Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Metformin and sitagliptin combination should be taken with meals to help reduce any stomach upset. Take the extended-release tablets as directed in the evening.

Swallow the extended-release tablet or immediate-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Carefully follow the special meal plan your doctor gave you. This is the most important part of controlling your diabetes, and is necessary if the medicine is to work properly. Exercise regularly and test for sugar in your blood or urine as directed.

While taking Janumet® XR, you may see tablets in your stools. If you see tablets in your stool several times, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For type 2 diabetes:
    • For oral dosage form (extended-release tablets):
      • For patients taking metformin alone:
        • Adults—At first, 100 milligrams (mg) of sitagliptin, plus the dose of metformin already being taken once a day. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose until your blood sugar is controlled. If you are taking 850 or 1000 mg of immediate-release metformin 2 times per day, you may start with two 50 mg sitagliptin tablets and 1000 mg of metformin taken together once a day.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients taking sitagliptin alone:
        • Adults—At first, 100 milligrams (mg) of sitagliptin and 1000 mg of metformin once a day. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg of sitagliptin and 2000 mg of metformin once a day.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients using Janumet® immediate-release tablets:
        • Adults—The dose is the same as the dose you are already taking. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg of sitagliptin and 2000 mg of metformin once a day.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For oral dosage form (immediate-release tablets):
      • For patients taking metformin alone:
        • Adults—At first, 50 milligrams (mg) of sitagliptin, plus the dose of metformin already being taken, 2 times per day. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose until your blood sugar is controlled. If you are taking 850 mg of metformin 2 times per day, you may start with 50 mg of sitagliptin and 1000 mg of metformin 2 times per day.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients taking sitagliptin alone:
        • Adults—At first, 50 milligrams (mg) of sitagliptin and 500 mg of metformin two times per day. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose until your blood sugar is controlled. However, the dose is usually not more than 50 mg of sitagliptin and 1000 mg of metformin two times per day.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients using metformin and sitagliptin together as separate tablets:
        • Adults—The dose is the same as the dose you are already taking. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose until your blood sugar is controlled.
        • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.