Janumet XR

Janumet XR (Sitagliptin + Metformin) 50 mg/1000 mg & 100mg/1000 mg — Uses, Price & Buy Online

Janumet XR is a combination anti-diabetic medicine prescribed to treat patients with type 2 diabetes. Janumet XR contains two active components: the anti-diabetic drugs Sitagliptin and Metformin. Janumet XR is an extended-release medicine that is generally taken once a day for higher insulin retention in the body. 

Doses like 50 mg/1000 mg and 10 mg / 1000 mg are currently being sold in the USA. You can buy sitagliptin online in different brands and find more information at RxCroma. 

Prescription Required: Janumet XR is a prescription medication. Order and take only the dose and type prescribed by your physician or healthcare provider.

What Is Janumet XR (Sitagliptin + Metformin Extended Release)?

Janumet XR (sitagliptin + metformin) is a combination of two anti-diabetic medicines. It is prescribed to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus alongside diet and exercise. 

How It Works

• Sitagliptin: Blocks the enzyme DPP-4 to increase incretin hormone levels, which stimulates insulin release after meals and lowers liver sugar production. It also reduces glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar, helping control blood sugar levels.  

• Metformin: Decreases glucose production in the liver, reduces intestinal sugar absorption, and improves the body's response to natural insulin. It lowers how much sugar your body absorbs from food. Metformin also helps your body use its natural insulin better.

What Does Janumet XR Treat? (Uses)

Janumet XR is an extended-release prescription medication to treat type 2 diabetes in patients. It is used alongside exercise and dietary plans to lower and control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. 

Unlike many other anti-diabetic drugs prescribed to treat weight loss, Janumet XR is exclusively used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is NOT used to treat Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Choosing Your Janumet XR Strength: 50 mg/1000 mg vs 100 mg/1000 mg

Janumet XR is available in two primary strength combinations: 50 mg/1000 mg and 100 mg/1000 mg. Your doctor selects the right dose based on whether you have taken Metformin before. 

Janumet XR 50 mg/1000 mg — The Typical Starting Dose

This strength is for patients who need more blood sugar control. Take two tablets daily to reach the maximum daily allowance of 2000 mg of extended-release metformin. 

Janumet XR 100 mg/1000 mg — The Maximum Combined Dose

This high-strength tablet is taken once daily to deliver the full therapeutic target of sitagliptin alongside a modern dose of metformin. 

How to Take Janumet XR

Take Janumet XR as it was prescribed to you by your doctor. Follow all directions provided in your prescription and read all medication guidelines or instruction sheets. Follow all prescription instructions carefully and read all medication guidelines. If your doctor changes your dose, follow the changed set of dosage instructions. 

Never change the dose yourself; do not increase or decrease without consulting your doctor. Do not discontinue therapy, as sudden disruption can cause adverse effects. 

Janumet XR Dosing Schedule — Once Daily With the Evening Meal

Take Janumet XR once daily with a meal, preferably in the evening. The timing needs to be the same every day. Always take it with food, as it can reduce the risk of side effects like nausea and upset stomach. Doctors usually recommend taking this medicine with an evening meal to help patients remember to take it at a fixed time each day. 

Why You Shouldn't Crush or Split Janumet XR Tablets

Never crush, split, break, or chew Janumet XR Tablets, as they use a specialized extended-release design that must be swallowed whole. Crushing or splitting can cause increased side effects or risks of overdose and cause hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar). This can result in a dangerous build-up of lactic acid in the blood and cause serious situations like Lactic Acidosis. 

Janumet XR Ingredients

Extended-release (ER or XR) antidiabetic medicines are long-acting prescription drugs designed to release the active medication slowly over 24 hours. ER medications are used to manage type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise. 

Janumet ER contains two main active ingredients: sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate and Metformin hydrochloride (HCl). Sitagliptin is typically 50 mg, while Metformin is 500 mg or 1000 mg. 

Janumet XR contains two active medicinal ingredients: sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate and metformin hydrochloride. The following inactive ingredients slightly vary by coating color and strength: 

• Povidone

• Colloidal silicon dioxide (silica)

• Sodium stearyl fumarate

• Propyl gallate

• Polyethylene glycol (Macrogol 3350)

• Kaolin

• Hypromellose

• Hydroxypropyl cellulose

• Titanium dioxide (colorant)

• Carnauba wax (coating)

• FD&C Blue #2 / Indigo Carmine Aluminum Lake (in certain strengths like 50/500 mg and 100/1000 mg)

• Yellow iron oxide (in specific strengths such as the 50 mg/1000 mg tablet)

Janumet XR Side Effects

Because Janumet XR contains two active ingredients, Sitagliptin and Metformin, it may cause side effects from both. Some Janumet side effects may not require medical attention, but serious side effects require immediate help. 

