Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin) for Diabetes

Overview
Janumet is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help improve blood glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Janumet is considered an adjunct treatment to diet and exercise.

Janumet is a combination drug composed of the drugs Sitagliptin, the active ingredient in Januvia, and Metformin. Sitagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. Sitagliptin is believed to work by lowering blood glucose levels when they are elevated. Metformin is a biguanide. Metformin is believed to work by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and making the muscle tissue more sensitive to insulin.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Janumet is generally taken twice daily with meals.

Janumet comes in tablet form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Janumet lists common side effects including cold symptoms, diarrhea, nausea, gas, stomach pain, indigestion, and hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).

Rare but serious side effects listed for Janumet include lactic acidosis (when the tissues and blood become too acidic), pancreatitis, kidney problems, and systemic allergic reaction.

For answers to frequently asked questions about exposure to Metformin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, visit the experts at MothertoBaby.org.