Drug Detail:Januvia (Sitagliptin [ si-ta-glip-tin ])
Drug Class: Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors
Highlights of Prescribing Information
JANUVIA® (sitagliptin) tablets, for oral use
Initial U.S. Approval: 2006
Indications and Usage for Januvia
JANUVIA is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. (1)
Limitations of Use:
- JANUVIA should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes (1)
- JANUVIA has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis. (1, 5.1)
Januvia Dosage and Administration
The recommended dose of JANUVIA is 100 mg once daily. JANUVIA can be taken with or without food. (2.1)
Dosage adjustment is recommended for patients with eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2. (2.2)
eGFR greater than or equal to 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 to less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 | eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (including patients with end stage renal disease [ESRD] on dialysis) |
50 mg once daily | 25 mg once daily |
Dosage Forms and Strengths
Tablets: 100 mg, 50 mg, and 25 mg (3)
Contraindications
History of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to sitagliptin, such as anaphylaxis or angioedema (5.5, 6.2)
Warnings and Precautions
- Pancreatitis: There have been postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected, promptly discontinue JANUVIA. (5.1)
- Heart failure: Heart failure has been observed with two other members of the DPP-4 inhibitor class. Consider risks and benefits of JANUVIA in patients who have known risk factors for heart failure. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms. (5.2)
- Acute Renal Failure: Has been reported postmarketing, sometimes requiring dialysis. Assessment of renal function is recommended prior to initiating JANUVIA and periodically thereafter. (5.3)
- Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues: Increased risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination with insulin and/or an insulin secretagogue. Lower dose of insulin or insulin secretagogue may be required. (5.4, 7.1)
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: There have been postmarketing reports of serious allergic and hypersensitivity reactions in patients treated with JANUVIA such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, and exfoliative skin conditions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Promptly stop JANUVIA, assess for other potential causes, institute appropriate monitoring and treatment. (5.5, 6.2)
- Severe and Disabling Arthralgia: Has been reported in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors. Consider as a possible cause for severe joint pain and discontinue drug if appropriate. (5.6)
- Bullous Pemphigoid: There have been postmarketing reports requiring hospitalization in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors. Tell patients to report development of blisters or erosions. If bullous pemphigoid is suspected, discontinue JANUVIA. (5.7)
Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
Adverse reactions reported in ≥5% of patients treated with JANUVIA and more commonly than in patients treated with placebo are: upper respiratory tract infection, nasopharyngitis and headache. In the add-on to sulfonylurea and add-on to insulin studies, hypoglycemia was also more commonly reported in patients treated with JANUVIA compared to placebo. (6.1)
To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC at 1-877-888-4231 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
See 17 for PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION and Medication Guide.
Revised: 7/2023
Related/similar drugs
metformin, Trulicity, Lantus, Victoza, Tresiba, LevemirFull Prescribing Information
1. Indications and Usage for Januvia
JANUVIA® is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Limitations of Use
JANUVIA should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes.
JANUVIA has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis. It is unknown whether patients with a history of pancreatitis are at increased risk for the development of pancreatitis while using JANUVIA. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.1).]
2. Januvia Dosage and Administration
2.1 Recommended Dosing
The recommended dose of JANUVIA is 100 mg once daily. JANUVIA can be taken with or without food.
2.2 Recommendations for Use in Renal Impairment
Assess renal function prior to initiation of JANUVIA and periodically thereafter.
For patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] greater than or equal to 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 to less than 90 mL/min/1.73 m2, no dosage adjustment for JANUVIA is required.
For patients with moderate renal impairment (eGFR greater than or equal to 30 mL/min/1.73 m2 to less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2), the dose of JANUVIA is 50 mg once daily.
For patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR less than 30 mL/min/1.73 m2) or with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) requiring hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, the dose of JANUVIA is 25 mg once daily. JANUVIA may be administered without regard to the timing of dialysis.
3. Dosage Forms and Strengths
- 100 mg tablets are beige, round, film-coated tablets with "277" on one side.
- 50 mg tablets are light beige, round, film-coated tablets with "112" on one side.
- 25 mg tablets are pink, round, film-coated tablets with "221" on one side.
4. Contraindications
History of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to sitagliptin, such as anaphylaxis or angioedema. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.5); Adverse Reactions (6.2).]
5. Warnings and Precautions
5.1 Pancreatitis
There have been postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, in patients taking JANUVIA. After initiation of JANUVIA, patients should be observed carefully for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected, JANUVIA should promptly be discontinued and appropriate management should be initiated. It is unknown whether patients with a history of pancreatitis are at increased risk for the development of pancreatitis while using JANUVIA.
5.2 Heart Failure
An association between dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor treatment and heart failure has been observed in cardiovascular outcomes trials for two other members of the DPP-4 inhibitor class. These trials evaluated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Consider the risks and benefits of JANUVIA prior to initiating treatment in patients at risk for heart failure, such as those with a prior history of heart failure and a history of renal impairment, and observe these patients for signs and symptoms of heart failure during therapy. Advise patients of the characteristic symptoms of heart failure and to immediately report such symptoms. If heart failure develops, evaluate and manage according to current standards of care and consider discontinuation of JANUVIA.
5.3 Acute Renal Failure
There have been postmarketing reports of worsening renal function, including acute renal failure, sometimes requiring dialysis. A subset of these reports involved patients with renal impairment, some of whom were prescribed inappropriate doses of sitagliptin. A return to baseline levels of renal impairment has been observed with supportive treatment and discontinuation of potentially causative agents. Consideration can be given to cautiously reinitiating JANUVIA if another etiology is deemed likely to have precipitated the acute worsening of renal function.
Assessment of renal function is recommended prior to initiating JANUVIA and periodically thereafter. A dosage adjustment is recommended in patients with moderate or severe renal impairment and in patients with ESRD requiring hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. [See Dosage and Administration (2.2); Use in Specific Populations (8.6).]
5.4 Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues
When JANUVIA was used in combination with insulin or insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylurea), medications known to cause hypoglycemia, the incidence of hypoglycemia was increased over that of placebo used in combination with a sulfonylurea or with insulin. [See Adverse Reactions (6.1).] Therefore, a lower dose of sulfonylurea or insulin may be required to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. [See Drug Interactions (7.1).]
5.5 Hypersensitivity Reactions
There have been postmarketing reports of serious hypersensitivity reactions in patients treated with JANUVIA. These reactions include anaphylaxis, angioedema, and exfoliative skin conditions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Onset of these reactions occurred within the first 3 months after initiation of treatment with JANUVIA, with some reports occurring after the first dose. If a hypersensitivity reaction is suspected, discontinue JANUVIA, assess for other potential causes for the event, and institute alternative treatment for diabetes. [See Adverse Reactions (6.2).]
