Janumet Side Effects
Summary
The most common side effects of Janumet (Metformin and Sitagliptin) are gas, diarrhea, nausea, indigestion, headache, vomiting, weakness, cold symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, or sneezing, and stomach upset. Though common side effects are usually considered mild, if they persist or become bothersome you should contact your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.
Common Janumet Side Effects
The most common Janumet side effects include the following:
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Weakness
- Cold symptoms such as runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, or sneezing
- Upset stomach
The side effects listed above usually do not require medical attention as they will commonly diminish when your body adjusts to the medication. Your doctor may also be able to advise you of ways to reduce or prevent these common side effects from occurring. However, if any persist or become bothersome you should notify your doctor to discuss alternative solutions.
Serious Janumet Side Effects
An allergic reaction can occur while taking Janumet. If you experience any of the following side effects indicating an allergic reaction, get emergency medical help right away.
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue
- Tightness in chest
- Unusual hoarseness
Other Janumet side effects can occur that are not indicative of an allergic reaction but are still very serious. If you experience any of the following severe side effects, contact your doctor immediately.
- Swelling
- Shortness of breath even with mild exertion
- Pancreatitis symptoms including; extreme pain in the upper stomach spreading to the back, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, and increased heart rate.
- Decreased urination
- Red, blistered, swollen, or peeling skin
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Rapid weight loss
Lactic Acidosis
Some people have developed a severe, life threatening condition while taking metformin called lactic acidosis; this condition happens when a build-up of lactose occurs in the blood more quickly than it can be removed. The following conditions have been shown to increase the potential for lactic acidosis; congestive heart failure, severe infection, dehydration, kidney disease, or if you consume large amounts of alcohol.
Talk to your doctor if you have any of these conditions as you may require special tests or dosage adjustments. Additionally, talk to your doctor before taking Janumet if you have a history of heart disease or pancreatitis or if you are over age 80 and have not recently had a kidney function test.
Existing Medical Conditions
You should not use Janumet if you have any of the following medical conditions; have had an allergic reaction to metformin or sitagliptin, have liver or kidney disease, are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis, or if you need an x-ray or CT scan requiring the use of dye in your veins. In the case of needing an x-ray or CT scan that requires dye, you will have to stop taking Janumet for a short period of time.
If you are pregnant or may become pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking this medication. Janumet has been placed in category B by the FDA, which means it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. It is also important to tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding as it is unknown if this drug passes through breast milk or the effect it may have on a newborn.
Other Medications
It is important to inform your doctor of all over the counter, prescription, or herbal medications that you are taking prior to starting a new one. If you take any of the following medications, notify your doctor before taking Janumet as they could cause a dangerous interaction to occur.
- Heart or blood pressure medications such as amiloride, digoxin, furosemide, nifedipine, procainamide, quinidine, or triamterene.
- Glipizide, glimepiride,or glyburide.
- Trimethoprim or vancomycin
- Morphine
- Cimetidine
If Janumet is taken with any of the following drugs you may be at an increased risk for hyperglycemia.
- Steroids
- Diuretics
- Isoniazid
- Birth control pills
- Thyroid medications
- Seizure medications
- Niacin
- Phenothiazines
- Diet pills
- Asthma medications
- Cold or allergy medications
If Janumet is taken with any of the following medications you may be at an increased risk for hypoglycemia.
- Sulfa drugs
- Heart of blood pressure medications
- Other oral diabetes medications
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
- Blood thinners
- Aspirin or salicylates
- Probenecid
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Janumet is an oral diabetes medication used to regulate the blood sugar levels of adults with type 2 diabetes. Certain medical conditions may require special tests of dosage adjustments to ensure you can safely take this medication. Janumet should be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle to ensure you are getting the most benefit out of the medication. If you experience a severe side effect or if a common one becomes bothersome, contact your doctor.
