Is Januvia generic available yet?

Januvia is an expensive diabetes drug that helps to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. There is currently no generic for Januvia available in the United States. It is not yet known when the first generic version of Januvia will become available.

Find out the earliest possible release date for generic Januvia and learn more about other options to save money on this medication until a Januvia generic substitute will become available in the future.

What is Januvia (sitagliptin phosphate)?

Januvia (sitagliptin) is a once-daily prescription diabetes pill that contains the drug sitagliptin, a type of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It is manufactured by Merck, also known as MSD.

This mediation helps lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, in conjunction with diet and exercise. It is not approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 diabetes is a common medical condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high which results in high blood sugar. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) may include thirst, increased urination, drowsiness, confusion, rapid breathing, flushing, and fruity breath odor.

Januvia works by adjusting the levels of glucose and insulin that your body makes after eating. This medication is taken once per day and is used in conjunction with exercise and diet to improve blood sugar control.

This medication targets two primary problems in type 2 diabetes. It increases insulin production in the pancreas, and it decreases overproduction that occurs in the liver. When Januvia is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise, it has been shown to improve blood sugar control.

Januvia is also known to work by slowing the inactivation of incretin hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) that is released by your intestine throughout the day and in response to a meal. Incretin hormones are part of a complex system that helps to regulate your blood sugar.

It is available as a tablet in the dosage strengths 25 mg, 50mg, and 100 mg.

Januvia is considered a blockbuster diabetes drug for Merck, with estimated sales of over $3 billion in 2020, according to Merck’s 2021 financial results.

Merck also markets another prescription medication similar to Januvia called Janumet which includes the same active ingredient as Januvia, sitagliptin, with another popular drug called metformin. If your blood glucose is still high, your doctor may prescribe a second medication, such as metformin, to take with Januvia.

Sometimes, Januvia is also prescribed off-label for weight loss, although it is not FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved for weight loss.

Are there cheaper alternatives to Januvia?

Drug nameApproved usesSide effectsGeneric available
Janumet, Janumet XR (sitagliptan/metformin)Improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes (along with diet and exercise)Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, indigestion, gas, weakness, joint pain, headache, appetite loss, ovulation induction
Tradjenta (linagliptin)Improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes (along with diet and exercise)Low blood sugar, cough, cold diarrhea
Jardiance (empagliflozin)Improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes (along with diet and exercise); lower the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease; lower the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure and reduced ejection fractionURI, UTI, high cholesterol, genital fungal infection, nausea, joint pain
Invokana (empagliflozin)Improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes (along with diet and exercise); lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease; lower the risk of end-stage kidney disease and other complications in adults with type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathyIncreased cholesterol, low blood sugar, genital fungal infection, high potassium levels, UTI, orthostatic hypotension, thirst, nausea, constipation, fatigue, risk of lower limb amputation
Onglyza (saxagliptin)Improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes (along with diet and exercise)UTI, URI, UTI, low blood sugar, headache, swelling, vomiting, kidney problems, stomach pain
Nesina (alogliptin)Improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes (along with diet and exercise)URI, low blood sugar, URI, kidney problems, headache
Ozempic (semaglutide)Improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes (along with diet and exercise); lower risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart diseaseNausea, diarrhea, low blood sugar, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, burping, reflux, gas, diabetic retinopathy, indigestion, injection site reaction
Trulicity (dulaglutide)Improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes (along with diet and exercise); lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart diseaseNausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, low blood sugar, burping, stomach pain, gas, reflux, indigestion, injection site reaction, diabetic retinopathy
Farxiga (dapagliflozin)Improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes (along with diet and exercise); lower the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart disease and type 2 diabetes; lower the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction; lower the risk of kidney problems, hospitalization and death in adults with chronic kidney diseaseUTI, genital fungal infection, nausea, back pain, constipation, orthostatic hypotension, pain in the extremities,
Glucophage (metformin)Improve blood sugar control in adults and children (10+ years) with type 2 diabetes (along with diet and exercise)Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, indigestion, weakness, headache, appetite loss, ovulation induction
Victoza (liraglutide)Improve blood sugar control in adults and children (10+ years) with type 2 diabetes (along with diet and exercise); lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart diseaseNausea, diarrhea, vomiting, gas, indigestion, weakness, headache, appetite loss, ovulation induction

There are other several other alternatives to Januvia available that are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. These medications have different strengths, dosages, and indications.

