Janumet

What is Janumet?

Janumet is an antidiabetic medication that comes in tablet form and is prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes.

It contains metformin and sitagliptin, and is usually given to people when metformin alone is ineffective at lowering glucose levels in the blood.

Your doctor may prescribe Janumet alongside insulin to control your blood sugar levels.

You can get a private prescription for Janumet online, following an online consultation with one of our doctors. To begin your order with Prescription Doctor, complete our online medical form for one of our doctors to review.

We take your privacy very seriously, which is why we package all items in plain, tamper-proof packaging. If your order is approved before 3pm on weekdays, our pharmacy can dispatch your item the same day for a next-day delivery.

How Does Janumet Work?

Janumet contains metformin, which prevents the liver from producing glucose; this means less glucose is released into the bloodstream.

Sitagliptin then prompts the pancreas to create more insulin so that more glucose can be absorbed properly from the blood into the cells where they are required.

Both of these actions decrease the amount of glucose in the blood to manage your diabetes.

Janumet should be taken alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise to lower your blood glucose levels.

How long does Janumet take to work?

While Janumet starts working within a few days to reduce your glycaemia, it can take a few weeks for your blood sugar levels to stabilise.

It is important to take Janumet every day to keep your blood glucose levels under control. You may not notice a change in your symptoms while taking Janumet, however it is important to keep taking it as prescribed.

How Do I Take Janumet?

Take Janumet twice a day with food – once in the morning and once in the evening. Ideally, you should take Janumet with your breakfast and dinner.

You should always take Janumet as prescribed by your doctor.

What should I do if I forget to take Janumet when I should?

If you forget to take your dose of Janumet, take it with your next meal, unless you are due to take a tablet then anyway.

Do not take more than one tablet at once to make up for a forgotten dose.

What should I do if I take too much Janumet?

If you take too much Janumet, seek the advice of a doctor or dial the NHS advice service on 111.

You should go straight to your nearest hospital if you begin to experience symptoms of lactic acidosis, such as feeling cold or uncomfortable, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, unexplained weight loss, muscular cramps or hyperventilation.

Janumet Side Effects and Cautions

Before you begin taking Janumet, read the patient information leaflet enclosed with your medicine.

You can read the patient information leaflet for Janumet online.

If, after reading the patient information leaflet, you have any doubts or concerns about any of the safety information, speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.

Side effects

All medications carry the risk of side effects. While you might not experience any of them, it's important to be aware of the risks associated with your medicine and to consult your doctor if you experience any of them.

Side effects of Janumet may include:

• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Loss of appetite
• Low blood sugar
• Nausea
• Stomach ache
• Vomiting

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. For further information regarding the safety of this medication, please see the patient information leaflet, which comes enclosed with your medicine.

Inform our prescribers before taking Janumet if you:

• are or have been alcohol dependent
• are taking a sulphonylurea, insulin, or any other medicine for diabetes
• have or have had gallstones
• have or have had high levels of triglycerides
• have or have had pancreatitis or other pancreas disease
• have type 1 diabetes, sometimes called insulin-dependent diabetes

Allergic reaction

Do not take Janumet if you have experienced an allergic reaction to metformin, sitagliptin, or any of the other ingredients in Janumet.

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

• Chest tightening
• Dry, red and cracked skin
• Itchy, red watery eyes
• Raised, itchy, red rash (hives)
• Swelling of the lips, tongue, eyes or face
• Tummy pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Wheezing

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not take Janumet if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

If you become pregnant while taking Janumet, speak to your doctor for further advice.

Do not take Janumet if you are breastfeeding.

Speak to your doctor for further advice.

Other safety information

Always seek your doctor's advice before you buy Janumet online.

Symptoms of lactic acidosis include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Fatigue
• Lethargy (feeling unwell)
• Muscle cramps
• Reduces body temperature
• Slowed heartbeat
• Stomach ache (abdominal pain)
• Vomiting

Do not take Janumet past the expiry date printed on the packaging. The date refers to the last day of that month - for example, "EXP: 03/20" means the 31st of March 2020.

Do not throw unused medicine away via water waste. Take any unwanted or expired medicine to your pharmacy for them to dispose of safely.

Always keep medicine out of sight and reach from children and pets.

Never share a medicine prescribed to you with anybody else, even if they are experiencing the same symptoms or have been diagnosed with the same condition as you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I drink alcohol while taking Janumet?

People who take Janumet should be cautious about drinking alcohol. Drink in moderation with a meal and speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.

Will Janumet impact my ability to drive or operate machinery?

Janumet may affect your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery, as low blood sugar can cause issues with concentration. Discuss it with your doctor and always be aware of how you feel before operating machinery or driving.

Does Janumet cause weight gain?

Janumet is unlikely to cause weight gain. If you do notice any significant and unexplained changes in weight, speak to your doctor for advice.

Can Janumet cause hair loss?

While Janumet is not known to cause hair loss, hair loss can be a symptom of type 2 diabetes.

Can I buy Janumet online?

You can buy Janumet online from Prescription Doctor's safe online prescribing service. Our registered prescribers are on hand to issue an online prescription for Janumet.

Is Janumet the same as Januvia?

Janumet contains both sitagliptin and metformin, while Januvia only contains sitagliptin.

Both Janumet and Januvia are manufactured and marketed by Merck Sharp & Dohme.