Metformin Hydrochloride (met-FOR-min hye-droe-KLOR-ide), Sitagliptin (sit-a-GLIP-tin)

Treats type 2 diabetes.

Brand Name(s):

Janumet

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break or cut it.
• It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how sitagliptin/metformin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Acetazolamide, cimetidine, dichlorphenamide, dolutegravir, isoniazid, nicotinic acid, ranolazine, vandetanib
  • Birth control pills
  • Blood pressure medicine (including calcium channel blockers)
  • Diuretic (water pill)
  • Insulin or other diabetes medicine
  • Medicine to treat seizures (including phenytoin, topiramate, zonisamide)
  • Phenothiazine medicine
  • Steroid medicine
  • Thyroid medicine
• Limit how much alcohol you drink.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, vitamin B12 deficiency, heart failure, or a history of alcohol abuse or pancreas problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Lactic acidosis (too much acid in the blood, which can be life-threatening)
  • Pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
  • Heart failure
  • Kidney problems
  • Low blood sugar, when used with other diabetes medicines
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may interact with the dye used for an x-ray or a CT scan.
• This medicine may cause some patients to become dehydrated. Drink plenty of water every day, during exercise, or in hot weather.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, red skin rash, large, hard skin blisters
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, lower back or side pain
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet, trouble breathing
• Severe joint pain, muscle pain or cramps
• Shaking, trembling, sweating, fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat, hunger, confusion
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, fever
• Unusual tiredness or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cough, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat
• Diarrhea
• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088