JANUMET XR (SITAGLIPTIN/METFORMIN HCL EXTENDED RELEASE)

Janumet XR Description

If you are a type 2 diabetic and a healthy diet and exercise is not helping to control your blood glucose levels, your doctor may prescribe Janumet XR. This is an oral combination medicine that works in part with the natural insulin produced by your pancreas. Janumet XR is not prescribed for type 1 diabetics due to the inability of the pancreas to manufacture any insulin at all. You should still be paying attention to your eating habits, watching your weight, and keeping a record of your glucose readings while taking Janumet XR. This medication is not a cure for diabetes, but it will enable you to carry out your daily tasks like anybody else.

Sitagliptin is categorized as a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. DPP-4 is an enzyme that breaks down two gut hormones called incretins. These gut hormones are produced in your intestines after a meal and stimulate insulin to take care of the glucose from your meal. Inhibiting the DPP-4 hormone results in the incretins being able to do their job. The Metformin HCl in Janumet XR suppresses the production of glucose by your liver and activates a particular enzyme that has a major role in insulin signaling and the metabolism of fats and glucose. Janumet XR is usually taken once a day with your evening meal.

Conditions Treated by Janumet XR

Type 2 diabetes may also be referred to as non-insulin dependent diabetes. However, that is not always the case as some people require a little more help to keep their blood sugar under control. For reasons not fully understood, the pancreas in some people begins to reduce its production of insulin or your cells are not able to utilize the insulin efficiently enough.

Insulin is an important hormone and without enough of it, sugar will build up in your bloodstream instead of being transported to cells where it is stored for energy. Without treatment, you are at risk for a heart attack, kidney failure, vision loss, and problems with your nervous system. Pay attention to the signs of high blood sugar such as weakness or fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst, and blurred vision and see your doctor.

Before You Take Janumet XR

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breast feeding before taking Janumet XR as it may be harmful to your unborn or nursing baby. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies you have with your doctor and review any OTC and Rx medications you are taking, including vitamin supplements and herbal remedies so your doctor can determine if Janumet XR is the right medicine for you.

Warnings for Janumet XR

Advise the surgeon you are taking Janumet XR If you are scheduled for a surgical procedure, as some oral diabetic meds may have to be discontinued before anesthesia is administered. If you are an elderly person or consume alcohol, you may be required to undergo certain tests, including a kidney function test, as certain liver, kidney, and heart conditions can raise your risk of lactic acidosis from taking Janumet XR.

Possible Side Effects of Janumet XR

• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Upset stomach
• Headache