Question 1

What is Janumet XR?

Accepted Answer

Janumet XR is a medication that combines two active ingredients, sitagliptin and metformin, to help regulate blood glucose. Sitagliptin works by increasing the levels of natural substances that lower blood sugar when it is high, while metformin helps the body respond better to insulin and reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver.

This extended-release formulation is designed to release the medication slowly into the body over time. By using two different mechanisms, the combination provides a multi-faceted approach to blood sugar control.

Question 2

What is Janumet XR used for?

Accepted Answer

Janumet XR is used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus .

Question 3

How does Janumet XR work?

Accepted Answer

How Janumet XR Works

Janumet XR contains two medicines, sitagliptin and metformin, which work together to manage blood sugar in different ways:

Sitagliptin: This ingredient is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. It works by increasing the levels of natural substances called incretins in the body. Incretins help control blood sugar by signaling the pancreas to release more insulin, especially after eating. They also signal the liver to stop producing excess sugar.

Metformin: This ingredient belongs to a class of drugs called biguanides. It helps lower blood sugar by reducing the amount of glucose the liver produces and decreasing the amount of sugar the intestines absorb from food. It also helps the body become more sensitive to its own insulin, allowing the insulin to work more effectively.

The extended-release (XR) formulation is designed to release the medication slowly into the bloodstream over time. By combining these two mechanisms, the medication helps lower blood sugar levels both after meals and throughout the day.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Janumet XR?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredients in Janumet XR are sitagliptin and metformin .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Janumet XR?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Janumet XR may include:

diarrhea

nausea

upper respiratory tract infection

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Janumet XR?

Accepted Answer

Janumet XR belongs to the DPP-4 inhibitor and biguanide combination drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Janumet XR and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

How to Take Janumet XR

This medication is taken by mouth, usually once daily with a meal. Taking it with a meal, often the evening meal, helps reduce the risk of stomach upset. It is important to take the medication consistently at the same time each day as directed by your healthcare provider.

Administration Instructions

Janumet XR tablets are extended-release and must be swallowed whole. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablets, as doing so can release all of the medicine at once and increase the risk of side effects. If you notice a tablet-like shell in your stool, this is normal and does not mean the medication is not working.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with food. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.

Question 8

Is Janumet XR safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

There is limited research on the effects of Janumet XR in pregnant women. While metformin is generally considered to have a low risk of causing birth defects, the effects of sitagliptin on a developing fetus are not fully known. It is important to maintain good blood sugar control during pregnancy, as high blood sugar can cause complications for both the mother and the baby.

Metformin may also cause some premenopausal women who do not ovulate regularly to start ovulating again. This can increase the likelihood of an unintended pregnancy. If you are not planning a pregnancy, discuss effective birth control methods with your healthcare provider.

Breastfeeding

If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk to your healthcare provider about the potential risks. Key points include:

Metformin: This component passes into breast milk in small quantities.

Sitagliptin: It is not yet known if sitagliptin passes into human breast milk.

A healthcare provider can help determine if you should continue taking the medication or stop breastfeeding, based on your specific health needs and the potential impact on the infant.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Janumet XR come in?

Accepted Answer

Available Forms

Janumet XR is supplied as a film-coated, extended-release tablet. This formulation is intended for oral administration and is designed to release the medication slowly over time.

Active Components

Each tablet contains a combination of the following medications:

Sitagliptin

Metformin hydrochloride extended-release

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Janumet XR?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Janumet XR is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is intended for use in combination with diet and exercise. This medication is not approved for the treatment of type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

Boxed Warning

The FDA requires a boxed warning for Janumet XR due to the risk of lactic acidosis , a rare but serious metabolic complication associated with the metformin component of the drug. Lactic acidosis can lead to low blood pressure, hypothermia, and death if not treated promptly. Risk factors for this condition include:

Kidney impairment

Advanced age (65 or older)

Liver disease

Congestive heart failure

Excessive alcohol intake

Severe infection or dehydration

Undergoing surgery or certain radiological procedures using contrast dye

Safety Communications and Updates

The FDA has issued several safety updates and communications regarding the components of Janumet XR:

Kidney Function Guidelines: In 2016, the FDA updated the labeling for metformin-containing products to reflect that they can be used safely in patients with mild to moderate kidney impairment, provided specific monitoring of kidney function is performed.

Heart Failure Risk: The FDA has warned that medications in the DPP-4 inhibitor class, which includes sitagliptin, may increase the risk of heart failure. This risk is particularly relevant for patients who already have heart or kidney disease.

Severe Joint Pain: The FDA has issued warnings that DPP-4 inhibitors may cause severe and disabling joint pain in some patients.

Bullous Pemphigoid: The FDA has monitored reports of bullous pemphigoid, a skin condition characterized by large, fluid-filled blisters, in patients using DPP-4 inhibitors.

Question 11

What should I know about Janumet XR and cost?

Accepted Answer

Factors Affecting Cost

The out-of-pocket price for Janumet XR is influenced by several factors, including:

Insurance Coverage: Most commercial insurance plans and Medicare Part D cover Janumet XR, but the medication may be placed on a higher cost tier, resulting in different copay amounts.

Pharmacy Selection: Prices can fluctuate between different retail pharmacies and mail-order services.

Dosage and Quantity: The strength of the tablets and the number of days' supply per prescription will impact the total cost.

Brand vs. Generic

Janumet XR is a brand-name medication that combines sitagliptin and metformin extended-release. While metformin is available as a low-cost generic, the combination product Janumet XR is typically only available as a brand-name drug, which generally makes it more expensive than generic alternatives.

Financial Assistance

Patients may be able to reduce their costs through manufacturer savings cards or patient assistance programs. These programs are often available to eligible individuals who are uninsured or have commercial insurance. It is recommended to speak with a pharmacist or healthcare provider about options for managing the cost of this medication.

Janumet XR

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

Additional Resources

Support & Help Resources

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