Janumet contains the active ingredients sitagliptin and metformin that, in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise, improve blood sugar levels among adults with type 2 diabetes. This drug is manufactured and marketed by Merck and Company. The drug is available in tablet forms. Two strengths are available- 50 mg sitagliptin/500 mg metformin and 50 mg sitaglipitin/1000 mg metformin.
The tablets are colored pink and shaped like a capsule. Initial dose of the drug may vary depending on the condition of the patient. However the maximum dose of sitagliptin a day is 100 mg and 2,000 mg a day for metformin. Janumet is taken two times a day after meals. This drug should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women as well as those planning to get pregnant. People who have type 1 diabetes, reduced kidney function and recovering from surgery and severe infection are also barred from taking Janumet.
Janumet Cost Information
Prices of Janumet differ. Some stores sell it at lower prices than other shops. On the average, a 50mg/1000 mg tablet of Janumet retails for $4.5. Buyers can get discounts if they have coupons accepted by online stores.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 50mg/500mg | 30 tablets | $174.00 |
| 50mg/500mg | 60 tablets | $335.00 |
| 50mg/1000mg | 30 tablets | $173.00 |
Kmart |
| 50mg/500mg | 30 tablets | $144.81 |
| 50mg/500mg | 60 tablets | $281.16 |
| 50mg/1000mg | 30 tablets | $144.81 |
Kroger |
| 50mg/500mg | 30 tablets | $144.55 |
| 50mg/500mg | 60 tablets | $338.00 |
| 50mg/1000mg | 30 tablets | $144.55 |
Publix |
| 50mg/500mg | 30 tablets | $178.00 |
| 50mg/500mg | 60 tablets | $340.00 |
| 50mg/1000mg | 30 tablets | $178.00 |
Rite Aid |
| 50mg/500mg | 30 tablets | $146.66 |
| 50mg/500mg | 60 tablets | $368.00 |
| 50mg/1000mg | 30 tablets | $330.00 |
Target |
| 50mg/500mg | 30 tablets | $155.00 |
| 50mg/500mg | 60 tablets | $325.00 |
| 50mg/1000mg | 30 tablets | $155.00 |
Walgreens |
| 50mg/500mg | 30 tablets | $181.00 |
| 50mg/500mg | 60 tablets | $317.00 |
| 50mg/1000mg | 30 tablets | $181.00 |
Walmart |
| 50mg/500mg | 30 tablets | $141.40 |
| 50mg/500mg | 60 tablets | $280.78 |
| 50mg/1000mg | 30 tablets | $141.40 |
Short-Term Side Effects
The use of this drug can result to side effects that may last for a few days, or until the body gets used to the medication. These short-term side effects include cough, bloating, constipation, fatigue, diarrhea, joint pain, nausea, loss of appetite and passing of gas. Some users also experience sore throat, vomiting, upset stomach and runny nose.
Long-Term Side Effects
The continued use of this drug through the years may increase the chances of side effects like anxiety, difficulty concentrating, irregular heartbeat, nausea, headache, nervousness, and difficulty in sleeping. Other users also felt muscle pain, unusual sleepiness, stomachache and unusual tiredness or weakness.
How It Works
Janumet works through the actions of its two main ingredients. Sitagliptin is a DDP-4 inhibitor that increases the levels of incretin that is released by the intestines. A hormone, incretin raises insulin levels during times when blood glucose levels are high. Sitagliptin also decreases the amount of glucose released by the body. On the other hand, metformin is a calledbiguanide that reduces the amount of glucose produced by the body. With the minimal amount produced, the glucose has an easier time in entering the different body tissues.
Interactions
Certain drugs may interact with Janumet and result to increased risks of side effects. These drugs may also lessen the effectiveness of Janumet. Drugs that are prone to interacting with Janumet are ciclosporin, digoxin, cimetidine, clarithromycin, insulin, itraconazole, ritonavir, probenecid and ketoconazole. Other drugs that could negate the effectiveness of Janumet are ACE inhibitors, diuretics, beta-agonists, sulphonylureas, organic anion transporter-3 inhibitors and iodinated contrast media. Patients are advised to inform their doctors beforehand prior to taking Janumet.
Generic Alternatives
People who can’t take Janumet due to certain reasons like recurring side effects could opt for generic alternatives like insulin and other injectable diabetes medications. Lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise are also recommended.
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