Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Janumet, Janumet XR
- Antidiabetics, Biguanides/Dipeptyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors
Description
Oral combination of a biguanide (metformin) and a dipeptidy-peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor (sitagliptin)
Used in adults for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Per boxed warning the risk of lactic acidosis due to metformin requires care in prescribing and monitoring
Indications
Indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)
Adjust dose gradually considering effectiveness and tolerability
Contraindications
Serious hypersensitivity reaction (eg, anaphylaxis, angioedema) to sitagliptin/metformin, sitagliptin, or metformin
Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m2)
Acute/chronic metabolic acidosis, including diabetic ketoacidosis
Adverse Effects
- Abdominal pain (2.2%)
- Diarrhea (2.4%)
- Hypoglycemia (2.1%)
- Nausea (1.3%)
- Vomiting (1.1%)
- Exfoliative disorder of skin of scalp
- Lactic acidosis (rare)
- Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, urticaria, cutaneous vasculitis, and exfoliative skin conditions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Hepatic enzyme elevations
- Acute pancreatitis including fatal and nonfatal hemorrhagic and necrotizing pancreatitis
- Gastrointestinal: Constipation, vomiting
- Neurologic: Headache
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Worsening renal function, including acute renal failure (sometimes requiring dialysis)
- Myalgia, pain in extremity, and back pain
- Severe disabling arthralgia
- Pruritus
- Bullous pemphigoid
- Mouth ulceration; stomatitis
- Tubulointerstitial nephritis
Warnings
Metformin-associated lactic acidosis have been reported; cases primarily occurred in patients with significant renal impairment; assess renal function before initiating, at least annually during treatment, and more frequently in high-risk patients (eg, elderly)
Acute pancreatitis reported, including fatal and nonfatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis; if pancreatitis suspected, discontinue promptly
Heart failure observed with other DPP-4 inhibitors; consider risks and benefits in patients with risk factors for heart failure; monitor for signs and symptoms; if heart failure develops, manage accordingly to standard of care and consider interrupting treatment
Acute renal failure reported, sometimes requiring dialysis; assess renal function before initiation and periodically thereafter
Metformin may lower vitamin B12 levels; monitor hematologic parameters annually and Serious allergic and hypersensitivity reactions (eg, anaphylaxis, angioedema, exfoliative skin conditions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome) reported; promptly stop treatment and assess for other potential causes; appropriately monitor and treat
Severe and disabling arthralgia reported in patients taking DPP-4 inhibitors; consider as a possible cause for severe joint pain and discontinue drug if appropriate
Bullous pemphigoid reported with DPP-4 inhibitor use, which required hospitalization; in reported cases, patients recovered with topical or systemic immunosuppressive treatment and discontinuation of DPP-4 inhibitor; advise to report any developing blisters/erosions; discontinue DPP-4 therapy and consult a dermatologist if bullous pemphigoid suspected
Pregnancy and Lactation
Limited available data in pregnant females are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects and miscarriage
There is no information regarding presence of drug in human milk, its effects on breastfed infants, or on milk production
Maximum Dosage
2000 mg/day PO metformin; 100 mg/day PO sitagliptin.
2000 mg/day PO metformin; 100 mg/day PO sitagliptin.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Not indicated.
Not indicated.
How supplied
Metformin/sitagliptin
tablet
- 500mg/50mg
- 1,000mg/50mg
tablet, extended-release
- 500mg/50mg
- 1,000mg/50mg
- 1,000mg/100mg