What is Janumet?
Janumet is a diabetes drug that contains sitagliptin and metformin. Both sitagliptin and metformin are oral diabetes drugs that help to regulate blood sugar levels. Controlling blood sugar is important because it can reduce the risk of severe health complication, including kidney problems, blindness, and nerve damage. Sitagliptin controls the amount of insulin produced after eating. While metformin decreases sugar that is produced by the liver and reduces glucose that is absorbed by the intestines. The action of metformin and sitagliptin contained in Janumet helps to reduce high levels of blood sugar. Do not take this medication if you are allergic to either sitagliptin or metformin.
What is Jentadueto?
Jentadueto is a combination drug that consists of metformin and linagliptin. Both metformin and linagliptin are oral diabetes drugs that are used to control high levels of blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes refers to a condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin. This leads to high levels of blood sugar, which can be dangerous if left untreated. This is where Jentadueto is helpful. Metformin, which is contained in this drug, works by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and by decreasing glucose absorption by the intestines. On the other hand, linagliptin regulates the amount of insulin that is produced by your body after eating a meal. Jentadueto is normally prescribed together with exercise and diet to effectively control blood sugar in type 2 diabetic people. However, the drug should not be used to treat patients with type 1 diabetes.
Similarities and differences between Janumet and Jentadueto
Similarities
Janumet and Jentadueto are both combination drug that consist of DPP4 inhibitors, sitagliptin and linagliptin respectively, plus metformin. As a result, both medications work the same way to control blood sugar levels. These drugs can be prescribed together with diet and exercise to control the level of blood glucose in type 2 diabetic patients. However, these 2 prescription drugs should not be taken by patients with type 1 diabetes. Another similarity is that both Jentadueto and Janumet are available as both immediate- and extended-release pills. The extended-release pills are known as Jentadueto XR and Janumet XR.
Taking these medications can lead to similar side effects like:
- hypoglycemia
- headache
- sore throat
- runny nose
- passing gas
- diarrhea
Differences
Despite the similarities between these drugs, there are some vital differences between the 2 drugs. Therefore, these 2 combination drugs cannot be used interchangeably. Janumet is manufactured by Merck while Jentadueto is produced by Eli Lilly. Jentadueto is available in tablet dosage of between 2.5mg to 850mg. On the other hand, Janumet comes in dosage of 50mg to 500mg. Jentadueto contains linagliptin/metformin while Janumet has sitagliptin/metformin.
Doctor’s Recommendation
Because the medicines have similar efficacies, mechanisms of action, and side effects, the patient should purchase the drug that is better covered by insurance.
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Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
