Janumet is a combination medicine that is used for treating type 2 diabetes. Although it is not a cure, the medication can help control blood sugar levels to decrease the risk of developing complications associated with long-term diabetes. Janumet, which is available by prescription, comes in tablet form and is usually taken twice a day with meals. Side effects include nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Janumet is made by Merck & Co., Inc.
Janumet contains two different diabetes medications -- sitagliptin and metformin. Sitagliptin is part of a class of
diabetes medication called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. DPP-4 is an enzyme that breaks down incretin hormones. As a DPP-4 inhibitor, Janumet slows down the breakdown of incretin hormones, increasing the level of these hormones in the body. This increase in incretin hormones is responsible for the beneficial actions of Janumet, including increasing insulin production in response to meals and decreasing the amount of glucose (sugar) that the liver produces.
Metformin is part of a class of diabetes medication known as biguanide medication. Metformin works in several ways. It decreases the amount of sugar (glucose) made by the liver. It can also decrease the amount of sugar absorbed into the body from the diet and can make insulin receptors more sensitive, helping the body respond to its own insulin better. All of these effects cause a decrease in blood sugar levels and a better control of blood sugar.
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