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Janumet
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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The medicinal drug Janumet is a complex hypoglycemic agent based on metformin and sitagliptin.
ATC drug coding: A10BD07.
Indications Janumet
The sugar-reducing drug Janumet is used for type II diabetes. Janumet is especially useful for concomitant obesity, as well as in the absence of an effect from diet therapy.
In most cases, Janumet is taken in combination with sulfonylurea-based medications.
The drug can be prescribed for independent or combined treatment.
Pharmacodynamics
The hypoglycemic drug Janumet is fully effective when taken internally. The active ingredients differ in chemical structure and pharmacological properties from similar insulin preparations, sulfonylurea-based drugs, amylin, γ-receptor agonists, etc. By suppressing dipeptidyl peptidase-4, the active component increases the level of incretin hormones that are produced inside the intestine. Usually, the amount of such hormones increases due to food intake. Incretin substances are considered an element of the internal physiological process of regulating glucose homeostasis.
When blood sugar levels are elevated or within normal limits, incretin hormones stimulate active insulin production. In addition, its secretion by β-cells in the pancreas is activated, which is explained by the action of control intracellular processes.
Also, the drug Janumet helps to suppress excessive secretion of glucagon. A decrease in glucagon levels simultaneously with an increase in the amount of insulin leads to a decrease in the production of glucose in the liver. As a result of such processes, glycemia decreases.
At low glucose levels, the above properties do not appear.
The active components of Janumet prevent the hydrolysis of incretin hormones by the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4. As a result, the concentrations of GLP-1 and GIP in plasma increase, glucose-dependent insulin production increases, and glucagon secretion decreases. Metformin reduces glucose production and the degree of its absorption in the intestinal cavity, and also increases insulin sensitivity by the glucose utilization method.
Pharmacokinetics
A single dose of Janumet can suppress the activity of the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 for 24 hours after administration. This increases the level of incretin hormones circulating in the blood by 2 or 3 times.
Absorption of active ingredients can be at least 85%.
Up to 80% of the substance leaves the body unchanged with urine. Only up to 15% can be excreted with feces.
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Dosing and administration
The treatment regimen for Janumet is always determined by the doctor on an individual basis, taking into account concomitant prescriptions, the body's response to the drugs, and the dynamics of improvement in the condition.
The maximum daily dose should not contain more than 100 mg of sitagliptin.
Janumet is usually taken with breakfast and dinner, with a slow increase in dosage (to reduce the risk of side effects).
Use Janumet during pregnancy
It is unknown how Janumet can affect the course of pregnancy, the development of the fetus or the child already born. Therefore, during pregnancy and breastfeeding, treatment with the drug is highly undesirable.
Contraindications
Before starting treatment with Janumet, you should familiarize yourself with the list of possible contraindications:
- increased susceptibility of the body to allergies to the ingredients of the drug;
- severe kidney or liver disease;
- hypoxic conditions (insufficient respiratory and cardiac function, heart attack, stroke, acute anemia);
- dehydration;
- severe infections;
- severe surgical interventions, traumatic brain injuries;
- chronic alcohol abuse;
- any form of metabolic acidosis;
- a strict calorie-restricted diet (up to 1000 kcal per day);
- carrying out diagnostic procedures using radioactive iodine;
- the period of bearing and feeding a child.
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Side effects Janumet
The likelihood of side effects during treatment with Janumet is considered minimal, but in some cases it is possible:
- emaciation;
- dyspeptic disorders;
- abdominal pain (relieved by taking the drug with food);
- metallic taste in the mouth;
- hypoglycemia;
- signs of lactic acidosis (fatigue, decreased blood pressure and temperature, irregular heartbeat, muscle pain);
- dermatitis-type rash.
Overdose
When taking large amounts of Janumet, lactic acidosis may occur:
- muscle pain;
- apathy, state of fatigue;
- rapid breathing;
- cardiac insufficiency complicated by increased acidity;
- abdominal pain;
- vomit;
- convulsions;
- disorientation;
- comatose state, loss of consciousness.
In such situations, supportive symptomatic treatment and dialysis may be prescribed.
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Interactions with other drugs
The effectiveness of Janumet may be weakened by the action of diuretics, corticosteroids, glucagon, thyroid hormones, estrogens, nicotinic acid, phenothiazines, sympathomimetics, isoniazid, calcium antagonists.
The hypoglycemic effect is increased by insulin, sulfonylurea drugs, ACE and MAO inhibitors, cyclophosphamide, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
No clinically significant interactions were observed in combination with other drugs.
Shelf life
Janumet can be stored for up to 2 years.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Janumet" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.