Is Taking Januvia Safe When Suffering From Diabetes And Elevated Liver Enzymes?

Posted on Thu, 5 Mar 2015

Question: I am female and have type 2 diabetes. I take cozar, ecosprine, atorvastatin, diamicron and januvia. I also take thyroxin for thyroid. My recent blood test showlipaw 83.3, alkaline phosphatase 98.6, SGPT 37, HbA1c 7.8, lymphocyte percentage 47.5%, Lymphocytes absolute count 4.07, monocytes absolute count 0.16, basophils absolute count 0.01, total RBC 5.24 and hemoglobin 15.1 g/dl. Rest of my blood test is normal. What could be the cause of these abnormalities.in continuation of my question - I have high blood pressure also which is under control with Cozar 50mg. The medicines are being consumed as under:
In morning- Euthyrox 50mg, Diamicron 60 mg, Asprin 100 mg Cozar 50 mg; Afternoon- Januvia 100 mg;
Night- Lipitor 20mg.

A new medicine, Udiliv 300 mg has been prescribed today for liver.
Is this treatment in order? Is Januvia creating damage to pancreas, if so, can it be stopped? Blood report has been uploaded.
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Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Safe to discontinue Januvia.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.

I understand your concern and gone through your uploaded report.

The majority of lab abnormalities in your case are related to the metabolic impact of diabetes on liver.

This is reflected in the form of liver enzyme elevations.

Even the Hb1ac is elevated which indicates poorly controlled diabetes over the preceding 3 months or so.

You are receiving the right order of treatment so far.

Januvia damaging the pancreas is extremely a rare side effect.

But this could be a possibility in your case,since serum serum lipase is elevated which is an excellent marker for pancreatic damage.

Hence under this preview I recommend you to discontinue Januvia,in consultation with your doctor.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Suresh Heijebu (9 minutes later)

Can januvia be replaced with some other medicine?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Glucophage SR is a reasonable alternative

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mam.

Yes you can replace it with Glucophage SR 500/1000 mg in consultation with your doctor.

This drug is very good in type 2 diabetics.

Thank you.

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar