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Drug Info

Januvia generic availability, cost, and dosage

Generic Januvia is not yet available in the U.S., but there are similar alternatives
Rx bottle: Is there a Januvia generic?

Key takeaways

  • Januvia is a popular DPP-4 inhibitor used to manage Type 2 diabetes but has no generic equivalent in the U.S. yet.

  • A generic version of Januvia may become available in 2026 after the expiration of its key patent.

  • Zituvio, a generic form of sitagliptin, is FDA-approved but not interchangeable with Januvia.

  • Januvia and Zituvio share the same active ingredient and therapeutic effects but differ in cost and appearance.

Januvia, a brand name for sitagliptin, is a commonly prescribed drug for Type 2 diabetes, with almost 8 million total prescriptions reported in 2022. It is classified as a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that works alongside diet and exercise to help manage high blood sugar levels. It helps slow the breakdown of incretins, hormones that help increase insulin secretion and reduce glucose production in the liver.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Januvia in 2006. Since then, many healthcare providers have recommended this medication as part of a daily plan to manage blood sugar levels. However, many are still left wondering whether Januvia is available as a cost-saving generic and when that may happen. 

Is there a generic for Januvia?

No generic version of Januvia is available in the United States, but this could change in 2026 when the main patent expires. Two key patents protect Januvia and its combination with metformin (Janumet). The first patent, covering the dihydrogen phosphate salt of sitagliptin, expires on November 24, 2026. The second patent for Janumet lasts until January 21, 2029.

Merck, the company that makes these drugs, has been involved in legal disputes with Viatris over these patents. In addition, Merck has made deals with several generic manufacturers, allowing them to sell their versions of Januvia and Janumet as early as May 2026 and Janumet XR (extended-release tablets) by July 2026, depending on certain conditions. Generic approvals could provide more affordable options for people who need these medications.

While no generic version of Januvia is currently available, a generic version of sitagliptin is available under a different brand name: Zituvio, which received FDA approval in 2023. However, Zituvio is not a generic equivalent of Januvia.

What are the differences between brand-name and generic sitagliptin?

Both brand-name Januvia and generic sitagliptin are taken as oral tablets. They are part of a class of medications known as DPP-4 inhibitors, which help manage blood glucose levels in people with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. They both have identical dosages, typically 100 mg daily with or without food, although the dosage may be lower in people with kidney disease. 

Regarding specific differences, the brand name Januvia and the generic form of sitagliptin, Zituvio, can vary in different ways. Januvia contains sitagliptin phosphate, while Zituvio includes the free base form of sitagliptin. In addition, oral tablets often come in unique shapes and colors, as different manufacturers make them: Merck manufactures Januvia, while Zydus Pharmaceuticals makes Zituvio. Despite these differences, both must meet the same quality and safety standards the FDA sets. However, keep in mind that Zituvio is not a generic version of Januvia.

Healthcare providers may prescribe either form based on cost, availability, or patient preference. Generic drugs are typically more affordable than brand-name drugs, making them an accessible option for many patients.

Januvia (sitagliptin)
Uses
  • Type 2 diabetes
Standard dosage
  • 100 mg once daily
Common side effects
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Stuffy or runny nose
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
Contraindications
  • History of hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to sitagliptin or any ingredients in the medication
Other considerations
  • You can take Januvia with or without food.
  • Januvia is not approved to treat Type 1 diabetes. 
  • Some people have experienced inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) after taking Januvia. If you notice symptoms like severe stomach pain, consult a healthcare provider right away.
  • There have been cases of heart failure with similar medications. If you have a history of heart problems, talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Januvia.
  • Some patients have reported kidney failure, which sometimes required dialysis. A doctor will check for kidney problems before starting treatment and regularly after that.
  • There is a higher risk of low blood sugar if you take Januvia with insulin or other medications that lower sugar levels. 
  • Serious allergic reactions, including hives and shortness of breath, have been reported. Stop taking Januvia and contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
  • Some people have experienced severe joint pain while taking this medication. 
  • There have been reports of a skin reaction called bullous pemphigoid that causes blisters. If you notice any blisters or sores, let your doctor know immediately, and stop taking Januvia if necessary.
  • There is an increased risk of hypoglycemia, particularly when sitagliptin is used with insulin or insulin secretagogues, such as sulfonylureas or meglitinides.

