Comments on: Januvia is going to eat Byetta's lunch

By: Leahmann Westrick

Leahmann Westrick — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 06:53:04 +0000

Why don't type 1 diabetics use Januvia?

By: Dezi

Dezi — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:49:47 +0000

After being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes, I was put on METFORMIN. It worked really well decreasing my blood sugar, but I developed severe, debilitating diarrhea.

I have now been using BYETTA for a few months, with an increase in the dose, and it has done nothing for me except make me feel full all the time. Blood sugar numbers have not decreased; neither has my weight.

I'm going to ask my MD about JANUVIA, since it works in a different way. It reduces the destruction of GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide 1) which plays a critical role in pancreatic function and the regulation of blood sugar levels. I understand there are studies going on right now to find medications (TGR5 activator: INT-77) that will INCREASE GLP-1, with the great side effect of increasing cellular energy and reducing fat mass and obesity as well as blood sugar. I hope this is not too long a time coming. It makes a lot of sense to me.

I am a holistic health educator. I think everyone should remember there is no single panacea for everyone. Everybody is different, and there are complex metabolic processes going on in the body. Sometimes lifestyle changes help alone. Sometimes you need a pill or an injection to help. I am still looking for answers for myself!

I wish you health and happiness.

Dezi

By: Mrs Mander

Mrs Mander — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:40:21 +0000

I am taking Januvia, but I have only recently begun restricting my calorie intake. I do not want injections (Byetta), so I'm becoming more serious about my current regimen: Januvia and Glucophage. The generic (Glucophage) gives me stomach pains. I have no problems with Januvia.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 04:07:31 +0000

I've been taking Byetta for over a year now, (a "10" dose in the morning, a "10" dose before dinner, and a "5" dose at bedtime). I have been taking it in conjunction with glucophage xr (metformin): 1500 mg daily. While my blood sugars are improved, I've lost NO weight on Byetta, despite a carefully tracked 1200 calorie per day, 30% carb nutrition plan which is implemented at 5 mini meals a day, 2 hours of ZUMBA a week, 2 hours of cardio kickboxing a week, 2 hours of weight training a week, and 3 hours of Iyengar yoga a week (I am the instructor for the latter). I have had my BMR calculated for baseline purposes, and my bodyfat by electrical impedence. Since using Byetta, I've gained body fat and lost lean muscle. Go figure.

My endo put me on Janumet today…. one tab (50/500)to be taken with dinner. I'm still to take the Byetta and glucophage xr. Ignorant as this sounds, I could give a rip if it lowers my postprandial BG readings (they're already fairly controled on the byetta and metformin alone). I am seriously needing and wanting to lose fat. If Janumet/Januvia does the trick, then I"ll be one happy T2!

By: Carol W

Carol W — Fri, 22 May 2009 19:16:57 +0000

I have recently been diagnosed with Type II diabetes. My doctor prescribed Metformin which I took as directed. Within 4 days I began have sever diahrreah (with a lot of blood) and stomach cramps. Of course, I called my Dr. immediately and was told to stop taking it. I'm wondering if these side effects would go away if I continued on the Metformin.

By: John S.

John S. — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:16:39 +0000

I tried Byetta and it worked great as a weight loss medicine. the only problem is it made me sick. Several times I had to get out of the car and upchuck. I liked the lose in weight but it didn't beat the sickness. I now use juniva and it is working pretty good.

By: d riccitiello

d riccitiello — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:56:00 +0000

have been on januvia for about 2 months – along with 1000 ml of metformin daily (no problems with insurance copay) BUT terrible problem with flatulence – morning, night, all day no matter what I eat or if I eat.

By: DonS

DonS — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:59:55 +0000

I was put on Byetta about 2years ago. Before that my regular MD had me on Glucovance(metformin/glyburide). My blood sugars were all over the place. Even down in the 30's! My weight was out of control even though I tried to watch what I ate, cutting the carbs and mostly proteins. My hA1C levels looked good, but I felt like crap most of the time because of my sugar swings.

I decided to go to an endocrinologist for help. There I was put on 1000mg of Metformin(glucophage), Byetta, and Fish Oil. At first 5 and then 10 twice a day. God I was so sick for the first 3 months or so. Never threw up, but the nausea was unbelievable. What keep me going was the weight loss, >30# and I managed to keep it off and still kept loosing. Didn't mind the injection, but keeping the Byetta refrigerated and with me working out of town, proved a hassle. Always thought that a single (throw away) dose would be perfect for those situations.

Then, all of a sudden, I started throwing up, without rhyme or reason. Just started feeling bad, tired, no energy, and an aversion to food. My endocrinologist thought I was beginning to show symptoms of pancreatitis and did the blood work to verify. I was taking off the Byetta and given Januvia, (100). Also, my test revealed that my Vitamin D was extremely low, even though I include a multivitamin with Vitamin D in my daily pill regime.

Must say that I feel better. My appetite has become better, but I don't seem to overeat. Haven't been on the scales yet, but my concern is weight gain. Blood sugars seem good, average around 125-130, even in the morning, where I use to have problems with my liver putting out to much sugar overnight. I'll stay on Januvia as long as it seems to work and there's no weight gain.

By: Caryn D.

Caryn D. — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:28:22 +0000

P.S. The 48 hour wait to take Metformin is after a CT test. I failed to mention this in the post above. I am not sure why their is a wait, but it could be because of the contrast solutions. Thanks all! Caryn from Ohio

By: Caryn D.

