Janumet and Janumet XR (sitagliptin/metformin) are brand-name prescription medications. They’re approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. For this use, Janumet and Janumet XR are prescribed in combination with diet and exercise.
Janumet and Janumet XR come as oral tablets. The drugs differ in the way they release their active ingredients into your body. Janumet contains the active drugs sitagliptin and an immediate-release (short-acting) form of metformin. Janumet XR contains the active ingredients sitagliptin and an extended-release (long-acting) form of metformin.
Sitagliptin belongs to a class of drugs called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, while metformin belongs to a class of drugs called biguanides.
Dosage summary
The following chart summarizes Janumet and Janumet XR’s dosage. Milligrams is abbreviated as mg. Your doctor will determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Starting dosage of Janumet | Starting dosage of Janumet XR | Maximum daily dosage | |
Already taking metformin | 50 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin* twice daily | 100 mg sitagliptin/2,000 mg metformin† once daily | 100 mg sitagliptin/2,000 mg metformin once daily |
Not already taking metformin | 50 mg sitagliptin/500 mg metformin twice daily | 100 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin once daily | 100 mg sitagliptin/2,000 mg metformin once daily |
* This is the recommended dosage for people already taking metformin 850 mg twice daily.
† This is the recommended dosage for people already taking metformin 850 mg or 1,000 mg twice daily.
For information about the dosage of Janumet and Janumet XR, including their strengths and how to take the drugs, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Janumet and Janumet XR, see this article.
This article describes typical dosages for Janumet and Janumet XR provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Janumet and Janumet XR, always follow the dosage prescribed by your doctor.
Below is important dosage information about Janumet and Janumet XR.
Janumet and Janumet XR form
Janumet and Janumet XR come as oral tablets. Janumet comes as an immediate-release (IR) tablet, and Janumet XR comes as an extended-release (ER) tablet.
Janumet and Janumet XR strengths
Janumet comes in two strengths:
- 50 milligrams (mg) sitagliptin/500 mg metformin IR
- 50 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin IR
Janumet XR comes in three strengths:
- 50 mg sitagliptin/500 mg metformin ER
- 50 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin ER
- 100 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin ER
Typical dosages
Typically, your starting dosage will depend on whether or not you are already taking metformin. Metformin is a drug that’s commonly prescribed for diabetes. It’s one of the active drugs in Janumet and Janumet XR. Your doctor will adjust your dosage over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Janumet for type 2 diabetes
If you’ve never taken the drug metformin, your typical starting dosage of Janumet will be 50 mg sitagliptin/500 mg metformin. You’ll take one tablet twice per day.
If you’re already taking metformin, your typical starting dosage of Janumet will be 50 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin. You’ll take one tablet twice per day.
The maximum daily dose of Janumet is 100 mg sitagliptin/2,000 mg metformin.
Janumet XR for type 2 diabetes
If you’ve never taken the drug metformin, your typical starting dosage of Janumet XR will be 100 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin. You’ll take one tablet once per day.
If you’re already taking metformin, your typical starting dosage of Janumet XR will be 100 mg sitagliptin/2,000 mg metformin. You’ll take one tablet once per day. If you are taking metformin 850 mg twice daily or 1,000 mg twice daily, you’ll typically take two Janumet XR 50 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin ER tablets once per day.
The maximum daily dose of Janumet XR is 100 mg sitagliptin/2,000 mg metformin.
Long-term treatment
Janumet and Janumet XR are meant to be taken as long-term treatments. If you and your doctor determine that Janumet or Janumet XR is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you miss a dose of Janumet or Janumet XR, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose. Do not double up on doses to make up for the missed one.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
You’ll take Janumet or Janumet XR according to the instructions your doctor gives you.
Janumet and Janumet XR come as tablets that you swallow.
The dosage instructions for Janumet and Janumet XR are as follows:
- Take Janumet twice per day with meals.
- Take Janumet XR once per day with a meal. If you are prescribed two tablets of Janumet XR, take them at the same time.
Do not crush, chew, or split Janumet or Janumet XR tablets. It’s recommended you swallow the tablets whole. You should take Janumet or Janumet XR at around the same time each day. This helps maintain a steady level of the drug in your body so Janumet or Janumet XR can work effectively.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Accessible drug labels and containersIf you’re having trouble reading your prescription label, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Janumet and Janumet XR in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
The dosage of Janumet or Janumet XR your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- how well your blood sugar levels are managed
- if you have liver or kidney problems
- your age
- other medications you are taking
Other medical conditions you have can also affect your Janumet or Janumet XR dosage.
If you take more Janumet or Janumet XR than your doctor prescribes, you may develop serious side effects.
It’s important that you do not take more Janumet or Janumet XR than your doctor advises.
Symptoms of an overdose
Overdose symptoms of Janumet and Janumet XR can include:
- lactic acidosis* (buildup of lactic acid in your body)
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
* Janumet and Janumet XR have a
If you take more than the recommended amount of Janumet and Janumet XR
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Janumet or Janumet XR. Another option is to call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Janumet or Janumet XR for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Always follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes for you.
As with any drug, never change your dosage of Janumet or Janumet XR without your doctor’s recommendation. If you have questions about the dosage of Janumet or Janumet XR that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Janumet or Janumet XR. These additional articles might be helpful to you:
- More about Janumet and Janumet XR. For information about other aspects of Janumet and Janumet XR, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Janumet and Janumet XR, see this article. You can also look at the prescribing information for Janumet and Janumet XR.
- Details about type 2 diabetes. For details about type 2 diabetes, see our diabetes hub and list of related articles.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.