How much is generic sitagliptin?

A generic version of Januvia is not yet available on the market. Once it becomes available, it is expected to be significantly less expensive than the brand-name version. 

Zituvo, the generic version of sitagliptin, may be cheaper than Januvia. However, because it’s not a generic of Januvia, a healthcare provider will need to be consulted before Zituvio can be substituted for Januvia. Zituvio is also available as a generic version that can be purchased for $80 at certain pharmacies.

Prices for Januvia or other versions can vary depending on the pharmacy and location. Although prices can change, using price comparison tools or checking different pharmacies might help in finding a better deal. Factors such as availability and regional demand can also influence the price. 

Prescription discount cards like those from SingleCare might offer savings on Januvia’s retail cost. These programs sometimes provide coupons that reduce the price and can be especially handy if insurance coverage is limited. 

Brand vs. generic sitagliptin prices
Brand-name Januvia Generic sitagliptin (Zituvio)
Average cost without insurance $777 for 30, 100 mg tablets of Januvia $544 for 30, 100 mg tablets of Zituvio
SingleCare’s lowest price $285 for 30, 100 mg tablets of Januvia $102 for 30, 100 mg tablets of Zituvio
Free coupons Januvia coupons Zituvio coupons

What are the off-label uses for Januvia?

Other than the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, Januvia may sometimes be prescribed for off-label uses, which means it might be given for reasons not officially approved by health authorities. For example, doctors may sometimes use Januvia to help with weight loss or to make the body use insulin better in people with metabolic syndrome, even though these uses aren’t specifically approved.

Weight management

Some healthcare providers might suggest Januvia because it could help with weight management. People using Januvia have reported losing weight, even though the FDA hasn’t officially approved it for this purpose. This weight loss might be related to how the drug affects hormones that manage hunger and metabolism.

Prediabetes or insulin resistance

In some situations, doctors may suggest Januvia for people with pre-diabetes or insulin resistance. Their goal is to help prevent these conditions from becoming Type 2 diabetes. Januvia works by increasing certain hormones that help lower blood sugar levels. This use of the medication is not officially approved but is aimed at slowing down or lowering the chances of developing full-blown diabetes.

Gestational diabetes

While it’s not a standard treatment, some doctors may use Januvia for gestational diabetes. This option might be considered for women who have trouble controlling their blood sugar during pregnancy and want alternatives to insulin. It’s important for healthcare providers to closely monitor the situation to keep both the mother and baby safe during the treatment.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Januvia can also be prescribed off-label to treat PCOS. The focus is helping manage blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity since many women with PCOS have insulin resistance. By affecting certain hormones, Januvia aims to help with symptoms like irregular menstrual cycles and support overall metabolic health.

Off-label uses of Januvia can vary based on a person’s health situation and their doctor’s judgment. Because these uses are not officially approved, it’s important to have clear discussions with a healthcare professional. 

How to switch from Januvia to generic sitagliptin

Switching from brand-name Januvia to Zituvio or the generic form of sitagliptin is relatively straightforward. Both medications contain the same active ingredient and have the same dosages. However, switching from Januvia to Zituvio requires approval from the prescribing healthcare provider.

Before making the switch, consider the following:

  • Consultation: Before making any changes to your medication, it’s important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. They will review your current medications and determine if sitagliptin is right for you.
  • Dosing: Januvia and generic sitagliptin usually have the same dosing schedule. This means you can switch from one to the other without changing how you take the medication.
  • Side effects: Brand-name and generic drugs may cause similar side effects. If you notice any new, worsening, or serious side effects, reach out to your healthcare provider right away for guidance. Discuss other medical conditions and other medications you may be taking, such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements, before starting a new drug. 
  • Monitoring: It’s important to have regular check-ups with a healthcare provider after switching medications. These visits can help keep track of blood sugar levels and other related health issues. Keeping a log of symptoms or side effects is also helpful, as it allows healthcare providers to adjust treatment if necessary.
  • Pharmacy substitution: Pharmacists may recommend a generic over a brand-name medication when a generic form is preferred, provided there’s no “medically necessary” note for Januvia on the prescription. However, pharmacies can’t substitute Zituvio for Januvia without approval from the healthcare provider. 

Switching requires close collaboration with a healthcare provider to ensure a smooth and effective transition. Always seek medical advice when making changes to diabetes medications.