Janumet XR Uses
Janumet XR (Sitagliptin/Metformin HCl XR) is a combo of a hypoglycemic drug. It helps in managing and controlling blood sugar levels. This medication is intended for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) to protect them against kidney damage, vision issues, heart attacks, and other complications.
Diet and exercise are used in conjunction with this regimen to improve blood sugar control.
How does Janumet XR work?
Janumet XR consists of two anti-diabetic drugs that work hand in hand to reduce your blood sugar levels. Sitagliptin phosphate, a DPP-4 inhibitor, and metformin HCl, a biguanide drug.
Sitagliptin phosphate works by preventing DPP-4 from breaking down the incretins. Incretins are hormones secreted in the gastrointestinal tract and are responsible for boosting insulin production after eating. It also lowers the quantity of glucose released by the liver.
Metformin HCl, a biguanide drug, decreases glucose production in the liver, lowers glucose absorption in the intestine, and enhances insulin sensitivity. Hence, both drugs reduce blood glucose levels.
Janumet XR Dosage
Individuals require varying amounts of Janumet XR. The frequency and dose depend on your health condition, age, weight, and tolerance. This medicine is available in different oral strengths: 50/500 mg, 50/1000 mg, and 100/1000 mg.
The recommended starting dose is 100 mg of sitagliptin and 1000 mg of metformin HCl per day. This dose can be gradually increased depending on your physician’s evaluation.
Patients who are already treated with metformin are given 100 mg of sitagliptin. However, the dosage of metformin will be determined by what was previously given to the patient.
Janumet XR 50 / 1000 mg is administered twice daily to individuals taking metformin 850 mg or 1000 mg twice daily.
How to use Janumet XR
Read all drug instructions and information carefully before using Sitagliptin/Metformin HCl. Follow the directions on the leaflet or as directed by your doctor when taking the drug. If you have any questions about using this drug, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication should be given orally once per day, preferably in the evening, together with food or milk. Without chewing or crushing the tablet, swallow it whole. Doing so may jeopardize the drug’s long-acting effect.
Take it regularly to avoid missing a dose, and making a note in your calendar may help you remember not to forget a pill. If you forgot to take your medication for the day, do it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is coming up, skip the missed dose and follow your regular schedule.
Do not alter your dose. Changing the dosage and frequency of the medication is not recommended because of the increased risk of suffering adverse effects. Consult your doctor if you need to make any changes.
Janumet XR side effects
The most common Sitagliptin/Metformin HCl side effects that generally improve with time are as follows:
- Headache
- Stomach upset (nausea, vomiting, gas, diarrhea)
- Colds or flu-like symptoms (runny or stuffy nose, sore throat)
- Weakness
- Upper respiratory tract infection (UTI)
- Low blood sugar
If any of these side effects worsen over time or if you develop any of the following adverse events, contact your doctor right away:
- Skin blisters
- Severe joint pain
- Changes in the amount of urine
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in lower extremities
- Sudden weight gain
- Decrease blood pressure
- Low body temperature
- Slow heart rate
- Unbearable stomach pain
This list does not include all of the health implications of Janumet XR. Other adverse effects could occur.
Precautions
- Make sure you’ve fully disclosed your medical history to your doctor, especially if you have pancreatitis, diabetic ketoacidosis, kidney disease, liver or lung problems, or if you drink alcohol, as they can aggravate your medical condition.
- If you have an x-ray or CT scan with a contrast agent, temporarily stop taking Janumet XR.
- Do not use this drug if you have an allergy to sitagliptin, metformin, or other components. When taking this medication, keep an eye out for any allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, swelling of the face and lips, throat tightness, or difficulty breathing. As soon as these signs and symptoms appear, you should seek medical help.
- Ensure to have your blood tests done before and after starting the therapy.
- If you are 65 or older and have had a stroke or a heart attack, use caution when using this medication since you are more likely to develop serious adverse effects.
- Lightheadedness or drowsiness may result from extremely low or high glucose levels. Avoid tasks that need alertness, such as driving and operating machines or equipment, to prevent accidents.
- This drug may cause a buildup of lactic acid in the blood and can be fatal. Watch out for symptoms such as trouble breathing, slow or irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, unusual sleepiness, shortness of breath, feeling exhausted or weak, dizziness, feeling cold, or muscle pain. Contact your healthcare provider and seek medical advice immediately.
- Inform your doctor about your medicines and vitamins to avoid drug interactions.
- Remember to keep this medication in a cold, dry location. Keep this medication, as well as all other medications, out of the reach of children.
How much does Janumet XR cost?
Cost varies depending on the dose you’ve been prescribed. This page shows how affordable our Janumet XR prices are.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Janumet XR put you at risk of getting pregnant?
Yes, metformin is present in Janumet XR, which stimulates ovulation and may result in pregnancy if you are sexually active. While using this drug, talk to your doctor about contraception.
Is it usual for some parts of Janumet XR tablets to pass out in the stool?
Yes, this is normal, and you should not be concerned about it.
Is there a difference between Janumet and Janumet XR?
Both of these drugs are used to manage blood sugar levels for patients suffering from type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. However, in terms of action, Janumet is rapidly released in the body and, once absorbed, functions immediately, whereas Janumet XR is long-acting, and the medication is delivered slowly into the circulation. Also, Janumet is available in these strengths: 50/500 mg, 50/850 mg, and 50/1000 mg, while Janumet XR comes in 50/500 mg, 50/1000 mg, and 100/1000 mg. Furthermore, Janumet is taken twice daily compared to Janumet XR, which is once a day.
Can you take Janumet XR twice a day?
As recommended, Janumet XR is usually taken once per day. To avoid unwanted side effects, call your doctor before making any changes to your medicine.
Does Janumet XR cause weight loss?
Janumet XR is not primarily used to lose weight, but its active ingredient, metformin, is principally responsible for this effect. Metformin, according to research, reduces appetite, causing people to eat less than usual. As directed for diabetic patients, follow the suggested food plan.
