This article describes Janumet’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Janumet. If you want to know more about Janumet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Janumet is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral tablet (called Janumet tablets) and an extended-release oral tablet (called Janumet XR tablets). It isn’t available in a generic version. This article describes dosages of Janumet.
Note: “Extended release (ER)” means the drug is slowly released into your body over a long period of time.
Boxed warning: Risk of lactic acidosis
Janumet has a boxed warning for the risk of lactic acidosis. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
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Forms and strengths of Janumet
Janumet comes in these forms and strengths in milligrams (mg):
| Form | Brand name | How to take | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| tablet | Janumet | take by swallowing | • sitagliptin 50 mg/metformin 500 mg • sitagliptin 50 mg/metformin 1000 mg |
| ER tablet | Janumet XR | take by swallowing | • sitagliptin 50 mg/metformin ER 500 mg • sitagliptin 50 mg/metformin ER 1000 mg • sitagliptin 100 mg/metformin ER 1000 mg |
Dosage of Janumet
This article describes the recommended dosages for Janumet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of Janumet without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of Janumet in adults
Janumet is used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Janumet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Janumet that gives the desired outcome.
The recommended starting dosages of Janumet in adults are:
| Form | Starting dosage if not already taking metformin | Starting dosage if already taking metformin 500 mg twice per day | Starting dosage if already taking metformin 850 or 1,000 mg twice per day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janumet (tablet) | sitagliptin 50 mg/metformin 500 mg twice per day | sitagliptin 50 mg/metformin 500 mg twice per day | sitagliptin 50 mg/metformin 1,000 mg twice per day |
| Janumet XR (ER tablet) | sitagliptin 100 mg/metformin ER 1,000 mg once per day | sitagliptin 100 mg/metformin ER 1,000 mg once per day | sitagliptin 100 mg/metformin ER 2,000 mg once per day |
The maximum dosage for Janumet (tablet) is sitagliptin 50 mg/metformin 1,000 mg twice per day. The maximum dosage for Janumet XR (ER tablet) is sitagliptin 100 mg/metformin ER 2,000 mg once per day.
Dosage adjustments for Janumet
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Janumet based on several factors. These include:
- other type 2 diabetes medications you take
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of Janumet
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of Janumet. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
The drugmaker’s recommendation for Janumet is to take it with food as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses of Janumet at the same time.
The drugmaker’s recommendation for Janumet XR is to take it with food as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses of Janumet XR at the same time.
For tips on how to plan your doses of Janumet and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Janumet and its dosage.
When is the best time of day to take Janumet?
You should take Janumet with a meal. You’ll take Janumet oral tablet twice per day with a meal, usually breakfast and dinner. You’ll take Janumet extended-release tablet (Janumet XR) once per day with a meal, usually the evening meal.
Taking it during a meal is best. But you can take it immediately before or after food if you can’t take it while you’re eating. Taking it with a meal helps reduce stomach upset.
If you have questions about when to take your dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is Janumet taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Janumet as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take Janumet, talk with your doctor.
How Janumet is taken
You’ll swallow Janumet once or twice per day. Take Janumet with a meal to reduce stomach upset.
You’ll swallow Janumet oral tablets or Janumet extended-release (XR) tablets whole. Do not break, cut, or chew Janumet.
Your doctor may advise that you take this medication around the same time each day. This helps keep a consistent amount of the drug in your body. And that can help the drug work more effectively.
If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
Janumet coupon
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Get free cardOverdose of Janumet
It’s important that you do not take more Janumet than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
What to do if you take too much Janumet
If you think you’ve taken too much Janumet, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for Janumet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of Janumet without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take Janumet exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How should I take Janumet if I get sick or can’t eat?
- Will you change my dosage of Janumet if my blood sugar levels are too high?
- Will you change my dosage of Janumet if I’m taking other drugs with it?
Boxed warning for Janumet
Janumet has a boxed warning for the risk of lactic acidosis. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In rare cases, metformin (one of the active ingredients in Janumet) can cause a serious side effect called lactic acidosis. This side effect can be life threatening.
Your risk of developing lactic acidosis is higher if you have liver or kidney problems, are 65 years or older, or drink large amounts of alcohol.
Symptoms can include:
- abdominal pain
- cold hands or feet
- dizziness
- muscle pain
- nausea or vomiting
- shortness of breath
- sleepiness
- weakness
Get emergency medical care if you have symptoms of lactic acidosis.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.