Janumet (Sitagliptin And Metformin)

Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information

Prescription Required

Quick Facts

Generic Name

Sitagliptin and Metformin

Drug Class

DPP-4 inhibitor and Biguanide combination

Used For

Lowering blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes

How Taken

Oral tablet taken with meals

What Is Janumet Used For?

Janumet is a combination medication that helps control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Primary Uses

Janumet is used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It can be taken alone or combined with other blood sugar-lowering medicines along with a recommended diet and exercise program.

How It Works

Janumet contains two active ingredients that work together: sitagliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor) and metformin (a biguanide). These medicines work together to control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

How to Take Janumet

Your doctor will determine the right dose and frequency for you. Always take Janumet with meals to reduce the chance of stomach upset.

Dosage Instructions

Your doctor will tell you how many Janumet tablets to take and how often. Take Janumet with meals to lower your chance of an upset stomach. Take your medication at about the same time each day.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

Important: Never take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed

Available Tablet Strengths

50mg/500mg

50mg/500mg Tablet Light pink, Film coated tablet • 575 on one side, plain on other

50mg/850mg

50mg/850mg Tablet Pink, Film coated tablet • 515 on one side, plain on other

50mg/1000mg

50mg/1000mg Tablet Red, Film coated tablet • 577 on one side, plain on other

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

Signs of breathing passage infections (runny nose, sore throat, cough)
Nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort
Diarrhea or constipation
Headache
Muscle aches or joint, arm, leg or back pain
Itching or blisters

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Allergic reactions including rash, hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue, and throat with difficulty breathing or swallowing
Severe and persistent stomach pain, often with nausea and vomiting (may be signs of pancreatitis)
Kidney problems (sometimes requiring dialysis)
Blisters or breakdown of skin (erosion)
Low blood sugar when used with sulfonylurea medicine or insulin
Lactic acidosis symptoms: feeling very weak and tired, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, feeling cold in arms and legs, dizziness, slow or irregular heartbeat

Important Warnings

There are several important conditions and situations where Janumet should not be used or requires special monitoring.

Who Should Not Take Janumet

Do not take Janumet if you are allergic to sitagliptin, metformin, or any of the ingredients listed. Do not use if you have type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have severe kidney problems, liver or heart problems including congestive heart failure, drink excessive alcohol, are planning surgery or X-ray procedures with contrast dye, or have any other medical conditions.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Janumet is not recommended during pregnancy. You should not take Janumet while breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Janumet.

Children: Children and adolescents below 18 years should not use this medicine

Drug Interactions

Some medicines may interfere with Janumet and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.

Sulfonylureas (may cause low blood sugar)
Insulin (may cause low blood sugar and dose reduction may be required)

Alcohol & Driving

There are important considerations regarding alcohol consumption and driving while taking Janumet.

Alcohol

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption (regular or binge drinking) can affect your treatment.

Driving and Operating Machinery

There is no information to suggest that Janumet affects your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.

Storage

Keep your tablets in the blister pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose Information

If you think you have taken too much Janumet, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital, even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Take Janumet with meals to lower your chance of an upset stomach. This helps reduce digestive side effects.

Take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Never take a double dose.

Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption (regular or binge drinking) can affect your diabetes treatment.

Signs include weakness, trembling, sweating, dizziness, headache, irritability, hunger, and numbness around lips and tongue. Treat quickly with sugar, honey, or glucose tablets.

No, do not stop taking Janumet or change your dose without checking with your doctor first.