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Buy Janumet or Generic Sitagliptin/Metformin Online

A prescription is required for this item.
GENERIC ALTERNATIVE LISTING - Sitagliptin/Metformin
Dosage Pack Size & Price Qty
50/1000mg
50/500mg
BRAND LISTING - Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin)
Dosage Pack Size & Price Qty
50/1000mg
50/500mg
50/850mg
Product description medically reviewed by Dr. Ami Patel, PharmD (Mar 10, 2020)

What is Janumet or generic Sitagliptin/Metformin?

Janumet is a prescription medication that helps lower and control blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. The medication is a combination of two prescription drugs: extended-release metformin hydrochloride and sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate, which is also known by the brand name Januvia.

Sitagliptin is part of a class of medicines referred to as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, while metformin belongs to a class of medicines called biguanides. Together, these medications work to lower blood sugar in multiple ways:

  • They support the pancreas in producing more insulin after a meal.
  • They help the body use the insulin it produces in more effective ways.
  • They help lower the amount of sugar produced by the liver.

Janumet medication is intended specifically for people with type 2 diabetes. Thus, doctors generally prescribe Janumet or Metformin/Sitagliptin to people with type 2 diabetes who need help lowering and controlling their blood sugar along with exercise and a healthy diet.

Drugs similar to Janumet or generic Sitagliptin/Metformin include:

Conditions treated by Janumet or generic Sitagliptin/Metformin

Janumet is most commonly prescribed to assist with the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus, the most common form of diabetes. Nine of 10 people with diabetes have this type.

In this condition, while the pancreas produces insulin, it doesn't produce enough and/or the insulin doesn't work the way it's supposed to. (In a healthy body, insulin helps sugar make its way into the body's cells, where it can be used for energy.) In some cases, the liver of a person with this condition will produce too much sugar. All these factors can lead to high blood sugar. If left unmanaged, high blood sugar can lead to serious medical issues including blindness, heart disease, and kidney disease.

Along with diet and exercise, medications may be prescribed to help people with type 2 diabetes lower and control their blood sugar. Janumet is one of those medications. It is intended specifically for people with type 2 diabetes and is not meant for use by people with type 1 diabetes. Occasionally a doctor will prescribe Janumet for another condition as they see fit.

What to know before using Janumet or generic Sitagliptin/Metformin

Prior you take Janumet or generic Sitagliptin/Metformin, it's important to be aware of the following.

  • Tell your doctor about any allergies or health conditions you have (especially kidney, liver, pancreas, or heart problems) as well as any medications you already take.

  • Continue to lead a healthy lifestyle. Janumet is meant to work in conjunction with exercise and a healthy diet. It is not a replacement for these lifestyle factors.

  • While taking Janumet, schedule regular doctor visits so a doctor can monitor your body's response to the medication.

  • Do not take Janumet while pregnant or breastfeeding.

  • Take this medication exactly as prescribed. Plan to take this medication with food to reduce the chances of an upset stomach. Do not stop taking Janumet without consulting your doctor. Talk to your doctor about how to recognize signs of low blood sugar and what to eat to raise blood sugar.

  • If you are going to have surgery or undergo an X-ray or other medical screening involving injectable dyes, inform your medical provider that you take Janumet. You will need to stop taking the medication for some time before and after the procedure.

  • Some people experience dizziness and/or drowsiness as side effects of taking sitagliptin. Observe how your body responds to this medication prior to driving or using dangerous machinery.

    Other side effects may include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), or worsening of heart failure.

  • Store Janumet at room temperature away from children and pets. Do not dispose of Janumet via a faucet or trash can. Contact your pharmacist for proper disposal instructions.

  • Do not drink alcohol while taking Janumet. This medication comes with a black box warning because in rare cases, it has provoked a serious condition called lactic acidosis, or the buildup of lactic acid in the blood. The condition constitutes a medical emergency and must be treated in a hospital. Drinking alcohol while taking Janumet may exacerbate the risk of developing lactic acidosis.

  • If you miss a dose and it's far from the time of your next scheduled dose, take the missed dose and then resume your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose and it's near the time of your next dose, take the next scheduled dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up on doses. If you think you have taken too much of this medication, contact your doctor immediately.

Possible side effects of Janumet or generic Sitagliptin/Metformin

Potential Janumet side effects, Metformin side effects, and/or Sitagliptin side effects include:

  • Allergic reactions

  • Bloating and/or gassiness

  • Constipation

  • Diarrhea

  • Dizziness

  • Fatigue

  • Feeling cold

  • Headaches

  • Indigestion

  • Joint and/or muscle aches

  • Nausea

  • Skin blisters

  • Unexplained muscle pain

  • Vomiting

  • Respiratory issues including cough, runny nose, and/or sore throat

More serious side effects include:

  • Lactic acidosis (a life-threatening condition
  • Kidney issues
  • Pancreatitis, a serious condition marked by inflammation of the pancreas
  • Slow or irregular heartbeat
  • Trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you experience these or any other side effects while taking Janumet, promptly contact a medical professional.

Janumet or generic Sitagliptin/Metformin FAQ's

  • What is the proper dosage of Janumet or generic Sitagliptin/Metformin?

    Janumet is typically supplied as oral tablets in one of the following dosages:

    • 50 mg sitagliptin / 500 mg metformin HCl (Janumet 50/500)
    • 50 mg sitagliptin / 1,000 mg metformin HCl (Janumet 50/1000)

    The proper Janumet dosage or Sitagliptin/Metformin dosage varies depending on the patient and condition being treated. As a general rule, the recommended starting dose is one pill of Janumet 50/500 taken twice daily with meals. A doctor may increase a patient's dosage as necessary. The maximum recommended daily dose of Janumet is 100 mg of sitagliptin and 2,000 mg of metformin hydrochloride. Do not cut or break the tablet; it must be swallowed whole.

  • What is the difference between Janumet and generic Sitagliptin/Metformin?

    Janumet is a brand-name medication, but there are generic Janumet alternatives. Both Janumet and generics feature the same active ingredients, namely Sitagliptin and Metformin. In many cases, generic options cost less than brand-name medication. If you're not sure whether brand-name or generic Janumet is right for you, consult your doctor. The generic alternatives are not manufactured by the same company that makes the brand medication.

    • The information provided on the NorthWestPharmacy.com website is intended to facilitate awareness about healthcare products and medical conditions generally but it is not a substitute for professional medical attention or advice. You should always speak with a qualified healthcare practitioner before taking any prescription or non-prescription drug.