Janumet XR (Sitagliptin And Metformin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Janumet XR Used For?
Janumet XR is a combination diabetes medication that contains two active ingredients working together to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Primary Uses
Janumet XR is used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus along with diet and exercise. It can be used alone or in combination with certain other blood sugar-lowering medicines as part of a recommended diet and exercise program.
How It Works
Janumet XR contains sitagliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor) and metformin (a biguanide). These two medicines work together to control blood sugar levels. Sitagliptin helps your body produce more insulin when blood sugar is high, while metformin helps your body use insulin more effectively and reduces glucose production by the liver.
Good to know: Diet and exercise can help your body use its blood sugar better, so it’s important to stay on your doctor’s recommended diet, exercise and weight loss program while taking Janumet XR.
How to Take Janumet XR
Your doctor will determine the right dose of Janumet XR for you. It’s important to take it exactly as prescribed to get the best results.
Dosage Instructions
Take your Janumet XR tablets once a day with a meal to lower your chance of an upset stomach. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water – do not chew, cut, or crush them. Take it at about the same time each day. You may see something that looks like the tablet in your stool, which is normal, but if you see tablets in your stool several times, talk to your doctor.
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 you’re meant to. Continue taking Janumet XR as long as your doctor prescribes it to help control your blood sugar.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor.
Available Tablet Strengths
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 respiratory infection (runny nose, sore throat, cough, headache, flu-like symptoms)
- Stomach discomfort and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Muscle aches or pain in joints, back, arm, or leg
- Itching or blisters
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Allergic reactions (rash, hives, swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat with difficulty breathing or swallowing)
- Severe and persistent stomach pain with nausea and vomiting (may be pancreatitis)
- Kidney problems (sometimes requiring dialysis)
- Low blood sugar when used with sulfonylureas or insulin
- Skin breakdown or erosion
- Symptoms of lactic acidosis
Important Warnings
Before taking Janumet XR, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history and current health conditions with your doctor to ensure this medication is safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Janumet XR
Do not take Janumet XR if you are allergic to sitagliptin, metformin, or any of the ingredients. Do not use if you have type 1 diabetes, diabetic ketoacidosis, or severe kidney problems. Children and adolescents below 18 years should not use this medicine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have or have had liver or heart problems including congestive heart failure, drink excessive alcohol, are planning surgery or X-ray procedures with contrast dye, or take any other medicines. You may be at risk of developing lactic acidosis, a serious condition.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Janumet XR is not recommended during pregnancy. Call your doctor straight away if you become pregnant while taking this medicine. You should not take Janumet XR while breastfeeding or if planning to breastfeed.
Lactic Acidosis Risk: Stop taking Janumet XR and get immediate medical help if you experience symptoms of lactic acidosis: feeling very weak and tired, unusual muscle pain, trouble breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, feeling cold especially in arms and legs, dizziness, or slow/irregular heartbeat.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Janumet XR and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking.
Blood Sugar Monitoring: When used with sulfonylureas or insulin, you may need dose adjustments to prevent low blood sugar. Check with your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
- Sulfonylureas (may cause low blood sugar)
- Insulin (may cause low blood sugar – dose reduction may be required)
Alcohol & Driving
It’s important to discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor and understand how Janumet XR may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption (regular heavy drinking or binge drinking) can increase your risk of developing lactic acidosis, a serious condition.
Driving and Operating Machinery
There is no information to suggest that Janumet XR affects your ability to drive a car or operate machinery. However, be aware of symptoms of low or high blood sugar that could affect your ability to drive safely.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the bottle until it’s time to take them. Store Janumet XR 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 it where young children cannot reach it. If you no longer need the medicine or it’s out of date, take it to any pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Janumet XR, you may need 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. Overdose symptoms may include feeling sick, vomiting, trouble breathing, stomach pain, or diarrhea – these may be early signs of lactic acidosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
The medication works to control blood sugar levels as part of your ongoing diabetes management. Continue taking it as long as your doctor prescribes it to help control your blood sugar levels.
Yes, you should take your Janumet XR tablets once a day with a meal to lower your chance of an upset stomach.
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor. You need to continue taking it to help control your blood sugar levels.
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol. Excessive alcohol consumption can increase your risk of developing lactic acidosis, a serious condition.
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 you’re meant to. Never take a double dose.
You may see something that looks like the Janumet XR tablet in your stool, which can be normal. However, if you see tablets in your stool several times, talk to your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you become ill, dehydrated, injured, have a fever, serious infection, or plan to have surgery. Your blood glucose may become difficult to control and you may be at greater risk of lactic acidosis during these times.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.