Angioedema has also been reported with other DPP-4 inhibitors. Use caution in a patient with a history of angioedema with another DPP-4 inhibitor because it is unknown whether such patients will be predisposed to angioedema with JANUVIA.
5.6 Severe and Disabling Arthralgia
There have been postmarketing reports of severe and disabling arthralgia in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors. The time to onset of symptoms following initiation of drug therapy varied from one day to years. Patients experienced relief of symptoms upon discontinuation of the medication. A subset of patients experienced a recurrence of symptoms when restarting the same drug or a different DPP-4 inhibitor. Consider DPP-4 inhibitors as a possible cause for severe joint pain and discontinue drug if appropriate.
5.7 Bullous Pemphigoid
Postmarketing cases of bullous pemphigoid requiring hospitalization have been reported with DPP-4 inhibitor use. In reported cases, patients typically recovered with topical or systemic immunosuppressive treatment and discontinuation of the DPP-4 inhibitor. Tell patients to report development of blisters or erosions while receiving JANUVIA. If bullous pemphigoid is suspected, JANUVIA should be discontinued and referral to a dermatologist should be considered for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
6. Adverse Reactions/Side Effects
The following adverse reactions are also discussed elsewhere in the labeling:
- Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
- Heart Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
- Acute Renal Failure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
- Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin or Insulin Secretagogues [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
- Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
- Severe and Disabling Arthralgia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
- Bullous Pemphigoid [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
In controlled clinical studies as both monotherapy and combination therapy with metformin, pioglitazone, or rosiglitazone and metformin, the overall incidence of adverse reactions, hypoglycemia, and discontinuation of therapy due to clinical adverse reactions with JANUVIA were similar to placebo. In combination with glimepiride, with or without metformin, the overall incidence of clinical adverse reactions with JANUVIA was higher than with placebo, in part related to a higher incidence of hypoglycemia (see Table 3); the incidence of discontinuation due to clinical adverse reactions was similar to placebo.
Two placebo-controlled monotherapy studies, one of 18- and one of 24-week duration, included patients treated with JANUVIA 100 mg daily, JANUVIA 200 mg daily, and placebo. Five placebo-controlled add-on combination therapy studies were also conducted: one with metformin; one with pioglitazone; one with metformin and rosiglitazone; one with glimepiride (with or without metformin); and one with insulin (with or without metformin). In these trials, patients with inadequate glycemic control on a stable dose of the background therapy were randomized to add-on therapy with JANUVIA 100 mg daily or placebo. The adverse reactions, excluding hypoglycemia, reported regardless of investigator assessment of causality in ≥5% of patients treated with JANUVIA 100 mg daily and more commonly than in patients treated with placebo, are shown in Table 1 for the clinical trials of at least 18 weeks duration. Incidences of hypoglycemia are shown in Table 3.
Number of Patients (%) | ||
|
||
Monotherapy (18 or 24 weeks) | JANUVIA 100 mg | Placebo |
N = 443 | N = 363 | |
Nasopharyngitis | 23 (5.2) | 12 (3.3) |
Combination with Pioglitazone (24
weeks) |
JANUVIA 100 mg + Pioglitazone |
Placebo + Pioglitazone |
N = 175 | N = 178 | |
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | 11 (6.3) | 6 (3.4) |
Headache | 9 (5.1) | 7 (3.9) |
Combination with Metformin + Rosiglitazone (18 weeks) |
JANUVIA 100 mg + Metformin+ Rosiglitazone |
Placebo + Metformin+ Rosiglitazone |
N = 181 | N = 97 | |
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection | 10 (5.5) | 5 (5.2) |
Nasopharyngitis | 11 (6.1) | 4 (4.1) |
Combination with Glimepiride (+/- Metformin) (24 weeks) |
JANUVIA 100 mg + Glimepiride (+/- Metformin) |
Placebo + Glimepiride (+/- Metformin) |
N = 222 | N = 219 | |
Nasopharyngitis | 14 (6.3) | 10 (4.6) |
Headache | 13 (5.9) | 5 (2.3) |
In the 24-week study of patients receiving JANUVIA as add-on combination therapy with metformin, there were no adverse reactions reported regardless of investigator assessment of causality in ≥5% of patients and more commonly than in patients given placebo.
In the 24-week study of patients receiving JANUVIA as add-on therapy to insulin (with or without metformin), there were no adverse reactions reported regardless of investigator assessment of causality in ≥5% of patients and more commonly than in patients given placebo, except for hypoglycemia (see Table 3).
In the study of JANUVIA as add-on combination therapy with metformin and rosiglitazone (Table 1), through Week 54 the adverse reactions reported regardless of investigator assessment of causality in ≥5% of patients treated with JANUVIA and more commonly than in patients treated with placebo were: upper respiratory tract infection (JANUVIA, 15.5%; placebo, 6.2%), nasopharyngitis (11.0%, 9.3%), peripheral edema (8.3%, 5.2%), and headache (5.5%, 4.1%).
In a pooled analysis of the two monotherapy studies, the add-on to metformin study, and the add-on to pioglitazone study, the incidence of selected gastrointestinal adverse reactions in patients treated with JANUVIA was as follows: abdominal pain (JANUVIA 100 mg, 2.3%; placebo, 2.1%), nausea (1.4%, 0.6%), and diarrhea (3.0%, 2.3%).
In an additional, 24-week, placebo-controlled factorial study of initial therapy with sitagliptin in combination with metformin, the adverse reactions reported (regardless of investigator assessment of causality) in ≥5% of patients are shown in Table 2.
Number of Patients (%) | ||||
|
||||
Placebo |
Sitagliptin
(JANUVIA)
|
Metformin HCl 500 or 1000 mg bid† |
Sitagliptin 50 mg bid + Metformin HCl 500 or 1000 mg bid† |
|
N = 176 | N = 179 | N = 364† | N = 372† | |
Upper Respiratory Infection | 9 (5.1) | 8 (4.5) | 19 (5.2) | 23 (6.2) |
Headache | 5 (2.8) | 2 (1.1) | 14 (3.8) | 22 (5.9) |
In a 24-week study of initial therapy with JANUVIA in combination with pioglitazone, there were no adverse reactions reported (regardless of investigator assessment of causality) in ≥5% of patients and more commonly than in patients given pioglitazone alone.
