Metformin/​Sitagliptin

DEA Class; Rx

Common Brand Names; Janumet, Janumet XR

  • Antidiabetics, Biguanides/Dipeptyl Peptidase-IV Inhibitors

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

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

For the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus uncontrolled by diet and exercise.

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

  • 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

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

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

Adults

2000 mg/day PO metformin; 100 mg/day PO sitagliptin.

Geriatric

2000 mg/day PO metformin; 100 mg/day PO sitagliptin.

Adolescents

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Children

Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Infants

Not indicated.

Neonates

Not indicated.

Metformin/sitagliptin

tablet

  • 500mg/50mg
  • 1,000mg/50mg

tablet, extended-release

  • 500mg/50mg
  • 1,000mg/50mg
  • 1,000mg/100mg

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