Janumet is a prescription brand-name drug that combines two diabetes medications: metformin and sitagliptin. Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for Type 2 diabetes. Sitagliptin is a relatively new drug that controls blood sugar by enhancing insulin concentrations in the blood after a meal and decreasing glucose levels between meals. Janumet comes in both immediate-release and extended-release tablets. Depending on which one is prescribed, patients take one or two doses daily.
Janumet overview
BRAND NAMES:
Janumet, Janumet XR
Generic Names:
Sitagliptin-metformin
Uses:
Treats Type 2 diabetes.
Therapeutic Classes:
Antidiabetic combination, dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor (DPP IV inhibitor)-biguanide combination
Forms:
Tablet, long-acting tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Janumet used for?
The FDA has approved Janumet to control blood sugar levels in adults diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
What form(s) does Janumet come in
Tablet
50 mg sitagliptin/500 mg metformin
50 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin
Extended-release tablet
50 mg sitagliptin/500 mg metformin
50 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin
100 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin
What are common Janumet doses?
For Type 2 diabetes:
In adults currently taking 0–500 mg metformin twice daily: 50/500 mg Janumet tablet taken by mouth twice per day OR 100/1,000 mg Janumet XR tablet taken once per day
In adults currently taking 850–1,000 mg metformin twice daily: 50/1,000 mg Janumet tablet taken twice per day OR two 50/1,000 mg Janumet XR tablets taken once per day
More detailed information about Janumet dosage, forms, and strengths.
Common Janumet prescriptions
Janumet
180 tablets bottleJanumet
60 tablets bottleJanumet
14 tablets of 50mg/500mg boxJanumet
50mg/1000mg tabletJanumet
50mg/500mg tablet
How to take Janumet
Follow all the doctor’s instructions when taking this medication.
The dose may change based on how well it controls blood sugar.
Please read the Medication Guide that comes with the medicine.
Take Janumet tablets with food.
Janumet immediate-release tablets are taken twice per day.
Janumet XR tablets should be taken once per day with the evening meal.
Swallow the tablets or extended-release tablets whole. Do not cut, break, or chew them.
If you cannot swallow a tablet, talk to the prescriber.
Store Janumet tablets at room temperature.
Store Janumet XR tablets in a tightly closed container at room temperature in a dry place.
What to do if you miss a dose of Janumet
If a dose of Janumet or Janumet XR is missed, take it when remembered.
If it’s almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one and take the next dose at its regular time.
Do not take two doses to make up for a missed dose.
Janumet contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone.
Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to metformin or sitagliptin.
Janumet warnings
Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.
Your doctor will need regularly to check on your progress and perform blood tests to spot kidney and other problems. Keep all appointments.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, drink alcohol often, or have:
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Heart disease
A history of heart failure
A history of pancreatitis (swollen pancreas)
Gallbladder stones
Problems with dehydration
High blood triglyceride levels
During treatment, tell the doctor if you have any planned surgeries or have a heart attack, stroke, or severe infection.
Janumet can cause serious side effects, including:
Lactic acidosis (high acid levels in the blood)
Heart failure
Kidney problems
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Extreme and disabling joint pain
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Janumet interactions
To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, tell the prescribing healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements you use, particularly:
Diabetes medications called meglitinides or sulfonylureas
Drugs called carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as topiramate
Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)
Birth control pills
Estrogen
Blood pressure and heart medications called calcium channel blockers
Thyroid medications
Cimetidine, dolutegravir, isoniazid, phenytoin
Insulin doses may need to be reduced in people taking Janumet.
Limit or avoid alcohol when taking Janumet. Heavy alcohol use increases your risk of developing lactic acidosis while taking metformin.
Tell other healthcare providers you are using this medicine before they prescribe new medications.
Janumet side effects
Serious side effects
Talk to a doctor if you notice any signs or symptoms of a possible serious side effect, including:
Tiredness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, stomach pain, shortness of breath, fruity-smelling breath, cold hands, cold feet
Fast breathing, fast heartbeat, muscle cramps, yellowing of the skin and eyes
Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, lightheadedness
Shortness of breath, trouble breathing, rapid increase in weight, tiredness, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet
Change in how much or how often you urinate
Headache, drowsiness, hunger, dizziness, jittery feeling, irritability, racing heartbeats, sweating
Itchy skin, large and fluid-filled blisters, mouth sores
Blistering, peeling, red skin rash, skin erosion
Allergic reaction: Rash, hives, swelling of your face, lips, or tongue, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, chest tightness, fast or irregular heartbeat, anxiety, confusion, feeling faint
Less serious side effects
Diarrhea
Upper respiratory tract infection
Headache
Sources:
Janumet drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference (PDR)
Janumet sitagliptin and metformin hydrochloride tablet prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine)
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