Janumet generic: What’s available now, and how to switch

In this article:

• Generic Janumet availability
• What to ask for at the pharmacy
• Janumet vs. Janumet XR generic
• Cost
• Switching from brand-name to generic
• Insurance coverage
• FAQs

In this article

• Generic Janumet availability
• What to ask for at the pharmacy
• Janumet vs. Janumet XR generic
• Cost
• Switching from brand-name to generic
• Insurance coverage
• FAQs

If you or a loved one is taking brand-name Janumet or Janumet XR for Type 2 diabetes, you may be happy to know that a cost-saving generic version is now available. This article will outline availability and cost savings, and tell you how to make the switch.

Is there a generic for Janumet now?

Yes, generic versions of Janumet are available now. Since these generic versions were recently launched in June 2026, availability may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy as the supply increases.

The pharmaceutical company Apotex announced the launch of generic Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) on June 3, 2026. Sitagliptin-metformin is available from Apotex in strengths of 50 mg/500 mg and 50 mg/1000 mg. Sandoz also makes generic sitagliptin-metformin in the same strengths.

In July 2026, Par Health announced the launch of generic Janumet XR (sitagliptin and metformin extended-release) in the United States.

Janumet generic name: What to ask for at the pharmacy

If you are taking brand-name Janumet or Janumet XR, you can ask your pharmacy staff whether they have the generic Janumet in stock or can order it. If you prefer to request it by name, you can ask for sitagliptin-metformin (generic Janumet) or sitagliptin and metformin extended-release (generic Janumet XR).

Janumet and Janumet XR are available in the following strengths, and you can ask your pharmacy if they can get the generic version for you:

• Janumet (immediate-release): 50 mg sitagliptin/500 mg metformin, 50 mg/1000 mg
• Janumet XR (extended-release): 50 mg/500 mg, 50 mg/1000 mg, 100 mg/1000 mg

You may have also heard of (or had a prescription filled for) Zituvimet or Zituvimet XR. Zituvimet contains the same active ingredients as Janumet, and Zituvimet XR contains the same active ingredients as Janumet XR. These drugs are made by Zydus Pharmaceuticals and were available before the generic launches in 2026. However, Zituvimet and Zituvimet XR are brand-name drugs, not generic versions of Janumet and Janumet XR.

Janumet vs. Janumet XR generic: What’s different

Janumet and Janumet XR both have generic versions available.

Apotex and Sandoz make generic Janumet, and Par Pharmaceuticals makes generic Janumet XR.

Because these are relatively new generics introduced to the market, pharmacy supply may vary or fluctuate. However, even if your pharmacy does not currently stock generic Janumet or Janumet XR, they may be able to order it for you.

How much does generic Janumet cost?

Without insurance or discounts, a one-month supply of brand-name Janumet costs about $670 for 60, 50 mg/1000 mg tablets. With a SingleCare discount, you could pay as low as $325 for brand-name Janumet or $49 for generic sitagliptin-metformin, if your pharmacy has it or can order it.

If you take the extended-release version, a one-month supply of brand-name Janumet XR costs about $656 for 60, 50 mg/1000 mg extended-release tablets. However, if you use a SingleCare discount, you could pay as low as $325 for the brand-name version or $115 for the generic.

Since pharmacy supply may vary, check with your pharmacy to see if they can obtain generic Janumet or Janumet XR in the strength you take.

How to switch from brand-name Janumet to the generic

If you already have an active prescription for Janumet or Janumet XR and you would like to switch to a generic, ask your pharmacist if they can automatically substitute the generic version. Sometimes, healthcare providers specify “dispense as written,” “DAW,” or “no substitute” on a brand-name prescription, which means that a generic version should not be automatically substituted.

If your healthcare provider has not specified DAW or dispense as written (or has indicated substitution permissible), your pharmacist may be able to fill your next prescription with an FDA-approved generic, depending on state substitution laws and product availability.

If your healthcare provider has indicated no substitute on your Rx, you can call them to discuss if switching to a generic is an option. If your provider agrees, they can send a new prescription to your pharmacy that allows for generic substitution.

Is generic Janumet covered by insurance?

Generic medications often cost significantly less than their brand-name counterparts. However, insurance coverage varies by plan.

Insurance plans have formularies, which are lists of covered drugs and their pricing tiers. In most cases, generic drugs are placed on lower formulary (lower-cost) tiers than their brand-name versions.

Switching to generic Janumet or Janumet XR may result in a lower copay, but it’s best to confirm coverage and out-of-pocket costs with your specific insurance plan.

Bottom line

Generic versions of Janumet and Janumet XR are now available. Filling your prescription with generic sitagliptin/metformin or sitagliptin/metformin ER may offer significant savings over the brand-name drugs. If additional manufacturers launch generic versions of Janumet and Janumet XR, prices may decrease even more. In the meantime, using a free SingleCare coupon can help you save money on your prescription.

Frequently asked questions

Is Zituvimet the same as generic Janumet?

Zituvimet, made by Zydus Pharmaceuticals, contains the same active ingredients (sitagliptin and metformin) as Janumet. However, Zituvimet is not considered an automatically interchangeable generic for Janumet because it is made with a slightly different salt form of sitagliptin.

Will my pharmacy automatically switch me to the generic?

As long as your prescriber has indicated that substitution is permissible, your pharmacy may be able to switch you to generic sitagliptin-metformin, depending on state generic substitution laws. You can check with your pharmacy to see whether they can fill your prescription with a generic, if it’s available.

Is generic Janumet just as effective as the brand-name version?

Yes, the FDA requires generic drugs to be bioequivalent to the brand-name versions. This means the generic drug delivers the same amount of medicine at the same rate and to the same extent. Generic drugs are just as safe and effective as their brand-name versions.