Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin)

Do not deviate from how your medical health professional has directed that you take Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin). Your doctor will check your blood sugar to determine the right dosage for treatment. In most cases, Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin) is taken twice a day with food to help avoid an upset stomach.  

 The tablets should be taken whole. If you have difficulty swallowing this medication, talk to your doctor and pharmacist about options. Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin) tablets should not be cut, chewed or crushed.  

 If you experience the following, contact your doctor to find out what you should do: 

• Need to get a contrast agent for an x-ray procedure 
• Have a planned surgery 
• Experiencing dehydration or a condition that causes a large loss of bodily fluids 

If you miss a dose, take the next dose with food as soon as you realize you missed it; however, do not take two doses at the same time.  

The most common side effects of Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin) are a runny nose and sore throat, along with the following: 

• Nausea 
• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal pain 
• Bloating 
• Upset stomach 
• Loss of appetite 
• Gas 

 Serious side effect that may occur while taking Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin) include:  

• Lactic acidosis, which is due to lactic acid build up in the blood.  
• Low blood sugar when taking sulfonylurea or insulin. Some of the signs of low blood sugar include: 
• Fast heartbeat 
• Sweating 
• Jittery feeling 
• Hunger 
• Headache 
• Weakness 
• Confusion 
• Drowsiness 
• Irritability

Allergic reactions may include: 

• Rash 
• Swelling (lips, throat, tongue or face) 
• Hives 
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Additional side effects of Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin) include: 

• Vomiting 
• Headache 
• Constipation 

• Inflammation of the pancreas 
• Blisters 
• Back pain 
• Itching 
• Join pain 
• Muscle aches 
• Arm or leg pain

Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin) may cause lactic acidosis, which needs to be treated in a hospital. Symptoms of lactic acidosis include:  

• Weak and tired 
• Dizziness and lightheadedness  
• Unusual muscle pain 
• Feeling cold 
• Stomach pain with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea 
• Difficulty breathing 
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Changes in medical condition

You may have a higher chance of lactic acidosis if you have the following conditions: 

• Kidney problems 
• 80 years of age or older  
• Congestive heart failure 
• Heart attack, severe infection or stroke 
• Drink alcohol 
• X-rays with contrast agents or injectable dyes 
• Dehydration 
• Surgery

Patients taking Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin) may have an increased risk of pancreatitis.  

 Do not take Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin) without talking to your doctor, if you have experienced the following:  

• You have pancreatitis or have had it in the past 
• Liver problems 
• Aged 80 years or older 
• Taking insulin for hypoglycemia 
• Kidney problems 
• Allergic reaction to sitagliptin, metformin or Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin) 
• Heart problems 
• Breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed 
• Pregnant or plan to become pregnant 

Children under the age of 18 years of age should not take Janumet (Sitagliptin/Metformin).