Key Points

• In clinical studies, Januvia (generic name: sitagliptin) treatment used by itself (as monotherapy) did not lead to weight gain in most patients.
• Januvia may be used with other type 2 diabetes medications, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin, to control blood sugar.
  • When used with metformin, the decrease in body weight in the groups given Januvia plus metformin was similar to those given metformin alone.
  • When Januvia was compared to the sulfonylureas glipizide, significant weight gain was seen in patients who received glipizide compared to a weight loss with Januvia.
  • When added to the sulfonylureas glimepiride or insulin, patients treated with Januvia experienced a mean increase in body weight.

• Januvia is only approved by the FDA to treat type 2 diabetes, in addition to diet and exercise. It is not approved to be used for weight loss only. However, maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of taking care of your diabetes.

What do Januvia studies say about weight gain or loss?

Compared to placebo

In two Phase III, 18 or 24 week, placebo controlled studies with 1262 patients with type 2 diabetes, the majority of those who received Januvia given by itself (monotherapy) did not gain weight, compared to a small decrease in weight with the placebo group.

In combination with metformin

Januvia may be frequently used in combination with other medicines for type 2 diabetes. Your doctor will determine your need for combination therapy based on your overall goals for treatment.

When used with metformin in studies, the decrease in body weight in the groups given Januvia plus metformin was similar to those given metformin alone.

Table 1: Weight loss for Januvia plus metformin compared to metformin alone