Brand Names: Janumet

Generic Name: metformin and sitagliptin (Pronunciation: met FOR min and SI ta glip tin)

• What is metformin and sitagliptin (Janumet)?
• What are the possible side effects of metformin and sitagliptin (Janumet)?
• What is the most important information I should know about metformin and sitagliptin (Janumet)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking metformin and sitagliptin (Janumet)?
• How should I take metformin and sitagliptin (Janumet)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Janumet)?
• What happens if I overdose (Janumet)?
• What should I avoid while taking metformin and sitagliptin (Janumet)?
• What other drugs will affect metformin and sitagliptin (Janumet)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is metformin and sitagliptin (Janumet)?

Metformin and sitagliptin are oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.

Metformin works by decreasing glucose (sugar) production in the liver and decreasing absorption of glucose by the intestines.

Sitagliptin works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating.

The combination of metformin and sitagliptin is for people with type 2 diabetes who do not use daily insulin injections. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Metformin and sitagliptin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Janumet 100 mg-50 mg

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Janumet 500 mg-50 mg

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What are the possible side effects of metformin and sitagliptin (Janumet)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• pancreatitis - severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fast heart rate;
• feeling short of breath, even with mild exertion;
• swelling or rapid weight gain;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms; or
• a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

Less serious side effects may include:

• runny or stuffy nose, sore throat;
• headache, weakness; or
• mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about metformin and sitagliptin (Janumet)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metformin or sitagliptin, if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before taking metformin and sitagliptin, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, a history of pancreatitis, a history of heart disease, or if you are over 80 years old and have not recently had your kidney function checked.

Stop taking metformin and sitagliptin and call your doctor at once if you have severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, or fast heart rate.

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, nausea with vomiting, slow or uneven heart rate, dizziness, or feeling very weak or tired.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking metformin and sitagliptin.

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into a vein, you may need to temporarily stop taking metformin and sitagliptin.