JANUMET (METFORMIN HYDROCHLORIDE / SITAGLIPTIN PHOSPHATE)

Overview

Janumet (Metformin Hydrochloride / Sitagliptin Phosphate) is a prescription medicine to treat type 2 diabetes. Janumet is the brand name, in other words. Its generic name is Metformin Hydrochloride and Sitagliptin Phosphate. Moreover, Janumet includes 2 prescription drugs, i.e. Metformin Hydrochloride and Sitagliptin Phosphate. Janu = Januvia (Sitagliptin Phosphate) and Met = Metformin Hydrochloride (Janu + Met = Janumet). Similarly, it is a combination of 2 drugs which are used to treat type 2 diabetes.

How It Works

Metformin drug, however, helps to reduce glucose production in the liver by increasing the sensitivity of the liver to insulin. In addition, it also helps to remove excess glucose from the body. Whereas Sitagliptin regulates the level of insulin. Above all, it increases the production of insulin and improves the efficiency of insulin to breakdown glucose (Sugar). As Janumet is a combination of Sitagliptin and Metformin, it helps your pancreas to make more insulin, your body to use insulin more effectively and in addition, reduce the amount of glucose secreted by the liver.

Dosage

• However, not recommended for children below 18 years.
• Adult Dosage:
• No Metformin taken: Sitagliptin 50 mg and Metformin 500 mg twice a day.
• 1000 mg Metformin daily taken: Sitagliptin 50 mg and Metformin 500 mg twice a day.
• 1700 mg to 2000 mg Metformin daily taken: Sitagliptin 50 mg and Metformin 1000 mg twice a day.
• Maximum dose of 100 mg Sitagliptin and 2000 mg Metformin recommended.
• Moreover, the dose is adjusted depending on renal impairment.
• It is not recommended for moderate and severe renal impairment.

Common Side Effects

• Serious Side Effects:
• Allergic Reaction
• Severe Joint Pain
• Pancreatitis: Symptoms are,

1. Nausea and Vomiting
2. Acute Pain in Stomach moving to back

• Lactic Acidosis: Symptoms are, for instance:

1. Muscle Pain
2. Irregular Heartbeat
3. Feeling Cold
4. Dizziness

• Heart failure: Symptoms are, for instance:

1. Weight Gain
2. Shortness of breath

• Autoimmune reaction: Symptoms are, for instance:

1. Itching
2. Blisters

• Common Side Effects:
• Low blood sugar
• Diarrhoea
• Nausea
• Headache
• Cold

These are some side effects of Janumet, for instance. However, if you face any symptoms, get immediate medical help.

How to Take This Medication

• Take this drug as and when prescribed by the doctor.
• Take it with meals.
• Swallow it with water. However, don’t crush or chew or break it.
• If you miss a dose, don’t take 2 doses together.
• Moreover, if you overdose, get immediate help.
• Take this drug with a balanced diet and exercise.

Warnings and Precautions

• Important Warning:
• Lactic Acidosis: Janumet (Metformin Hydrochloride/Sitagliptin Phosphate) may cause lactic acidosis in some patients. It can be fatal.
• Other Warnings and Precautions:
• Don’t take this drug if you have/are,

1. Diabetic Ketoacidosis
2. Allergic Reaction
3. Kidney problems

• Inform your doctor if you have/are,

1. Kidney problems
2. Liver problems
3. Heart disease
4. Pancreatitis
5. Gallstones
6. High triglycerides
7. Going to have a surgery
8. Going to have an x-ray or CT scan
9. Pregnant or planning to get pregnant
10. Breastfeeding
11. Taking other medications

• Avoid drinking alcohol moreover, as it may lead to lactic acidosis.
• As it triggers ovulation there is a risk of unwanted pregnancy.
• It is however not recommended for children below 18 years.