Janumet® Tablets for Type 2 Diabetes

Janumet® combines sitagliptin and metformin in one tablet for adults with type 2 diabetes. This page explains how it works, key safety points, and how to access Canadian pricing that ships to the US. You can check costs and consider savings even without insurance.

CanadianInsulin is a prescription referral service. We verify your prescription with your clinic, and licensed Canadian pharmacies dispense your order.

What Janumet® Is and How It Works

Janumet® is an oral prescription medicine for type 2 diabetes. It pairs sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, with metformin, a biguanide. Together, they help lower fasting and after-meal blood sugar.

Sitagliptin increases incretin hormones, which boost insulin release when glucose rises and reduce glucagon. Metformin lowers glucose made by the liver and helps your body use insulin better. The combination targets several pathways and is weight neutral for most people. US delivery from Canada lets you compare options while keeping your current care team.

Who Janumet® Is For

Janumet is used for adults with type 2 diabetes when diet and exercise are not enough. It can be started in people already on metformin or sitagliptin, or added to other agents when appropriate.

Do not use it for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis. It is not for individuals with severe kidney disease. People with past pancreatitis, significant liver disease, alcohol misuse, or unstable heart failure should discuss risks and alternatives with their clinician.

For broader education on the condition and therapies, see our category for Type 2 Diabetes.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your clinician’s directions and the official label. The sitagliptin daily total should not exceed 100 mg. The metformin daily total usually does not exceed 2000 mg.

Immediate-release Janumet is typically taken twice daily with meals. Many start at 50 mg sitagliptin plus 500 mg metformin twice daily. If tolerated, the metformin component may be increased every one to two weeks, based on glucose goals and gastrointestinal tolerance.

Extended-release versions are taken once daily with a meal, often the evening meal. Swallow XR tablets whole. Do not crush, split, or chew XR tablets.

If you are switching from metformin or sitagliptin alone, the initial Janumet dose usually matches your current metformin amount and adds sitagliptin up to 100 mg daily. If adding to a sulfonylurea or insulin, your clinician may lower those agents to reduce hypoglycemia risk.

For more background on typical schedules, see our article Janumet Dosage. When uncertain, defer to the official prescribing information.

Strengths and Forms

Janumet comes as film-coated tablets in immediate-release and extended-release formulations. Availability may vary.

If your clinician recommends an extended-release option, you can review Janumet® XR.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose. If it is near the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take two doses at once. Keep doses with meals to help reduce stomach upset. For XR, try to take it the same time each day.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store tablets at room temperature in a dry place. Keep them in the original container with the label. Protect from excess heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom.

When traveling, keep medicine in your carry-on, along with your prescription label. Time your doses with meals in your new time zone. Carry a small snack in case of low blood sugar when used with insulin or a sulfonylurea.

Benefits

• Combines two proven agents in one tablet
• Targets fasting and post-meal glucose
• Weight neutral for most people
• Flexible options: immediate-release or extended-release
• Can be used with other diabetes medicines, when appropriate

Side Effects and Safety

Common effects are usually mild and improve over time.

• Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, or gas
• Headache
• Upper respiratory symptoms or sore throat
• Metallic taste or decreased appetite

Serious but less common risks include lactic acidosis with metformin, pancreatitis, severe allergic reactions, kidney problems, and bullous pemphigoid. Stop the medicine and seek care if you have severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, unusual muscle pain, shortness of breath, fainting, or a widespread blistering rash.

Hypoglycemia risk is low when used alone, but risk increases if combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea. Review sick-day plans and emergency treatment for low blood sugar with your care team.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

• Kidney function: Not for severe renal impairment. Use cautiously if kidney function is reduced.
• Iodinated contrast: Metformin is typically held before certain contrast studies.
• Alcohol: Limit intake to lower lactic acidosis risk.
• Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors: May increase acidosis risk with metformin.
• Cationic drugs (for example, cimetidine): Can interact with metformin elimination.
• Insulin and sulfonylureas: Increased hypoglycemia risk when combined.

Always tell your clinician about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.

What to Expect Over Time

Most people see steady blood sugar improvements over several weeks, especially as the metformin dose is optimized. A1C changes are typically assessed after about three months. Gastrointestinal effects often improve as your body adjusts. Weight changes are usually minimal. Your clinician will check kidney function and may monitor vitamin B12 during long-term therapy.

Compare With Alternatives

Other options may fit better based on your goals, kidney function, and tolerance. A single-agent DPP-4 inhibitor like Januvia® can be used when metformin is not appropriate. If cardiorenal benefits are a priority, an SGLT2 combination such as Synjardy® may be considered instead. Your clinician can help select the best match for your history and targets.

Pricing and Access

Compare Janumet pricing with Canadian pharmacy options and US delivery. You can review current price options, see potential savings, and complete a secure checkout. Orders ship from Canada to the US after prescription verification. Savings may be meaningful compared with typical US cash costs.

If you plan to use a coupon, see our Promotions page for current offers. You can often access competitive pricing even without insurance.

We use encrypted checkout to help protect your information.

Availability and Substitutions

Availability may vary by strength and form. If a specific tablet is unavailable, your prescriber may recommend an equivalent strength or a similar therapy. Extended-release metformin products, such as Glumetza®, or other DPP-4/metformin combinations like Jentadueto®, may be considered when appropriate. Do not change your medicine without guidance.

Patient Suitability and Cost Saving Tips

Janumet may be a good fit if you need more than lifestyle changes and metformin alone. It can be used by many adults with type 2 diabetes who have adequate kidney function and no contraindications. It is not for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Ask about once-daily XR if convenience helps adherence.
• Consider multi-month fills to reduce per-shipment fees.
• Set refill reminders so you do not run out.
• Share recent labs to avoid delays during prescription checks.
• Discuss insurance plans and savings options each year.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is immediate-release or XR better for my schedule?
• How should we adjust my dose toward my A1C goal?
• Do I need to change insulin or a sulfonylurea to avoid lows?
• What labs do I need, and how often?
• Should I pause metformin for upcoming imaging with contrast?
• What signs of pancreatitis or lactic acidosis should I watch for?
• Is vitamin B12 monitoring appropriate for me?

Authoritative Sources

• Merck Janumet
• FDA DailyMed
• Health Canada DPD

Ready to start? You can review Janumet pricing with US delivery from Canada and submit your order online.

Disclaimer: This page is educational and does not replace your clinician’s advice. Always follow your prescribed plan and the official label.