What is Janumet XR used for?
Janumet XR is an oral extended release tablet that contains two drugs, i.e. sitagliptin and metformin. An extended-release tablet is normally released slowly into the bloodstream over a certain period of time. It can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes drugs. The 2 drugs in this extended-release tablet work in synergy to control blood glucose levels. Sitagliptin works by increasing incretins. This natural substance helps to control blood glucose by increasing the amount of insulin that is released after eating. Incretins also work by reducing the amount of glucose that is produced by the liver. On the other hand, metformin helps to increase your body’s sensitivity to insulin. Metformin also reduces the amount of glucose that is produced by the liver, and the glucose that is absorbed by the intestines. Janumet XR is normally prescribed together with diet and exercise to treat high levels of blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. It is important to control high levels of blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes, so as to prevent complications such as nerve damage, kidney problems, blindness, and loss of limbs. However, this medication should not be used to treat patients with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
Dosing
The dosage of this prescription drug will vary depending on your medical condition, other drugs you are using, and how you respond to treatment. To lower the chance of side effects, your health-care provider may ask you to start taking Janumet XR at a lower dose and increase your dose gradually. The drug comes in dose strengths of 100mg sitagliptin/1000mg metformin, 50mg sitagliptin/500mg metformin, and 50mg sitagliptin/1000mg metformin. For diabetic patients who are not currently taking metformin, the starting dose is 1 tablet that contains 100mg sitagliptin/1000mg metformin to be taken once every day with dinner. Your health-care provider may gradually increase your dosage if needed. This medication should be taken orally as advised by your health-care provider. Make sure you don’t chew or crush the extended release tablet. Crushing or chewing Janumet XR may release the drugs contained in it all at once, which increases the chance of side effects. Instead swallow the whole tablet.
Janumet XR side effects
Most patients who use this prescription drug do not experience serious side effects. However, you may experience common side effects of Janumet XR.
Common side effects include
- Stomach pain;
- Sore throat;
- Diarrhea;
- Chest pain;
- Vomiting;
- Nausea.
In case any of these side effects becomes worse or persist, you should inform your health-care provider promptly. However, if they are mild, they usually disappear after a couple of days or weeks.
Tell your health-care provider if you have any of the following serious side effects:
- Skin reactions with symptoms like fever and peeling skin;
- Pancreatitis symptoms such as fever, increased heart rate, nausea, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain;
- Severe joint pain;
- Allergic reactions with symptoms like hives, swelling of the tongue, face or lips, itchiness, and skin rash.
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.