Caryn D. — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 19:25:08 +0000

Just wanted to report (see my post from 7/14/2008) that I did try the Januvia and ended up with an allergic recation. If you listen to the TV ads, they talk about rash, hives, swollen face and lips. I had that and ended up have to get a shot to recover. Now I am back to getting the Byetta filled. Still not a big fan of sticking myself, but I will try it. ALERT: If any of you go for a CT Scan, be sure to find out if Metformin should be stopped before the test. I did not know until I finished the test that they require you to avoid your Metformin for 48 hours. Luckily I also had not taken it for a few days prior to the test. I have heard that it is best to avoid medicines prior to tests because they can give false readings.

By: Sandi

Sandi — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 18:38:08 +0000

I was on Januvia two months ago (samples) for 1 month. Did absolutely NOTHING to my blood sugar (200-300) range. I was also on Metformin. Then, I went off januvia and added glimepiride (8 mg). Blood sugars went down, but still not quite enough. I asked to be put on Byetta. It costs me $35 a month co-pay. I had to cut my glimepiride to 4 mg (and only during the second half of my menstrual cycle…when my sugars are higher) as I go low at night when I stay on the glimepiride with the metformin ER and the Byetta. This drug is a Godsend for me. No weight loss, but I'm not that overweight and so I'm happy just to have good blood sugar control now!

By: Caryn D.

Caryn D. — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:11:42 +0000

Some folks being put in Byetta along with Metformin deal with PCOS (Polycystic Overian Syndrome)- insulin resistance and are not considered to be diabetic. I am one of these persons who has PCOS, Hypothyroidism and is overweight. I have not filled my Byetta script even though I have been told I would only pay 25.00 a month (not including the needles). I have held off on filling it because I had heard about Januvia. I really do not want to be dealing with an injection if Januvia will give me the same results. FYI, Byetta no longer has to be kept cold from what I have been told. Anyway, is there anyone else out there (those of you posting) who is dealing with PCOS, hypothyroidism and is not diabetic?

By: Chris

Chris — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 21:37:17 +0000

I had horrible uncontrolled diabetes on metformin and glipizide alone. I was either too high or too low all the time and felt really bad. I was also wanting to eat everything in sight!
The byetta really changed my life. In 3 months my A1C went from 9.3 to 6.7 and I lost 20 pounds. I had nausea and heartburn really bad with the byetta both when I started the 5mcg and then 10. My endocrinologist had me take 150mg per day of zantac (available over the counter but check for drug interactions with your pharmacist before taking it) and it stopped the severe indigestion and nausea. Eventually I was able to stop taking the zantac altogether as my body adjusted to the byetta. If you can hang in there long enough, the symptoms go away with time. I currently take metformin, glipizide and byetta, but the glipizide is now the lowest dose you can take- half of a 5mg tablet twice a day. I was on a much higher dose before.

By: RJS

RJS — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:56:53 +0000

They're slowly coming around — insurers are realizing that it's (WAY) cheaper than Byetta, so more of them are getting on the bandwagon.

This might sound strange, but for a relatively new drug, Januvia isn't particularly expensive, even when your insurer doesn't cover it.

By: Claude

Claude — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 20:52:52 +0000

I have just started taking Januvia samples 8 days ago and I have seen amazing results. My morning numbers have gone from around 138 to around 115 or less. My between meals numbers are now under 95, sometimes in the high 80s. And my 2 hour post meal numbers have been incredible – mostly around 115 or less even after eating (for testing purposes only) pizza, pasta, french toast and raspberry cheese cake. I haven't tried Byetta, but I can say that Januvia has been great so far. My main worry now is getting my insurance company to approve it, but with these numbers I will fight them tooth and nail if they don't.

By: Yolanda

Yolanda — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 21:24:10 +0000

I would like to know if Januvia 1/2 tablet with Byetta would help me. I was told to stop Actos 45 because of joint pain and will try Januvia with the Byetta. I feel like Byetta is a good thing I have lost a little weight not much. Any major side effects that you know of?
yolanda

By: Jim Stewart

Jim Stewart — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:43:40 +0000

Byetta – no nausea, BG down below 110 from spikes as high as 300. Some sinus aches at times but nothing of consequence or lasting.

By: William G Rodgers

William G Rodgers — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 02:53:00 +0000

I have used Byetta to great results both in sugar control and weight loss ( about 18 #)
the nausa that came at all unexpected times and almost total loss of bowel control prompted me to go back to glucatrol. athe weight did come back slowly 9partly my fault). I am now working to get to Merck's Januvia, as a retiree of merck I can get their medications free, this is also a consideration. not a primary one at present.
Byetta's injection sachedule seems to alyays be in conflict with trying to keep up with life's demands, the storage of pens in cold and having somewhere to keep them when travel is requires light baggage. The nausa that creeps up and bites one at unexpected times is often a pain. The people I've spoken to that were using Byetta seem to have most of the same side effects, some less some worse.

By: RJS

RJS — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 11:29:53 +0000

Generally speaking, one maxes out the biguanide before adding another drug. (Typically you don't replace metformin with another drug, you simply add to the metformin regimen.)

But diabetes is a tricky disease, so I'm not really sure.

And the fish oil is fine.

By: Robert Wright

Robert Wright — Thu, 26 Apr 2007 22:20:06 +0000

I was taking Metforin and my sugar level had been well controlled. Recently it went up to almost 300 and my doctor changed my Rx to Januvia. I have been taking 100 mg each day for over two weeks with not improvement. The only recent meds change was prescription fish oil which should not have affected my sugar level. Comments?