Janumet and Metformin are the primary medicines used for treating diabetes. While these medicines share similar functions, they still have major differences. These distinctions include their uses, cost, dosage, and adverse reactions.
Uses and Ingredients
Janumet is most efficient in reducing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This medicine is a mixture of two anti-diabetic agents, such as Metformin and Sitagliptin. Combining these medications increases insulin sensitivity and reduces high blood glucose levels. Janumet is taken orally and available as a film-coated tablet.
Metformin is an oral medicine that also lowers blood glucose levels in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. It works by stimulating the body’s need for insulin and reduces health complications like kidney disease or heart disease. Besides diabetes, Metformin is also used for treating polycystic ovaries and obesity. This medicine is the generic version of Fortamet, Glucophage, Glumetza, and Riomet.
Dosage
Janumet comes in tablet form. Individuals with type 2 diabetes should take one dose of this medicine twice daily with meals. The maximum dosage recommendation for Janumet is:
- 100 mg of sitagliptin and
- 2000 mg of metformin hydrochloride.
On the other hand, Metformin comes in a tablet and oral suspension form. The dosage recommendation for adults and children is the same.:
- Take 500 mg of Metformin two times per day for the initial dose.
- The maintenance dose for Metformin is 2000 mg daily.’
Note: Not all children can entirely consume a whole tablet of Metformin, especially the ten years old and below. Children can consume the medication in liquid form if they are unable to gulp down the tablets.
Cost
The prices of these medicines differ. Since Janumet is a brand name, it is expensive. Its minimum price is $532.79. Meanwhile, Metformin is the generic version of Fortamet and Glucophage and, therefore, more affordable. Its lowest price is $12.75.
Side Effects
Although Janumet and Metformin share similar uses, their side effects can be. The following are the most common adverse reactions once you start treatment with these medications:
Janumet:
- Low blood sugar
- Diarrhea
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Mild headache
- Pain in the abdomen
Metformin:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Gas
- Weakness
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
- Mild headache