No clinically meaningful changes in vital signs or in ECG (including in QTc interval) were observed in patients treated with JANUVIA.
In a pooled analysis of 19 double-blind clinical trials that included data from 10,246 patients randomized to receive sitagliptin 100 mg/day (N=5429) or corresponding (active or placebo) control (N=4817), the incidence of acute pancreatitis was 0.1 per 100 patient-years in each group (4 patients with an event in 4708 patient-years for sitagliptin and 4 patients with an event in 3942 patient-years for control).
Hypoglycemia
In the above studies (N=9), adverse reactions of hypoglycemia were based on all reports of symptomatic hypoglycemia. A concurrent blood glucose measurement was not required although most (74%) reports of hypoglycemia were accompanied by a blood glucose measurement ≤70 mg/dL. When JANUVIA was coadministered with a sulfonylurea or with insulin, the percentage of patients with at least one adverse reaction of hypoglycemia was higher than in the corresponding placebo group (Table 3).
Add-On to Glimepiride (+/- Metformin) (24 weeks) |
JANUVIA 100 mg + Glimepiride (+/- Metformin) |
Placebo + Glimepiride (+/- Metformin) |
|
||
N = 222 | N = 219 | |
Overall (%) | 27 (12.2) | 4 (1.8) |
Rate (episodes/patient-year)† | 0.59 | 0.24 |
Severe (%)‡ | 0 (0.0) | 0 (0.0) |
Add-On to Insulin (+/- Metformin) (24 weeks) |
JANUVIA 100 mg + Insulin (+/- Metformin) |
Placebo + Insulin (+/- Metformin) |
N = 322 | N = 319 | |
Overall (%) | 50 (15.5) | 25 (7.8) |
Rate (episodes/patient-year)† | 1.06 | 0.51 |
Severe (%)‡ | 2 (0.6) | 1 (0.3) |
In a pooled analysis of the two monotherapy studies, the add-on to metformin study, and the add-on to pioglitazone study, the overall incidence of adverse reactions of hypoglycemia was 1.2% in patients treated with JANUVIA 100 mg and 0.9% in patients treated with placebo.
In the study of JANUVIA as add-on combination therapy with metformin and rosiglitazone, the overall incidence of hypoglycemia was 2.2% in patients given add-on JANUVIA and 0.0% in patients given add-on placebo through Week 18. Through Week 54, the overall incidence of hypoglycemia was 3.9% in patients given add-on JANUVIA and 1.0% in patients given add-on placebo.
In the 24-week, placebo-controlled factorial study of initial therapy with JANUVIA in combination with metformin, the incidence of hypoglycemia was 0.6% in patients given placebo, 0.6% in patients given JANUVIA alone, 0.8% in patients given metformin alone, and 1.6% in patients given JANUVIA in combination with metformin.
In the study of JANUVIA as initial therapy with pioglitazone, one patient taking JANUVIA experienced a severe episode of hypoglycemia. There were no severe hypoglycemia episodes reported in other studies except in the study involving coadministration with insulin.
In an additional, 30-week placebo-controlled, study of patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin comparing the maintenance of sitagliptin 100 mg versus withdrawal of sitagliptin when initiating basal insulin therapy, the event rate and incidence of documented symptomatic hypoglycemia (blood glucose measurement ≤70 mg/dL) did not differ between the sitagliptin and placebo groups.
Laboratory Tests
Across clinical studies, the incidence of laboratory adverse reactions was similar in patients treated with JANUVIA 100 mg compared to patients treated with placebo. A small increase in white blood cell count (WBC) was observed due to an increase in neutrophils. This increase in WBC (of approximately 200 cells/microL vs placebo, in four pooled placebo-controlled clinical studies, with a mean baseline WBC count of approximately 6600 cells/microL) is not considered to be clinically relevant. In a 12-week study of 91 patients with chronic renal insufficiency, 37 patients with moderate renal insufficiency were randomized to JANUVIA 50 mg daily, while 14 patients with the same magnitude of renal impairment were randomized to placebo. Mean (SE) increases in serum creatinine were observed in patients treated with JANUVIA [0.12 mg/dL (0.04)] and in patients treated with placebo [0.07 mg/dL (0.07)]. The clinical significance of this added increase in serum creatinine relative to placebo is not known.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience
Additional adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of JANUVIA as monotherapy and/or in combination with other antihyperglycemic agents. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, urticaria, cutaneous vasculitis, and exfoliative skin conditions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome; hepatic enzyme elevations; acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis [see Indications and Usage (1)]; worsening renal function, including acute renal failure (sometimes requiring dialysis), and tubulointerstitial nephritis; severe and disabling arthralgia; bullous pemphigoid; constipation; vomiting; headache; myalgia; pain in extremity; back pain; pruritus; mouth ulceration; stomatitis; rhabdomyolysis.
8. Use In Specific Populations
8.4 Pediatric Use
The safety and effectiveness of JANUVIA have not been established in pediatric patients.
Three 20-week double-blind, placebo-controlled studies each with 34-week extensions were conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin in 410 pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 years with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes, with or without insulin therapy (HbA1c 6.5-10% for patients not on insulin, HbA1c 7-10% for patients on insulin). At study entry, patients in study 1 were not treated with oral antihyperglycemic agents; patients in studies 2 and 3 were on maximally tolerated metformin therapy. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change from baseline in HbA1c after 20 weeks of therapy. The pre-specified primary efficacy analyses included data from study 1 and pooled data from studies 2 and 3, regardless of glycemic rescue or treatment discontinuation.
In both efficacy analyses, the effect of treatment with sitagliptin was not significantly different from placebo. In study 1, the mean baseline HbA1c was 7.5%, and 12% of patients were on insulin therapy. At week 20, the change from baseline in HbA1c in patients treated with JANUVIA (N=95) was 0.06% compared to 0.23% in patients treated with placebo (N=95), a difference of -0.17% (95% CI: -0.62, 0.28). In studies 2 and 3, the mean baseline HbA1c was 8.0%, 15% of patients were on insulin and 72% were on metformin HCl doses of greater than 1,500 mg daily. At week 20, the change from baseline in HbA1c in patients treated with sitagliptin (N=107) was -0.23% compared to 0.09% in patients treated with placebo (N=113), a difference of -0.33% (95% CI: -0.70, 0.05).
