Januvia and Alcohol Interaction
Januvia and Alcohol
Januvia generic name sitagliptin belongs to the family of oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels and works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating. It is used to treat people with type 2 diabetes which is non-insulin-dependent diabetes and is sometimes used in combination with other diabetes medications.
It is not used for treating type 1 diabetes.
It is suggested that only moderate alcohol consumption be considered as alcohol will greatly increase the side effects. Do not use this drug if you are allergic to Januvia or are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis.
At this time the medical community defines moderate consumption of alcohol as no more than two drinks per day and no more than 14 drinks per week. Anything more than that is considered an unhealthy dependency on alcohol that may have adverse social, family and health consequences.
If a person drinks only once or twice a week but drinks on the same days each week and more than two drinks this is considered as an alcohol dependency.
If a person binge drinks at any time during the week this is also considered as alcoholism.
Some consider alcoholism as a disease while others consider it an addiction which is the result of personal choice and character fault. This school of thought blames the alcoholism on life style choices.
Personally I consider alcoholism a genetic tendency as I have seen families of alcoholics even when they live far apart. These unfortunate people are probably dependent on alcohol from the first drink.
When alcohol interacts with prescription over the counter drugs it usually results in negative health effects most especially liver damage as the main organ affected.
It is suggested that before taking this or any other drug you have a frank and honest discussion with your physician as to your drinking habits. This may be difficult as many alcoholics are in a state of denial as to their drinking habits.
I have also noticed that many alcoholics are not subject to the morning after illness that most of us suffer through when we drink too much. Severe alcoholics usually find if they feel “shakey” in the morning, a drink will make them feel more normal.
Be careful to not let your blood sugar get too low (hypoglycemia) as this may happen if you skip a meal, exercise too much, drink alcohol or are under stress. Symptoms for such are headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, tremor, irritability or trouble concentrating. Carry hard candy or a sugar source such as orange juice or milk to offset this.
Before taking Januvia advise your physician if allergic to this or any other drug or substance, are pregnant, plan to be so, are breastfeeding, have kidney disease, on dialysis or a history of pancreatitis.
Side Effects
Less serious side effects are runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, nausea, stomach pain or diarrhea. If these occur call your physician for advice.
Serious side effects are severe allergic reaction such as hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, pancreatitis as indicated by severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite or fast heart rate, fever sore throat, headache with severe blistering, peeling and red skin rash. If these occur get emergency medical help.
This site serves as an information source only and does not dispense medical advice or any other kind of advice. If you are seeking medical advice you are advised to consult your own physician.
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