Janumet

= Prescription Required = Generic Equvalent
Janumet
500/50 mg Tablets
Metformin Hydrochloride/Sitagliptin
Janumet
1000/50 mg Tablets
Metformin Hydrochloride/Sitagliptin

Janumet Prescription Drug Information

Sitagliptin/Metformin (By mouth)
Metformin Hydrochloride (met-FOR-min hye-droe-KLOR-ide), Sitagliptin Phosphate (sit-a-GLIP-tin FOS-fate)

Treats type 2 diabetes. Used together with proper diet and exercise to help control blood sugar.

Brand Name(s):Janumet
There may be other brand names for Janumet.

When Janumet Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Janumet if you have had an allergic reaction to metformin or sitagliptin, or if you have kidney disease, type 1 diabetes, or a condition called metabolic acidosis (diabetic ketoacidosis).

How to Use Janumet:
Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of Janumet to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • It is best to take Janumet with food or milk.
  • Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet or exercise program.
  • Janumet should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.

If a dose of Janumet is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of Janumet:

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Janumet:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are using insulin or other medicines to treat your diabetes (such as glipizide, glimepiride, glyburide, tolbutamide, Amaryl®, Glucotrol®, or Orinase®), cimetidine (Tagamet®), digoxin (Digitek®, Lanoxin®), isoniazid (Nydrazid®), morphine, nicotinic acid (niacin), procainamide (Procanbid®), quinidine, quinine, ranitidine (Zantac®), trimethoprim (Proloprim®, Trimpex®), or vancomycin (Vancocin®).
  • Tell your doctor if you are also using birth control pills, certain blood pressure medicines (such as atenolol, metoprolol, nifedipine, diltiazem, Cardizem®, or Procardia®), a diuretic or "water pill" (such as amiloride, furosemide, triamterene, Dyrenium®, or Lasix®), a phenothiazine medicine (such as prochlorperazine, Compazine®, Mellaril®, Phenergan®, Thorazine®, or Trilafon®), phenytoin (Dilantin®), a steroid medicine (such as prednisone, Medrol®), or a thyroid medicine.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using Janumet.

Warnings While Using Janumet:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney problems, heart disease, adrenal or pituitary problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, or a history of pancreas problems. Make sure your doctor knows if you get hurt or sick, especially if you have severe vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.
  • Tell your doctor if you are overweight, or if you have high cholesterol or fats in the blood. These conditions may increase your risk for pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas).
  • Pancreatitis may occur while you are using Janumet. Stop using Janumet and check with your doctor right away if you have sudden and severe stomach pain, chills, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, or lightheadedness.
  • You may need to stop using Janumet several days before having surgery or medical tests. Janumet may interact with the dye used for an X-ray or CT scan.
  • Janumet may cause a rare, but serious condition called lactic acidosis in some people. Call your doctor right away if you get sick, or if you have unusual tiredness, weakness, muscle pain, trouble breathing, fever, or nausea.
  • You may develop low blood sugar while you are taking Janumet. You may feel weak, drowsy, confused, anxious, or very hungry. You may have trouble seeing or have a headache that won't go away. Ask your doctor what you should do if this happens. Some things that can lead to low blood sugar are exercising more than normal or waiting too long to eat.
  • If your blood sugar gets too low, you may feel weak, drowsy, confused, anxious, or very hungry. You may also sweat, shake, or have blurred vision, a fast heartbeat, or a headache that will not go away. If you have symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), check your blood sugar. If your blood sugar is 70 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or below, do one of the following: Drink 4 ounces (one-half cup) of fruit juice, or eat 5 to 6 pieces of hard candy, or take 2 to 3 glucose tablets. Recheck your blood sugar 15 minutes later. If your blood sugar goes above 70 mg/dL, eat a snack or a meal. If your blood sugar is still below 70 mg/dL, drink one-half cup juice, or eat 5 to 6 pieces of candy, or take 2 to 3 glucose tablets. Carry candy or some type of sugar with you at all times, especially if you are away from home. You can take this if you feel that your blood sugar is too low, even if you do not have a blood glucose meter. Always carefully follow your doctor's instructions about how to treat your low blood sugar. Learn what to do if your blood sugar gets too low. Teach friends, coworkers, and family members what they can do to help if you have low blood sugar.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood or urine at regular visits while you are using Janumet. Be sure to keep all appointments. You will also need to check your blood sugar regularly at home.
  • Janumet is only part of a complete program for controlling diabetes. It is important that you always eat a healthy diet, watch your weight, and get regular exercise.

Possible Side Effects While Using Janumet:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
  • Change in how much or how often you urinate.
  • Dizziness, shakiness, or increased hunger.
  • Extreme weakness, tiredness, or confusion.
  • Fast heartbeat, cold sweats, or shakiness.
  • Fever, chills, runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
  • Lightheadedness or fainting.
  • Rapid breathing, trouble breathing, or nausea and vomiting.
  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, fever, or loss of appetite.

If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Janumet, talk with your doctor:

  • Diarrhea, mild stomach pain, or upset stomach.
  • Headache.
  • Lack or loss of strength.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Janumet, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

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