8.5 Geriatric Use
Of the total number of subjects (N=3884) in pre-approval clinical safety and efficacy studies of JANUVIA, 725 patients were 65 years and over, while 61 patients were 75 years and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between subjects 65 years and over and younger subjects. While this and other reported clinical experience have not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Because sitagliptin is substantially excreted by the kidney, and because aging can be associated with reduced renal function, renal function should be assessed more frequently in elderly patients [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
8.6 Renal Impairment
Sitagliptin is excreted by the kidney, and sitagliptin exposure is increased in patients with renal impairment. Lower dosages are recommended in patients with eGFR less than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 (moderate and severe renal impairment, as well as in ESRD patients requiring dialysis). [See Dosage and Administration (2.2); Clinical Pharmacology (12.3).]
10. Overdosage
In the event of an overdose with JANUVIA, contact the Poison Control Center.
In the event of an overdose, it is reasonable to employ supportive measures, e.g., remove unabsorbed material from the gastrointestinal tract, employ clinical monitoring (including obtaining an electrocardiogram), and institute supportive therapy as dictated by the patient's clinical status.
Sitagliptin is modestly dialyzable. In clinical studies, approximately 13.5% of the dose was removed over a 3- to 4-hour hemodialysis session. Prolonged hemodialysis may be considered if clinically appropriate. It is not known if sitagliptin is dialyzable by peritoneal dialysis.
11. Januvia Description
JANUVIA Tablets contain sitagliptin phosphate, an orally-active inhibitor of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme.
Sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate is described chemically as 7-[(3R)-3-amino-1-oxo-4-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)butyl]-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]pyrazine phosphate (1:1) monohydrate.
The empirical formula is C16H15F6N5O•H3PO4•H2O and the molecular weight is 523.32. The structural formula is:
Sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate is a white to off-white, crystalline, non-hygroscopic powder. It is soluble in water and N,N-dimethyl formamide; slightly soluble in methanol; very slightly soluble in ethanol, acetone, and acetonitrile; and insoluble in isopropanol and isopropyl acetate.
Each film-coated tablet of JANUVIA contains 32.13, 64.25, or 128.5 mg of sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate, which is equivalent to 25, 50, or 100 mg, respectively, of free base and the following inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, and propyl gallate. In addition, the film coating contains the following inactive ingredients: polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, red iron oxide, and yellow iron oxide.
12. Januvia - Clinical Pharmacology
12.1 Mechanism of Action
Sitagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor, which is believed to exert its actions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus by slowing the inactivation of incretin hormones. Concentrations of the active intact hormones are increased by sitagliptin, thereby increasing and prolonging the action of these hormones. Incretin hormones, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), are released by the intestine throughout the day, and levels are increased in response to a meal. These hormones are rapidly inactivated by the enzyme, DPP-4. The incretins are part of an endogenous system involved in the physiologic regulation of glucose homeostasis. When blood glucose concentrations are normal or elevated, GLP-1 and GIP increase insulin synthesis and release from pancreatic beta cells by intracellular signaling pathways involving cyclic AMP. GLP-1 also lowers glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells, leading to reduced hepatic glucose production. By increasing and prolonging active incretin levels, sitagliptin increases insulin release and decreases glucagon levels in the circulation in a glucose-dependent manner. Sitagliptin demonstrates selectivity for DPP-4 and does not inhibit DPP-8 or DPP-9 activity in vitro at concentrations approximating those from therapeutic doses.
12.3 Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of sitagliptin have been extensively characterized in healthy subjects and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Following a single oral 100-mg dose to healthy volunteers, mean plasma AUC of sitagliptin was 8.52 μM•hr, Cmax was 950 nM, and apparent terminal half-life (t1/2) was 12.4 hours. Plasma AUC of sitagliptin increased in a dose-proportional manner and increased approximately 14% following 100 mg doses at steady-state compared to the first dose. The intra-subject and inter-subject coefficients of variation for sitagliptin AUC were small (5.8% and 15.1%). The pharmacokinetics of sitagliptin was generally similar in healthy subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
13. Nonclinical Toxicology
13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
A two-year carcinogenicity study was conducted in male and female rats given oral doses of sitagliptin of 50, 150, and 500 mg/kg/day. There was an increased incidence of combined liver adenoma/carcinoma in males and females and of liver carcinoma in females at 500 mg/kg. This dose results in exposures approximately 60 times the human exposure at the maximum recommended daily adult human dose (MRHD) of 100 mg/day based on AUC comparisons. Liver tumors were not observed at 150 mg/kg, approximately 20 times the human exposure at the MRHD. A two-year carcinogenicity study was conducted in male and female mice given oral doses of sitagliptin of 50, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg/day. There was no increase in the incidence of tumors in any organ up to 500 mg/kg, approximately 70 times human exposure at the MRHD. Sitagliptin was not mutagenic or clastogenic with or without metabolic activation in the Ames bacterial mutagenicity assay, a Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) chromosome aberration assay, an in vitro cytogenetics assay in CHO, an in vitro rat hepatocyte DNA alkaline elution assay, and an in vivo micronucleus assay.
In rat fertility studies with oral gavage doses of 125, 250, and 1000 mg/kg, males were treated for 4 weeks prior to mating, during mating, up to scheduled termination (approximately 8 weeks total) and females were treated 2 weeks prior to mating through gestation day 7. No adverse effect on fertility was observed at 125 mg/kg (approximately 12 times human exposure at the MRHD of 100 mg/day based on AUC comparisons). At higher doses, nondose-related increased resorptions in females were observed (approximately 25 and 100 times human exposure at the MRHD based on AUC comparison).
14. Clinical Studies
There were approximately 5200 patients with type 2 diabetes randomized in nine double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical safety and efficacy studies conducted to evaluate the effects of sitagliptin on glycemic control. In a pooled analysis of seven of these studies, the ethnic/racial distribution was approximately 59% white, 20% Hispanic, 10% Asian, 6% black, and 6% other groups. Patients had an overall mean age of approximately 55 years (range 18 to 87 years). In addition, an active (glipizide)-controlled study of 52-weeks duration was conducted in 1172 patients with type 2 diabetes who had inadequate glycemic control on metformin.
In patients with type 2 diabetes, treatment with JANUVIA produced clinically significant improvements in hemoglobin A1C, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-hour post-prandial glucose (PPG) compared to placebo.