How much will generic Januvia cost once it’s available?

As there are no currently no generic substitutes available on the market, it is not yet known how much the generic version of Januvia will cost. However, generic drugs are typically significantly less expensive than brand-name medications, so those with type 2 diabetes can expect to pay a lot less money for the generic substitute of Januvia once it becomes available in the United States.

When will generic Januvia become available?

It is not yet known exactly when the generic Januvia will become available. The manufacturer of Januvia, Merck, disclosed in its 2020 annual report that it is extending the Januvia patent by covering “certain phosphate salt and polymorphic forms of sitagliptin.”

Merck has made significant efforts to protect its patents for Januvia (sitagliptin) and has been involved in litigation with several U.S. generic pharmaceutical companies, including Mylan NV, now Viatris, and Par Pharmaceuticals, that have intentions to market the generic version of Januvia. It is expected that the earliest possible date for a generic substitute to become available is sometime in 2027. which is the earliest time Januvia generic will become available for sale. It’s possible that the manufacturer may obtain authorization to extend the patent which commonly occurs, so it’s not possible to definitively estimate the release date for the first generic.

The Januvia generic name is sitagliptin and will be available under this name once it is approved for sale in the United States. A generic drug is chemically equivalent to the brand name drug and is considered to be safe and effective.

Januvia side effects

The most common side effects of Januvia are known to be upper respiratory tract infection, headache, stuffy or runny nose, and sore throat.

Other possible serious side effects of Januvia are:

  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Heart failure
  • Kidney problems
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Joint pain
  • Skin reaction

This medication may have other possible side effects, including diarrhea and stomach upset, and swelling of the legs or hands, when Januvia is used with metformin (Glucophage) and rosiglitazone (Avandia), two other oral diabetes drugs.

Januvia is not to be used for the treatment of type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (increased ketones in the blood or urine).

It is unknown whether Januvia passes into breast milk. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while taking this medication.

Speak with your prescribing doctor about all of the possible drug interactions with any other prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. These are not all of the possible side effects of Januvia. You should always seek the medical advice of a licensed healthcare professional for any questions or concerns relating to your medical condition or treatment.

How much does Januvia cost?

The estimated cost for Januvia is around $550 for 30 tablets without insurance. Price may vary by pharmacy.

Why is Januvia so expensive?

Januvia is so expensive because it is a brand-name medication. Brand-name drugs are always more expensive than generic drugs. The FDA-approved generic of Januvia (sitagliptin) will be much cheaper when it becomes available.

How do I save money on Januvia?

Fortunately, there are several options that may help you save money until there is a generic of Januviaa available on the market:

  1. Januvia Coupon – Merck provides a discount coupon to eligible, privately insured individuals who may pay as little as $5 per prescription. Maximum savings is $150 per prescription.* The coupon may be redeemed once every 30 days. to insured patients who are eligible. Make sure to check the offer on the website as the terms and eligibility requirements can change.
  2. Patient assistance programs – find out if you are eligible for enrollment into the Januvia patient assistance program.
  3. Ask your prescribing doctor for free samples of Januvia – many pharmaceutical companies provide healthcare providers with free samples to provide to their patients in order to help them get started on the medication.
  4. Get medical advice from your healthcare professional and find out if there are any alternative treatment options – there are several lower-cost generic alternatives for Januvia that you can discuss with your prescribing doctor.
  5. Shop around for the lowest price at multiple mail-order pharmacies – the price for Januvia may vary by pharmacy so you should always check pricing at multiple pharmacies to find the lowest possible price.
  6. Januvia coupons – find out if there is a Januvia manufacturer coupon that can help you save money on this medication.
  7. Get help from Medicaid – find out if you are eligible for a state Medicaid plan that may cover the cost of Januvia.

Medically reviewed

A medical professional has reviewed this article.

Jamie Winn, PharmD
Jamie Winn, PharmD

Jamie Winn, PharmD

Medical Writer & Reviewer

Jamie Winn, PharmD

Medical Writer & Reviewer

Dr. Jamie Winn received his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2002 from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, SC. Jamie is a medical reviewer for NiceRx.

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The content on this website is intended for information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information on this website should not be relied upon and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always speak to your doctor regarding the risks and benefits of any treatment.
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