy or runny nose with a sore throat. These are normal if they are mild, and they  should go away. If these or other side effects become reasons you want to stop taking it, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.  

Low blood sugar is not likely with Januvia. It could happen, though, if you also take certain other diabetes medicines. Your doctor will tell you when to check your blood sugar, and what your goal is. Together, you should make a plan of how to treat it if it is low or high.

As with any medicine, rare but serious side effects could occur. With Januvia, this includes allergic reactions, joint pain, and kidney problems. Pancreatitis could also occur. You should call your doctor right away if you have pain in your stomach area that is severe and does not go away. To help keep this medicine safe for you, your doctor will follow you closely. You should read the Medication Guide for full information.

For best results with Januvia, be sure to follow the diet and exercise program that your doctor recommends.