Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to sitagliptin or metformin; or if you have any other allergies.
Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: kidney disease, liver disease, conditions that may cause a low level of oxygen in the blood or poor circulation (e.g., heart/blood vessel disease such as severe congestive heart failure, recent heart attack, recent stroke), metabolic acidosis (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis), serious infection, severe loss of body fluids (dehydration).
Before using Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: severe breathing problems (e.g., obstructive lung disease, severe asthma), blood problems (e.g., anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency), problems becoming pregnant (e.g., ovulation problems), alcohol use.
Before having surgery or any X-ray/scanning procedure using injectable iodinated contrast material, tell your doctor that you are taking Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl). You will need to temporarily stop Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) before the time of your surgery/procedure. Consult your doctor for further instructions.
You may experience blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness due to very low or high blood sugar levels. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any other activity that requires clear vision and alertness.
Limit alcohol while using Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) because it can increase the risk of developing very low blood sugar and lactic acidosis.
It may be harder to control your blood sugar when your body is stressed (e.g., due to fever, infection, injury, or surgery). Consult your doctor because high stress levels may require a change in your treatment plan, medications, or blood sugar testing.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be a greater risk for side effects such as low blood sugar or lactic acidosis.
During pregnancy, Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Your doctor may direct you to use insulin instead of this product during your pregnancy. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Metformin can cause changes in the menstrual cycle (promote ovulation) and increase the risk of becoming pregnant. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the use of reliable birth control while using Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl).
It is not known whether Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) passes into breast milk. Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl). Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage from 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) by mouth, usually twice a day with meals or as directed by your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your current dosage of your diabetes medication(s), medical condition, and response to treatment. Your doctor may direct you to take a low dose of Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) at first, gradually increasing your dose to lower the chance of side effects such as upset stomach. Your doctor will adjust your dose based on your blood sugar levels to find the best dose for you. Follow your doctor's directions carefully. The maximum recommended dose for this combination medication is 100 milligrams of sitagliptin and 2000 milligrams of metformin each day.
Use Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) at the same times each day.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens (e.g., blood sugar levels are high).
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, nose/throat infection, headache, stomach upset, diarrhea, or a metallic taste in the mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. If stomach symptoms return later (after you are taking the same dose for several days or weeks), tell your doctor immediately. Stomach symptoms that occur after the first days of your treatment may be signs of lactic acidosis.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) do not have serious side effects.
Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) does not usually cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). However, low blood sugar may occur, especially if you use other medications for diabetes, drink large amounts of alcohol, do unusually heavy exercise, or do not consume enough calories from food. Symptoms include cold sweat, blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking, nervousness, fast heartbeat, headache, fainting, tingling of the hands/feet, and hunger. It is a good habit to carry glucose tablets or gel to treat low blood sugar. If you don't have these reliable forms of glucose, rapidly raise your blood sugar by eating a quick source of sugar such as table sugar, honey, or candy, or drink fruit juice or non-diet soda. Tell your doctor about the reaction immediately. To help prevent low blood sugar, eat meals on a regular schedule, and do not skip meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out what you should do if you miss a meal.
Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, confusion, drowsiness, flushing, rapid breathing, and fruity breath odor. If these symptoms occur, tell your doctor immediately. Your dosage may need to be increased.
A very serious allergic reaction to Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl) is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Janumet side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl), take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before using Janumet (sitagliptin/ metformin hcl), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use, especially of: drugs that may affect the kidneys' ability to remove metformin from the body (e.g., cimetidine, cephalexin, digoxin), "water pills"/diuretics (e.g., furosemide, thiazide diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide).
Many drugs can affect your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to control your blood sugar. Before you start, stop, or change any medication, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about how the medication may affect your blood sugar. Check your blood sugar levels regularly as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor about the results and of any symptoms of high or low blood sugar. (See also Side Effects section.) Your doctor may need to adjust your anti-diabetic medication, exercise program, or diet.
Some medications (e.g., beta blockers such as propranolol) may mask the fast/pounding heartbeat you would usually feel when your blood sugar level falls too low (hypoglycemia). Other symptoms of low blood sugar such as dizziness, hunger, or sweating are unaffected by these drugs.
Check the labels on all your nonprescription/herbal products carefully. Some products may contain sugar/alcohol and may affect blood sugars. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using these products safely.
Cimetidine is a nonprescription drug that is commonly used to treat extra stomach acid. Because it may interact with metformin, ask your pharmacist about other products to treat stomach acid.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.