Janumet | Sitagliptin & metformin

Drug Class: DPP-4 Inhibitor
Manufacturer: Merck 
Approval Date: March 2007

Janumet is a combination of Januvia (sitagliptin) and metformin. Januvia reduces blood glucose by inhibiting the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) while metformin reduces blood glucose by increasing the sensitivity of muscle, liver, fat and other tissues to insulin.

What does Janumet treat

Janumet is used for treating type 2 diabetes in combination with diet and exercise. It is not used for treating type 1 diabetes.

How Effective is Janumet

Janumet 50/1000 mg reduced hemoglobin A1C by 1.9% after 24 weeks while A1C increased by 0.2% in the placebo group.

66% of individuals treated with Janumet 50/1000 mg achieved A1C less than 7%. Only 20% and 23% of individuals treated with sitagliptin or metformin alone achieved A1C less than 7%.

What are interesting facts about Janumet

• Sitagliptin and metformin are excreted by the kidneys
• Does not cause weight gain
• Low risk of hypoglycemia

How is Janumet dosed and administered

Janumet is administered orally twice a day with meals. The maximum daily dose is 100/2000 mg.

What are the side effects of Janumet

Common: Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, headache, runny nose, sore throat, upper respiratory infection.

Serious: Lactic acidosis, pancreatitis, hypoglycemia (when combined with insulin or sulfonylurea).

Drug interactions

• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
• Drugs that increase glucose levels (e.g., steroids, estrogens, quinolone class of antibiotics)

How to obtain prescription assistance for Janumet

Contact the Janumet Prescription Assistance program.

References: Janumet FDA Prescribing Information

The material on this site is for information only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider.

Comment on this article or post an article by joining the RxEconsult community.

Please Share on Your Social Networks