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.

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.

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.

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.

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  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.

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  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.

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

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  Do not take Janumet while pregnant or breastfeeding.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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   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:

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  Allergic reactions

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  Bloating and/or gassiness

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  Constipation

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  Diarrhea

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  Dizziness

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  Fatigue

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  Feeling cold

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  Headaches

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  Indigestion

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  Joint and/or muscle aches

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  Nausea

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  Skin blisters

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  Unexplained muscle pain

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  Vomiting

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

More serious side effects include:

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.