14.1 Monotherapy
A total of 1262 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies, one of 18-week and another of 24-week duration, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of JANUVIA monotherapy. In both monotherapy studies, patients currently on an antihyperglycemic agent discontinued the agent, and underwent a diet, exercise, and drug washout period of about 7 weeks. Patients with inadequate glycemic control (A1C 7% to 10%) after the washout period were randomized after completing a 2-week single-blind placebo run-in period; patients not currently on antihyperglycemic agents (off therapy for at least 8 weeks) with inadequate glycemic control (A1C 7% to 10%) were randomized after completing the 2-week single-blind placebo run-in period. In the 18-week study, 521 patients were randomized to placebo, JANUVIA 100 mg, or JANUVIA 200 mg, and in the 24-week study 741 patients were randomized to placebo, JANUVIA 100 mg, or JANUVIA 200 mg. Patients who failed to meet specific glycemic goals during the studies were treated with metformin rescue, added on to placebo or JANUVIA.
Treatment with JANUVIA at 100 mg daily provided significant improvements in A1C, FPG, and 2-hour PPG compared to placebo (Table 6). In the 18-week study, 9% of patients receiving JANUVIA 100 mg and 17% who received placebo required rescue therapy. In the 24-week study, 9% of patients receiving JANUVIA 100 mg and 21% of patients receiving placebo required rescue therapy. The improvement in A1C compared to placebo was not affected by gender, age, race, prior antihyperglycemic therapy, or baseline BMI. As is typical for trials of agents to treat type 2 diabetes, the mean reduction in A1C with JANUVIA appears to be related to the degree of A1C elevation at baseline. In these 18- and 24-week studies, among patients who were not on an antihyperglycemic agent at study entry, the reductions from baseline in A1C were -0.7% and -0.8%, respectively, for those given JANUVIA, and -0.1% and -0.2%, respectively, for those given placebo. Overall, the 200 mg daily dose did not provide greater glycemic efficacy than the 100 mg daily dose. The effect of JANUVIA on lipid endpoints was similar to placebo. Body weight did not increase from baseline with JANUVIA therapy in either study, compared to a small reduction in patients given placebo.
18-Week Study | 24-Week Study | |||
JANUVIA 100 mg | Placebo | JANUVIA 100 mg | Placebo | |
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A1C (%) | N = 193 | N = 103 | N = 229 | N = 244 |
Baseline (mean) | 8.0 | 8.1 | 8.0 | 8.0 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -0.5 | 0.1 | -0.6 | 0.2 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -0.6‡
(-0.8, -0.4) | -0.8‡
(-1.0, -0.6) | ||
Patients (%) achieving A1C <7% | 69 (36%) | 16 (16%) | 93 (41%) | 41 (17%) |
FPG (mg/dL) | N = 201 | N = 107 | N = 234 | N = 247 |
Baseline (mean) | 180 | 184 | 170 | 176 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -13 | 7 | -12 | 5 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -20‡
(-31, -9) | -17‡
(-24, -10) | ||
2-hour PPG (mg/dL) | § | § | N = 201 | N = 204 |
Baseline (mean) | 257 | 271 | ||
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -49 | -2 | ||
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -47‡
(-59, -34) |
Additional Monotherapy Study
A multinational, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was also conducted to assess the safety and tolerability of JANUVIA in 91 patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic renal insufficiency (creatinine clearance <50 mL/min). Patients with moderate renal insufficiency received 50 mg daily of JANUVIA and those with severe renal insufficiency or with ESRD on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis received 25 mg daily. In this study, the safety and tolerability of JANUVIA were generally similar to placebo. A small increase in serum creatinine was reported in patients with moderate renal insufficiency treated with JANUVIA relative to those on placebo. In addition, the reductions in A1C and FPG with JANUVIA compared to placebo were generally similar to those observed in other monotherapy studies. [See Clinical Pharmacology (12.3).]
14.2 Combination Therapy
Add-on Combination Therapy with Metformin
A total of 701 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to assess the efficacy of JANUVIA in combination with metformin. Patients already on metformin HCl (N=431) at a dose of at least 1500 mg per day were randomized after completing a 2-week single-blind placebo run-in period. Patients on metformin and another antihyperglycemic agent (N=229) and patients not on any antihyperglycemic agents (off therapy for at least 8 weeks, N=41) were randomized after a run-in period of approximately 10 weeks on metformin HCl (at a dose of at least 1500 mg per day) in monotherapy. Patients with inadequate glycemic control (A1C 7% to 10%) were randomized to the addition of either 100 mg of JANUVIA or placebo, administered once daily. Patients who failed to meet specific glycemic goals during the studies were treated with pioglitazone rescue.
In combination with metformin, JANUVIA provided significant improvements in A1C, FPG, and 2-hour PPG compared to placebo with metformin (Table 7). Rescue glycemic therapy was used in 5% of patients treated with JANUVIA 100 mg and 14% of patients treated with placebo. A similar decrease in body weight was observed for both treatment groups.
JANUVIA 100 mg + Metformin | Placebo + Metformin | |
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A1C (%) | N = 453 | N = 224 |
Baseline (mean) | 8.0 | 8.0 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -0.7 | -0.0 |
Difference from placebo + metformin (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -0.7‡
(-0.8, -0.5) | |
Patients (%) achieving A1C <7% | 213 (47%) | 41 (18%) |
FPG (mg/dL) | N = 454 | N = 226 |
Baseline (mean) | 170 | 174 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -17 | 9 |
Difference from placebo + metformin (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -25‡
(-31, -20) | |
2-hour PPG (mg/dL) | N = 387 | N = 182 |
Baseline (mean) | 275 | 272 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -62 | -11 |
Difference from placebo + metformin (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -51‡
(-61, -41) |
Initial Combination Therapy with Metformin
A total of 1091 patients with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycemic control on diet and exercise participated in a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled factorial study designed to assess the efficacy of sitagliptin as initial therapy in combination with metformin. Patients on an antihyperglycemic agent (N=541) discontinued the agent, and underwent a diet, exercise, and drug washout period of up to 12 weeks duration. After the washout period, patients with inadequate glycemic control (A1C 7.5% to 11%) were randomized after completing a 2-week single-blind placebo run-in period. Patients not on antihyperglycemic agents at study entry (N=550) with inadequate glycemic control (A1C 7.5% to 11%) immediately entered the 2-week single-blind placebo run-in period and then were randomized. Approximately equal numbers of patients were randomized to receive initial therapy with placebo, 100 mg of JANUVIA once daily, 500 mg or 1000 mg of metformin HCl twice daily, or 50 mg of sitagliptin twice daily in combination with 500 mg or 1000 mg of metformin HCl twice daily. Patients who failed to meet specific glycemic goals during the study were treated with glyburide (glibenclamide) rescue.
