Janumet XR is an extended-release tablet taken by mouth once daily. It should usually be taken with a meal, preferably in the evening, unless your doctor gives you different instructions.
Taking Janumet XR with food can help reduce stomach-related side effects associated with metformin, such as nausea, diarrhea, or abdominal discomfort. It can also help your body tolerate the medication more comfortably.
Try to take Janumet XR at about the same time every day. A consistent routine can make it easier to remember your dose and helps support steady blood sugar control.
Swallow the Tablet Whole
Janumet XR tablets should be swallowed whole with water.
Do not crush, cut, split, or chew the tablets unless your healthcare provider specifically tells you otherwise. Because Janumet XR is an extended-release medication, the tablet is designed to release the medication gradually over time.
Damaging the tablet may interfere with this extended-release system and could cause too much medication to be released at once, which may increase the risk of side effects.
Why Janumet XR Is Taken With Food
Taking Janumet XR with a meal can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects caused by metformin.
Some patients may experience nausea, diarrhea, gas, stomach discomfort, or loss of appetite when they first begin treatment. These effects may improve as the body adjusts to the medication.
Taking the medication with food and following the dosing instructions provided by your doctor can help improve tolerability.
Take Janumet XR Regularly
Janumet XR works best when it is taken consistently as prescribed.
Continue taking the medication every day even if you feel well or do not notice any symptoms of high blood sugar. Type 2 diabetes may not always cause noticeable symptoms, so regular treatment is important for maintaining blood glucose control.
Do not stop taking Janumet XR or change your dose without first speaking with your healthcare provider.
Follow Your Complete Diabetes Treatment Plan
Janumet XR is only one part of managing type 2 diabetes.
Follow the meal plan, exercise program, blood sugar monitoring schedule, and other recommendations provided by your healthcare team. Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits can improve the effectiveness of your medication and help you reach your individual blood sugar goals.
Your doctor may also recommend regular A1C testing to evaluate your average blood glucose levels over the previous few months.
How Is the Janumet XR Dose Determined?
The dose of Janumet XR is individualized for each patient.
Your doctor may consider your current blood sugar levels, previous diabetes treatment, kidney function, other medical conditions, and how well you tolerate metformin and sitagliptin.
If you were already taking sitagliptin, metformin, or both medications separately, your healthcare provider may use your existing doses to determine an appropriate Janumet XR strength.
Starting With a Lower Dose
Some patients may begin treatment with a lower dose of metformin and have the dose gradually increased.
This approach can help reduce gastrointestinal side effects while allowing the body time to adjust to the medication. Your doctor will determine when and whether your dose should be increased based on your blood sugar levels and how well you tolerate treatment.
Never increase the dose on your own, even if your blood sugar remains higher than expected.
Kidney Function and Dosage
Kidney function is an important consideration when taking Janumet XR because both sitagliptin and metformin are affected by how well the kidneys are working.
Your doctor may check your kidney function before you start treatment and periodically while you are taking the medication. Depending on the results, Janumet XR may not be appropriate for some patients or a different treatment may be recommended.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of kidney disease or reduced kidney function.
Staying Hydrated
Drink adequate fluids while taking Janumet XR unless your healthcare provider has instructed you to limit your fluid intake.
Dehydration can place additional stress on the kidneys and may increase the risk of complications associated with metformin. This can be especially important during periods of vomiting, diarrhea, fever, or excessive sweating.
Contact your doctor if you become significantly dehydrated or are unable to eat or drink normally for an extended period.
Tell Your Doctor About All Medications
Before starting Janumet XR, provide your doctor and pharmacist with a complete list of everything you take.
This includes prescription medications, nonprescription drugs, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and dietary supplements.
Certain medications can affect blood sugar levels, kidney function, or how sitagliptin and metformin work. Providing a complete medication list allows your healthcare provider to check for possible interactions and make appropriate adjustments to your treatment.
Monitoring Your Blood Sugar
Your healthcare provider may recommend checking your blood glucose regularly while taking Janumet XR.
Monitoring can help show how well your medication, diet, and exercise plan are working together. Keep track of your readings if instructed and discuss unusual or consistently high or low results with your healthcare provider.
Your doctor may adjust your treatment over time based on your blood sugar readings, A1C results, kidney function, and overall response to therapy.
If You Miss a Dose
If you miss a dose of Janumet XR, take it when you remember unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed tablet.
If you are unsure what to do after missing a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.
REVIEWS