Sitagliptin and metformin (Oral)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 9, 2022.
Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. Symptoms included malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. Laboratory abnormalities included elevated blood lactate levels, anion gap acidosis, an increased lactate/pyruvate ratio, and metformin plasma levels generally greater than 5 mcg/mL. Risk factors include renal impairment, concomitant use of certain drugs (eg, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors), age 65 years old or greater, radiological studies with contrast, surgery and other procedures, hypoxic states, excessive alcohol intake, and hepatic impairment. If lactic acidosis is suspected, immediately discontinue metformin hydrochloride/sitagliptin phosphate and institute general supportive measures in a hospital setting; prompt hemodialysis is recommended .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Janumet
- Janumet XR
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet, Extended Release
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Hypoglycemic
Pharmacologic Class: Sitagliptin
Chemical Class: Metformin
Uses for sitagliptin and metformin
Metformin and sitagliptin combination is used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes. Metformin reduces the absorption of sugar from the stomach, reduces the release of stored sugar from the liver, and helps your body use sugar better. Sitagliptin helps to control blood sugar levels by increasing substances in the body that make the pancreas release more insulin. It also signals the liver to stop producing sugar (glucose) when there is too much sugar in the blood. Sitagliptin and metformin does not help patients who have insulin-dependent or type 1 diabetes.
Sitagliptin and metformin is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using sitagliptin and metformin
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For sitagliptin and metformin, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to sitagliptin and metformin or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of metformin and sitagliptin combination in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of metformin and sitagliptin combination in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related kidney problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving metformin and sitagliptin combination.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the p..