Initial therapy with the combination of JANUVIA and metformin provided significant improvements in A1C, FPG, and 2-hour PPG compared to placebo, to metformin alone, and to JANUVIA alone (Table 8, Figure 1). Mean reductions from baseline in A1C were generally greater for patients with higher baseline A1C values. For patients not on an antihyperglycemic agent at study entry, mean reductions from baseline in A1C were: JANUVIA 100 mg once daily, -1.1%; metformin HCl 500 mg bid, -1.1%; metformin HCl 1000 mg bid, -1.2%; sitagliptin 50 mg bid with metformin HCl 500 mg bid, -1.6%; sitagliptin 50 mg bid with metformin HCl 1000 mg bid, -1.9%; and for patients receiving placebo, -0.2%. Lipid effects were generally neutral. The decrease in body weight in the groups given sitagliptin in combination with metformin was similar to that in the groups given metformin alone or placebo.
Placebo |
Sitagliptin (JANUVIA) 100 mg QD | Metformin HCl 500 mg bid | Metformin HCl 1000 mg bid | Sitagliptin 50 mg bid + Metformin HCl 500 mg bid | Sitagliptin 50 mg bid + Metformin HCl 1000 mg bid |
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A1C (%) | N = 165 | N = 175 | N = 178 | N = 177 | N = 183 | N = 178 |
Baseline (mean) | 8.7 | 8.9 | 8.9 | 8.7 | 8.8 | 8.8 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | 0.2 | -0.7 | -0.8 | -1.1 | -1.4 | -1.9 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -0.8‡
(-1.1, -0.6) | -1.0‡
(-1.2, -0.8) | -1.3‡
(-1.5, -1.1) | -1.6‡
(-1.8, -1.3) | -2.1‡
(-2.3, -1.8) |
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Patients (%) achieving A1C <7% | 15 (9%) | 35 (20%) | 41 (23%) | 68 (38%) | 79 (43%) | 118 (66%) |
% Patients receiving rescue medication | 32 | 21 | 17 | 12 | 8 | 2 |
FPG (mg/dL) | N = 169 | N = 178 | N = 179 | N = 179 | N = 183 | N = 180 |
Baseline (mean) | 196 | 201 | 205 | 197 | 204 | 197 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | 6 | -17 | -27 | -29 | -47 | -64 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -23‡
(-33, -14) | -33‡
(-43, -24) | -35‡
(-45, -26) | -53‡
(-62, -43) | -70‡
(-79, -60) |
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2-hour PPG (mg/dL) | N = 129 | N = 136 | N = 141 | N = 138 | N = 147 | N = 152 |
Baseline (mean) | 277 | 285 | 293 | 283 | 292 | 287 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | 0 | -52 | -53 | -78 | -93 | -117 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -52‡
(-67, -37) | -54‡
(-69, -39) | -78‡
(-93, -63) | -93‡
(-107, -78) | -117‡
(-131, -102) |
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Initial combination therapy or maintenance of combination therapy may not be appropriate for all patients. These management options are left to the discretion of the health care provider.
Active-Controlled Study vs Glipizide in Combination with Metformin
The efficacy of JANUVIA was evaluated in a 52-week, double-blind, glipizide-controlled noninferiority trial in patients with type 2 diabetes. Patients not on treatment or on other antihyperglycemic agents entered a run-in treatment period of up to 12 weeks duration with metformin HCl monotherapy (dose of ≥1500 mg per day) which included washout of medications other than metformin, if applicable. After the run-in period, those with inadequate glycemic control (A1C 6.5% to 10%) were randomized 1:1 to the addition of JANUVIA 100 mg once daily or glipizide for 52 weeks. Patients receiving glipizide were given an initial dosage of 5 mg/day and then electively titrated over the next 18 weeks to a maximum dosage of 20 mg/day as needed to optimize glycemic control. Thereafter, the glipizide dose was to be kept constant, except for down-titration to prevent hypoglycemia. The mean dose of glipizide after the titration period was 10 mg.
After 52 weeks, JANUVIA and glipizide had similar mean reductions from baseline in A1C in the intent-to-treat analysis (Table 9). These results were consistent with the per protocol analysis (Figure 2). A conclusion in favor of the non-inferiority of JANUVIA to glipizide may be limited to patients with baseline A1C comparable to those included in the study (over 70% of patients had baseline A1C <8% and over 90% had A1C <9%).
JANUVIA 100 mg | Glipizide | |
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A1C (%) | N = 576 | N = 559 |
Baseline (mean) | 7.7 | 7.6 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -0.5 | -0.6 |
FPG (mg/dL) | N = 583 | N = 568 |
Baseline (mean) | 166 | 164 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -8 | -8 |
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The incidence of hypoglycemia in the JANUVIA group (4.9%) was significantly (p<0.001) lower than that in the glipizide group (32.0%). Patients treated with JANUVIA exhibited a significant mean decrease from baseline in body weight compared to a significant weight gain in patients administered glipizide (-1.5 kg vs +1.1 kg).
Add-on Combination Therapy with Pioglitazone
A total of 353 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to assess the efficacy of JANUVIA in combination with pioglitazone. Patients on any oral antihyperglycemic agent in monotherapy (N=212) or on a PPARγ agent in combination therapy (N=106) or not on an antihyperglycemic agent (off therapy for at least 8 weeks, N=34) were switched to monotherapy with pioglitazone (at a dose of 30-45 mg per day), and completed a run-in period of approximately 12 weeks in duration. After the run-in period on pioglitazone monotherapy, patients with inadequate glycemic control (A1C 7% to 10%) were randomized to the addition of either 100 mg of JANUVIA or placebo, administered once daily. Patients who failed to meet specific glycemic goals during the studies were treated with metformin rescue. Glycemic endpoints measured were A1C and fasting glucose.
In combination with pioglitazone, JANUVIA provided significant improvements in A1C and FPG compared to placebo with pioglitazone (Table 10). Rescue therapy was used in 7% of patients treated with JANUVIA 100 mg and 14% of patients treated with placebo. There was no significant difference between JANUVIA and placebo in body weight change.
