Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet while Breastfeeding
Modern medicine has evolved so much so that sooner or later every breastfeeding mother needs to take it in one form or other. Medication that is present in mothers blood will transfer into her breast milk to some extent. Most drugs do so at low levels and pose no real risk to infants but then there are some exceptions. In This post will discuss whether Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet is safe in breast-feeding or not.

What is Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet used for?


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. (1.1) Important Limitations of Use: JANUVIA should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. (1.2) JANUVIA has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis. (1.2, 5.1) 1.1 Monotherapy and Combination Therapy JANUVIA® is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. [See Clinical Studies (14).] 1.2 Important Limitations of Use JANUVIA should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis, as it would not be effective in these settings. 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).]

I am breastfeeding mother and I am using Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet. Can it have any bad effect on my kid? Shall I search for better alternative?

Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet low risk for breastfeeding
Sitagliptin is the one and only active ingredient present in Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet. Sitagliptin in itself is a low risk drug for lactation so it is easy to understand that Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet also comes in category of Low Risk item while breastfeeding. Below is the summary of Sitagliptin in breastfeeding.

Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys


Sitagliptin while Breastfeeding

Low Risk

CAS Number: 654671-77-9

It promotes pancreatic insulin secretion by inhibiting the DPP-4 enzyme that degrades the intestinal hormone GLP-1 that is activated when eating (Baetta 2011, Scheen 2011).Oral administration, once daily.Very low risk of hypoglycemia. Doses 6 times higher than normal for 10 days or 4 times higher for 28 days do not produce side effects (EMA 2016). The most common side effect is rhinopharyngitis. Since the last update we have not found published data on its excretion in breast milk. Its pharmacokinetic data (EMA 2016, Scheen 2011): large volume of distribution, moderately high molecular weight and low liposolubility, make it unlikely that it will pass through to breast milk in significant amounts. Until there is more published data on this drug in relation to breastfeeding, safer known alternatives may be preferable, especially during the neonatal period and in case of prematurity. Diet, exercise, and breastfeeding improve blood sugar levels. Among the antidiabetics of this same group, Saxagliptin and Vildagliptin would be preferable due to their short half-life (less than 3 hours). See below the information of these related products:

Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet Breastfeeding Analsys - 2


Sitagliptin while Breastfeeding

CAS Number: 486460-32-6

No information is available on the clinical use of sitagliptin during breastfeeding. If sitagliptin is required by the mother, it is not a reason to discontinue breastfeeding. However, an alternate drug may be preferred, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant. Saxagliptin has a shorter half-life than the other dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitors and linagliptin is highly protein bound, so these might be better choices among drugs in this class for nursing mothers.


I am nursing mother and I have already used Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet, what should I do?

During whole lactation period you shall first discuss with your doctor and then together you shall decide whether you shall take that drug or not however if you have already taken Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet then you shall inform your doctor, But you should not be worried too much as Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet comes in category of low risk drug.


I am nursing mother and my doctor has suggested me to use Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet, is it safe?

Though Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet dose not comes in category of safe drugs rather it comes in category of low risk but if your doctor is aware that you are breastfeeding your baby and has still recommended it then its advantages must be outweighing the risks.


If I am using Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet, will my baby need extra monitoring?

Not much


Who can I talk to if I have questions about usage of Januvia | Sitagliptin Tablet in breastfeeding?

US
National Womens Health and Breastfeeding Helpline: 800-994-9662 (TDD 888-220-5446) 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday

UK
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300-100-0212 9.30am to 9.30pm, daily
Association of Breastfeeding Mothers: 0300-330-5453
La Leche League: 0345-120-2918
The Breastfeeding Network supporter line in Bengali and Sylheti: 0300-456-2421
National Childbirth Trust (NCT): 0300-330-0700

Australia
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800-686-268 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Canada
Telehealth Ontario for breastfeeding: 1-866-797-0000 24 hours a day, 7 days a week