Janumet Description
Janumet is a medicinal drug containing a combination of sitagliptin and metformin. Sitagliptin and metformin are diabetic medications, which are administered orally and help in controlling the level of glucose or sugar in the blood. Sitagliptin performs its work by controlling the amount of insulin that is produced by the body after you have eaten a meal. Metformin works by lowering the production of glucose or sugar in the liver as well as reducing the amount of glucose absorbed by the intestines.
Janumet, which is a combination of metformin and sitagliptin, is thus used in controlling blood sugar levels and for treating type 2 diabetes.
Conditions Treated by Janumet
Janumet is used primarily for controlling the level of sugar or glucose in the blood stream. This it accomplishes through its two constituents sitagliptin and metformin. Sitagliptin regulates the amount of insulin that the body produces after a meal while metformin lowers the production of sugars in the liver and decreases the absorption of sugars in the intestines. Janumet is thus combined with exercise and diet to reduce blood sugar levels in adult patients suffering from type 2 diabetes. Janumet is not however useful in treating for type 1 diabetes. Janumet may also find application in treating a number of medical conditions not listed here.
Janumet Dosage Information
a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations
It is extremely important that you take Janumet exactly as your doctor prescribes. Be very careful not to take bigger or smaller amounts or administer the drug for a longer time than recommended and follow the directions given on the prescription label.
Ideally, Janumet is administered with meals. You should be familiar with the signs of hypoglycemia or low blood sugar and how exactly to recognize the symptoms. For the said purpose, you should always keep a sugar source nearby in case you exhibit symptoms of hypoglycemia. The sources of sugar can include milk, candy, glucose gel or orange juice. If you have an extreme form of hypoglycemia and find yourself unable to drink or eat, administer a glucagon injection.
Your doctor may decide to change your dosage of Janumet from time to time in order to make sure that you get the maximum possible benefit from using the drug. Also, in order to ensure that you are not experiencing any harmful or serious side effects from using the drug, you should get your blood sugar levels checked by your doctor on a regular basis. Maintain the regularity of these checkups and do not miss any of them.
b.) Missing a Dose
If you end up missing a dose, take the missed dose the moment you remember to do so. If however you remember when it is time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not however take any extra medication to make up for this missed dose.
c.) Overdosing
If you overdose on Janumet, seek medical attention right away.
Janumet Warnings
Janumet can prove to be harmful if you happen to be suffering from certain conditions. It is important that you avoid taking Janumet if you suffer from severe liver disease. You should also consult a doctor or a pharmacist for dose adjustments or special tests to make sure it is safe for you to take the drug if you happen to be suffering from certain medical conditions.
Usage of metformin has the potential to cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis in a number of people. Patients suffering from kidney disease, liver disease, infection, dehydration, alcoholism or congestive heart failure are more likely to develop this condition. Hence, if you are suffering from one of these medical conditions, you should thoroughly consult with your doctor regarding usage of Janumet.
Janumet being an oral diabetes medicine has the chance of increasing any heart problems. Additionally, you should avoid taking Janumet if you are allegic to sitagliptin or metformin, the two constituents of Janumet.
Avoid using Janumet if you happen to be pregnant as the drug could cause harm to the unborn baby. Hence, thoroughly consult your doctor regarding the administration of the drug whilst being pregnant and seek out less harmful alternatives.
Janumet Side Effects
As with most other drugs, Janumet has a number of side effects. If you exhibit allergic reactions to Janumet such as:
- hives
- swelling of tongue
- swelling of lips
- inflammation of throat
- swelling of face
- appearance of rashes
- excessive itching and difficulty in breathing
you should seek emergency medical help right away and consult your doctor immediately.
The more serious side effects of using Janumet include:
- Extreme pain in the upper regions of the stomach
- Extreme pain in the back
- Severe nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid and pounding heart rate
- Irregular heart rhythm
- Vomiting
- Shortness of breath even after mild exertion
- Swelling of the hands
- Swelling of the ankles
- Swelling of the feet
- Rapid gain in body weight
Less harmful side effects of using Janumet are:
- Mild nausea
- Head ache
- Weakness
- Stomach upset
- Diarrhea
- Flu like symptoms
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sneezing
- Soreness in the throat
The above is not however an exhaustive list and other side effects may arise upon using Janumet.
Drug Interactions with Janumet
Janumet can prove to be harmful if used in tandem with certain other drugs. Make sure to inform your doctor about the following drugs if you are to take Janumet:
- Morphine
- Tagamet (cimetidine)
- Zantac (ranitidine)
- Glucotrol (glipizide)
- Avandaryl (glimepiride/rosiglitazone)
- Amaryl (glimepiride)
- Diabeta (glyburide)
- Avandaryl (glimepiride/rosiglitazone) Glucovance)
- Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim)
- Vancocin (vancomycin)
- Septra
- Cotrim
- Primsol
- Proloprim
- Lyphocin
- Medication for blood or heart pressure such as:
- Lanoxin (Digoxin)
- Quinidine
- Adalat (Nifedipine)
- Midamor (amiloride)
- Lasix (furosemide)
- procainamide
The above however is not an exclusive list and there are other drugs including minerals, vitamins and herbal products, which should not be used simultaneously and concurrently with Janumet. Hence, it is extremely important that you inform your doctor about any and all medications that you happen to be using at the time of taking Janumet.
If you have any questions about buying discount Janumet online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.
Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