JANUVIA 100 mg + Pioglitazone | Placebo + Pioglitazone | |
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A1C (%) | N = 163 | N = 174 |
Baseline (mean) | 8.1 | 8.0 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -0.9 | -0.2 |
Difference from placebo + pioglitazone (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -0.7‡
(-0.9, -0.5) | |
Patients (%) achieving A1C <7% | 74 (45%) | 40 (23%) |
FPG (mg/dL) | N = 163 | N = 174 |
Baseline (mean) | 168 | 166 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -17 | 1 |
Difference from placebo + pioglitazone (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -18‡
(-24, -11) |
Initial Combination Therapy with Pioglitazone
A total of 520 patients with type 2 diabetes and inadequate glycemic control on diet and exercise participated in a 24-week, randomized, double-blind study designed to assess the efficacy of JANUVIA as initial therapy in combination with pioglitazone. Patients not on antihyperglycemic agents at study entry (<4 weeks cumulative therapy over the past 2 years, and with no treatment over the prior 4 months) with inadequate glycemic control (A1C 8% to 12%) immediately entered the 2-week single-blind placebo run-in period and then were randomized. Approximately equal numbers of patients were randomized to receive initial therapy with 100 mg of JANUVIA in combination with 30 mg of pioglitazone once daily or 30 mg of pioglitazone once daily as monotherapy. There was no glycemic rescue therapy in this study.
Initial therapy with the combination of JANUVIA and pioglitazone provided significant improvements in A1C, FPG, and 2-hour PPG compared to pioglitazone monotherapy (Table 11). The improvement in A1C was generally consistent across subgroups defined by gender, age, race, baseline BMI, baseline A1C, or duration of disease. In this study, patients treated with JANUVIA in combination with pioglitazone had a mean increase in body weight of 1.1 kg compared to pioglitazone alone (3.0 kg vs. 1.9 kg). Lipid effects were generally neutral.
JANUVIA 100 mg + Pioglitazone | Pioglitazone | |
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A1C (%) | N = 251 | N = 246 |
Baseline (mean) | 9.5 | 9.4 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -2.4 | -1.5 |
Difference from pioglitazone (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -0.9‡
(-1.1, -0.7) | |
Patients (%) achieving A1C <7% | 151 (60%) | 68 (28%) |
FPG (mg/dL) | N = 256 | N = 253 |
Baseline (mean) | 203 | 201 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -63 | -40 |
Difference from pioglitazone (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -23‡
(-30, -15) | |
2-hour PPG (mg/dL) | N = 216 | N = 211 |
Baseline (mean) | 283 | 284 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -114 | -69 |
Difference from pioglitazone (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -45‡
(-57, -32) |
Add-on Combination Therapy with Metformin and Rosiglitazone
A total of 278 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in a 54-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to assess the efficacy of JANUVIA in combination with metformin and rosiglitazone. Patients on dual therapy with metformin HCl ≥1500 mg/day and rosiglitazone ≥4 mg/day or with metformin HCl ≥1500 mg/day and pioglitazone ≥30 mg/day (switched to rosiglitazone ≥4 mg/day) entered a dose-stable run-in period of 6 weeks. Patients on other dual therapy were switched to metformin HCl ≥1500 mg/day and rosiglitazone ≥4 mg/day in a dose titration/stabilization run-in period of up to 20 weeks in duration. After the run-in period, patients with inadequate glycemic control (A1C 7.5% to 11%) were randomized 2:1 to the addition of either 100 mg of JANUVIA or placebo, administered once daily. Patients who failed to meet specific glycemic goals during the study were treated with glipizide (or other sulfonylurea) rescue. The primary time point for evaluation of glycemic parameters was Week 18.
In combination with metformin and rosiglitazone, JANUVIA provided significant improvements in A1C, FPG, and 2-hour PPG compared to placebo with metformin and rosiglitazone (Table 12) at Week 18. At Week 54, mean reduction in A1C was -1.0% for patients treated with JANUVIA and -0.3% for patients treated with placebo in an analysis based on the intent-to-treat population. Rescue therapy was used in 18% of patients treated with JANUVIA 100 mg and 40% of patients treated with placebo. There was no significant difference between JANUVIA and placebo in body weight change.
JANUVIA 100 mg + Metformin + Rosiglitazone |
Placebo + Metformin + Rosiglitazone |
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A1C (%) | N = 176 | N = 93 |
Baseline (mean) | 8.8 | 8.7 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -1.0 | -0.4 |
Difference from placebo + rosiglitazone + metformin (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -0.7‡
(-0.9, -0.4) | |
Patients (%) achieving A1C <7% | 39 (22%) | 9 (10%) |
FPG (mg/dL) | N = 179 | N = 94 |
Baseline (mean) | 181 | 182 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -30 | -11 |
Difference from placebo + rosiglitazone + metformin (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -18‡
(-26, -10) | |
2-hour PPG (mg/dL) | N = 152 | N = 80 |
Baseline (mean) | 256 | 248 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -59 | -21 |
Difference from placebo + rosiglitazone + metformin (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -39‡
(-51, -26) |
Add-on Combination Therapy with Glimepiride, with or without Metformin
A total of 441 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to assess the efficacy of JANUVIA in combination with glimepiride, with or without metformin. Patients entered a run-in treatment period on glimepiride (≥4 mg per day) alone or glimepiride in combination with metformin HCl (≥1500 mg per day). After a dose-titration and dose-stable run-in period of up to 16 weeks and a 2-week placebo run-in period, patients with inadequate glycemic control (A1C 7.5% to 10.5%) were randomized to the addition of either 100 mg of JANUVIA or placebo, administered once daily. Patients who failed to meet specific glycemic goals during the studies were treated with pioglitazone rescue.
In combination with glimepiride, with or without metformin, JANUVIA provided significant improvements in A1C and FPG compared to placebo (Table 13). In the entire study population (patients on JANUVIA in combination with glimepiride and patients on JANUVIA in combination with glimepiride and metformin), a mean reduction from baseline relative to placebo in A1C of -0.7% and in FPG of -20 mg/dL was seen. Rescue therapy was used in 12% of patients treated with JANUVIA 100 mg and 27% of patients treated with placebo. In this study, patients treated with JANUVIA had a mean increase in body weight of 1.1 kg vs. placebo (+0.8 kg vs. -0.4 kg). In addition, there was an increased rate of hypoglycemia. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4); Adverse Reactions (6.1).]