Check with your health professional if any of the following side effects continue or bother you. 

Common Side Effects 

The most common side effects of Janumet XR (sitagliptin and metformin extended release) are diarrhoea, upper respiratory tract infections, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Common side effects include: 

• Diarrhea

• Upper Respiratory Tract Infections 

• Headache

• Nausea and Vomiting 

• Abdominal Pain, Gas, and Indigestion 

• Weakness (Asthenia) 

• Decreased Vitamin B12 Levels 

 Serious Side Effects — Seek Help Immediately

Apart from the common side effects mentioned above, the serious side effects involve: 

• Lactic Acidosis: A rare and dangerous condition that results in high levels of lactic acid in the blood.

• Pancreatitis: Painful inflammation of the pancreas characterized by intense pain, either with or without vomiting.

• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Common when Janumet XR is used together with other antidiabetic drugs such as sulfonylureas and insulin.

• Serious Joint and Skin Problems: Joint pain or serious skin problems such as bullous pemphigoid

Janumet XR Interactions — What to Avoid

When taking Janumet IR, avoid or carefully manage certain medications, foods, and health conditions to prevent dangerous blood sugar drops or severe side effects.

Janumet XR and Alcohol

When consumed on its own, alcohol affects blood sugar control, liver function, and your metabolic health. Because Janumet IR lowers blood sugar, combining it with alcohol acts like a double-edged sword. Alcohol prevents your liver from releasing emergency glucose when your blood sugar drops. This means you are at a much higher risk for sudden, severe hypoglycemia. Alternatively, sugary mixers can cause your blood sugar to skyrocket. 

Other Drug Interactions

• Janumet IR (sitagliptin/metformin immediate-release): The extended-release formulation of Janumet; needs the same 48-hour delay.

• Synjardy / Synjardy XR (empagliflozin/metformin): A combination of an SGLT2 inhibitor and metformin.

• Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin/metformin): Another SGLT2 inhibitor combined with metformin.

• Jentadueto / Jentadueto XR (linagliptin/metformin): A combination of a DPP-4 inhibitor (similar to sitagliptin) and metformin.

• Actoplus Met (pioglitazone/metformin): A combination of a TZD and metformin.

Metformin present in your Janumet IR is the most reactive component. Apart from contrast dye and anti-diabetic medicines, other drug interactions can cause: 

1. Insulin & Sulfonylureas (e.g., Glipizide, Glimepiride): Severely crashes blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

2. Alcohol: Drastically increases the risk of a rare, life-threatening acid buildup (lactic acidosis).

3. Topiramate (Topamax): Increases acid levels in the blood, heightening lactic acidosis risk.

4. Cimetidine (Tagamet): Blocks your kidneys from flushing out metformin, risking toxic buildup.

5. Prednisone (Steroids): Heavily spikes blood sugar, counteracting how metformin works.

Storage Instructions

Store your Janumet IR as per the instructions prescribed by your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Generally, Janumet IR (immediate-release) should be stored at controlled room temperature, ideally between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C). 

Do not store Janumet IR in the bathroom medicine cabinet, near a kitchen stove, or in a vehicle glove compartment, as high humidity and heat can degrade the medication. A bedroom drawer or a cool closet shelf is a much better choice.

Janumet XR vs IR: Once Daily vs Twice Daily

Note: The prescribed dose and schedule depend on the formulation, kidney function, and individual treatment needs. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Janumet XR Price

Janumet is the brand name for Generic Sitagliptin and Metformin. Generic Sitagliptin/metformin contains the same active ingredients at the same concentrations.

Prices for Generic Sitagliptin/Metformin drug may differ based on the producer, amount of medication, pharmacy, and availability. Generic medications may be cheaper than the brand-name one; however, check the up-to-date list for pricing.

If the prescription allows generic drugs, please consult your pharmacist about whether generic telmisartan is right for you.

Important Safety Information 

Janumet XR is a prescription drug. The content on this page is meant for educational use only and cannot replace the recommendation of a doctor or pharmacist.

Do not use Janumet XR if you have been told by a doctor that you should not take Sitagliptin, if you suffer from acute liver failure or decompensated cirrhosis, or if you have a known allergy to Sitagliptin or to any component of the product.

Inform your physician if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, breastfeed, have liver or kidney issues, or are using any other drugs, either prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, or supplement.

Report to your healthcare provider immediately if you develop unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, especially if it is accompanied by fever or excessive fatigue.

Take Janumet XR exactly as prescribed, according to the latest medication guide and prescribing information.