Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin) is a combination prescription medication used with diet and exercise to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. The active ingredients in Janumet are Sitagliptin and Metformin. Sitagliptin belongs to the Dipeptyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors group, whereas Metformin is a biguanide. Sitagliptin works by increasing levels of incretins. Incretins help to control blood sugar by increasing insulin release, especially after a meal. Metformin works by helping to restore and improve the body's response to insulin. It also decreases the amount of sugar your liver makes, which the intestines absorb. Controlling blood sugars helps to prevent a sudden rise in blood sugar, blindness, amputation and loss of libido.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Janumet from Canada, Australia, India and Turkey manufactured by MSD and Merck. The generic Sitagliptin/Metformin from India also called Istamet by Sun Pharma and Canada by a different manufacturer. They are both available in the strength of 50 mg/500 mg, 50 mg/850 mg and 50 mg/1000 mg tablets.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking Janumet. The most common side effects of Janumet may include:
• Abdominal pain;
• Diarrhea;
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia);
• Nausea;
• Vomiting
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects including:
• Lactic acidosis;
• Little or no urinating;
• Loss of consciousness;
• Severe headache;
• Shortness of breath, swelling in your legs or feet, rapid weight gain;
• Sudden drop in blood pressure
Before using Janumet, you should inform your doctor if you are allergic to it or have a problem swallowing it. It comes as a table and should be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day with meals. Drink plenty of water while taking this Janumet unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you have trouble swallowing the tablet whole, tell your doctor. You may have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and feel hungry, dizzy, irritable, confused, anxious, and shaking. You should eat or drink fruit juice, hard candy, crackers, or non-diet soda.
Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctors about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Have disease of the pancreas, including pancreatitis;
• Have diabetic ketoacidosis;
• Have problems with your heartbeat;
• Have severe kidney diseases;
• Have liver disease
Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used when needed. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you. Your doctor may direct you to use insulin instead of Janumet during pregnancy. Metformin can cause changes in the menstrual cycle and increase the risk of becoming pregnant. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about using effective birth control while using this medication. Metformin passes into breast milk in small amounts. It is unknown if sitagliptin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. There may be a drug interaction between Janumet and other medications, including amiodarone, acetazolamide, cimetidine, felodipine, lisinopril and verapamil.
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