JANUVIA 100 mg + Glimepiride | Placebo + Glimepiride | JANUVIA 100 mg + Glimepiride + Metformin | Placebo + Glimepiride + Metformin |
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A1C (%) | N = 102 | N = 103 | N = 115 | N = 105 |
Baseline (mean) | 8.4 | 8.5 | 8.3 | 8.3 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -0.3 | 0.3 | -0.6 | 0.3 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -0.6‡
(-0.8, -0.3) | -0.9‡
(-1.1, -0.7) | ||
Patients (%) achieving A1C <7% | 11 (11%) | 9 (9%) | 26 (23%) | 1 (1%) |
FPG (mg/dL) | N = 104 | N = 104 | N = 115 | N = 109 |
Baseline (mean) | 183 | 185 | 179 | 179 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -1 | 18 | -8 | 13 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -19§
(-32, -7) | -21‡
(-32, -10) |
Add-on Combination Therapy with Insulin (with or without Metformin)
A total of 641 patients with type 2 diabetes participated in a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study designed to assess the efficacy of JANUVIA as add-on to insulin therapy (with or without metformin). The racial distribution in this study was approximately 70% white, 18% Asian, 7% black, and 5% other groups. Approximately 14% of the patients in this study were Hispanic. Patients entered a 2-week, single-blind run-in treatment period on pre-mixed, long-acting, or intermediate-acting insulin, with or without metformin HCl (≥1500 mg per day). Patients using short-acting insulins were excluded unless the short-acting insulin was administered as part of a pre-mixed insulin. After the run-in period, patients with inadequate glycemic control (A1C 7.5% to 11%) were randomized to the addition of either 100 mg of JANUVIA or placebo, administered once daily. Patients were on a stable dose of insulin prior to enrollment with no changes in insulin dose permitted during the run-in period. Patients who failed to meet specific glycemic goals during the double-blind treatment period were to have uptitration of the background insulin dose as rescue therapy.
The median daily insulin dose at baseline was 42 units in the patients treated with JANUVIA and 45 units in the placebo-treated patients. The median change from baseline in daily dose of insulin was zero for both groups at the end of the study. In combination with insulin (with or without metformin), JANUVIA provided significant improvements in A1C, FPG, and 2-hour PPG compared to placebo (Table 14). Both treatment groups had an adjusted mean increase in body weight of 0.1 kg from baseline to Week 24. There was an increased rate of hypoglycemia in patients treated with JANUVIA. [See Warnings and Precautions (5.4); Adverse Reactions (6.1).]
JANUVIA 100 mg + Insulin (+/- Metformin) |
Placebo + Insulin (+/- Metformin) |
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A1C (%) | N = 305 | N = 312 |
Baseline (mean) | 8.7 | 8.6 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -0.6 | -0.1 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†,‡) (95% CI) | -0.6§ (-0.7, -0.4) | |
Patients (%) achieving A1C <7% | 39 (12.8%) | 16 (5.1%) |
FPG (mg/dL) | N = 310 | N = 313 |
Baseline (mean) | 176 | 179 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -18 | -4 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -15§ (-23, -7) | |
2-hour PPG (mg/dL) | N = 240 | N = 257 |
Baseline (mean) | 291 | 292 |
Change from baseline (adjusted mean†) | -31 | 5 |
Difference from placebo (adjusted mean†) (95% CI) | -36§ (-47, -25) |
16. How is Januvia supplied
Tablets are supplied as follows:
Contents | Description | How Supplied | NDC |
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25 mg sitagliptin | pink, round, film-coated tablets with “221” on one side | Unit-of-use bottles of 30 Unit-of-use bottles of 90 Unit dose blister package of 100 | NDC 0006-0221-31 NDC 0006-0221-54 NDC 0006-0221-28 |
50 mg sitagliptin | light beige, round, film-coated tablets with “112” on one side | unit-of-use bottles of 30 unit-of-use bottles of 90 unit dose blister packages of 100 | NDC 0006-0112-31 NDC 0006-0112-54 NDC 0006-0112-28 |
100 mg sitagliptin | beige, round, film-coated tablets with “277” on one side | unit-of-use bottles of 30 unit-of-use bottles of 90 unit-of-use blister calendar package of 30 unit-of-use blister calendar package of 30 unit dose blister packages of 100 bottles of 1000. | NDC 0006-0277-31 NDC 0006-0277-54 NDC 0006-0277-02 NDC 0006-0277-33 NDC 0006-0277-28 NDC 0006-0277-82 |
17. Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Pancreatitis
Inform patients that acute pancreatitis has been reported during postmarketing use of JANUVIA. Inform patients that persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back, which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting, is the hallmark symptom of acute pancreatitis. Instruct patients to promptly discontinue JANUVIA and contact their physician if persistent severe abdominal pain occurs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Distributed by: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
For patent information: www.msd.com/research/patent
uspi-mk0431-t-2307r029
Medication Guide JANUVIA® (jah-NEW-vee-ah) (sitagliptin) tablets, for oral use |
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This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. | Revised: 07/2023 | ||||||
Read this Medication Guide carefully before you start taking JANUVIA and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have any questions about JANUVIA, ask your doctor or pharmacist. | |||||||
What is the most important information I should know about JANUVIA?
JANUVIA can cause serious side effects, including:
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Stop taking JANUVIA and call your doctor right away if you have pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that is severe and will not go away. The pain may be felt going from your abdomen through to your back. The pain may happen with or without vomiting. These may be symptoms of pancreatitis. | |||||||
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What is JANUVIA?
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Who should not take JANUVIA? Do not take JANUVIA if:
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What should I tell my doctor before taking JANUVIA? Before you take JANUVIA, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. |
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How should I take JANUVIA?
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What are the possible side effects of JANUVIA? JANUVIA may cause serious side effects, including:
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JANUVIA may have other side effects, including stomach upset and diarrhea, swelling of the hands or legs, when JANUVIA is used with metformin and rosiglitazone (Avandia). Rosiglitazone is another type of diabetes medicine. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of JANUVIA. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. |
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How should I store JANUVIA?
Store JANUVIA at room temperature, between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep JANUVIA and all medicines out of the reach of children. |
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General information about the safe and effective use of JANUVIA.
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use JANUVIA for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give JANUVIA to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about JANUVIA. If you would like to know more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about JANUVIA that is written for health professionals. |
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What are the ingredients in JANUVIA?
Active ingredient: sitagliptin Inactive ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, anhydrous dibasic calcium phosphate, croscarmellose sodium, magnesium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate, and propyl gallate. The tablet film coating contains the following inactive ingredients: polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc, titanium dioxide, red iron oxide, and yellow iron oxide. |
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Distributed by: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC Rahway, NJ 07065, USA For more information, go to www.JANUVIA.com or call 1-800-622-4477. For patent information: www.msd.com/research/patent. The trademarks depicted herein are owned by their respective companies. Copyright © 2010-2023 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved. usmg-mk0431-t-2307r020 |
JANUVIA
sitagliptin tablet, film coated |
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JANUVIA
sitagliptin tablet, film coated |
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JANUVIA
sitagliptin tablet, film coated |
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Labeler - Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC (118446553) |