metformin and sitagliptin

Brand name(s):

metformin-sitagliptin, Janumet

What is the most important information I should know about metformin and sitagliptin?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metformin or sitagliptin, if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before taking metformin and sitagliptin, tell your doctor if you have liver disease or a history of heart disease.

Some people have developed a life-threatening condition called lactic acidosis while taking metformin. Get emergency medical help if you have any of these symptoms of lactic acidosis: weakness, increasing sleepiness, slow heart rate, cold feeling, muscle pain, shortness of breath, stomach pain, feeling light-headed, and fainting. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking metformin and sitagliptin.

If you need to have any type of x-ray or CT scan using a dye that is injected into a vein, you may need to temporarily stop taking metformin and sitagliptin.

What is metformin and sitagliptin?

Metformin and sitagliptin are oral diabetes medicines that help control blood sugar levels.

Metformin works by decreasing glucose (sugar) production in the liver and decreasing absorption of glucose by the intestines.

Sitagliptin works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating.

The combination of metformin and sitagliptin is for people with type 2 diabetes who do not use daily insulin injections. This medication is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Metformin and sitagliptin may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking metformin and sitagliptin?

You may be more likely to develop lactic acidosis if you have congestive heart failure. Older adults may also have a higher risk of developing lactic acidosis. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to metformin (Actoplus Met, Avandamet, Fortamet, Glucophage, Riomet) or sitagliptin (Januvia), if you have kidney disease, or if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis (call your doctor for treatment with insulin).

Before taking metformin and sitagliptin, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

liver disease; or
a history of heart disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Your name may need to be listed on a Janumet pregnancy registry if you become pregnant while you are taking this medication. The purpose of this registry is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and delivery to evaluate whether metformin and sitagliptin had any effect on the baby.

It is not known whether metformin and sitagliptin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Metformin and sitagliptin should not be given to a child younger than 18 years old without a doctor's advice.

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