Janumet is a combination of two sugar-lowering medications, sitagliptin and metformin, used in treating type 2 diabetes mellitus, according to MayoClinic.com. Metformin works by decreasing the amount of sugar, or glucose, absorbed in the digestive tract and the amount of stored sugar released by the liver, as well as helping cells to use sugar efficiently. In response to sitagliptin, the pancreas releases more insulin, a hormone the body produces to aid in the metabolism of sugar, and the liver stops producing glucose when there is too much sugar in the blood. Janumet is an effective drug in controlling sugar but, like all most drugs, has side effects. Most are non-serious but some can be life-threatening.
Self-Limiting
Several side effects from Janumet therapy occur in more than 5 percent of patients taking the drug, states Drug.com. These side effects are usually mild and self-limiting, and include diarrhea, upper respiratory infections and headache. According to RxList, in a 24-week study, there was no difference in the incidence of side effects requiring discontinuation of Janumet compared to placebo.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, blood sugar below normal, occurs in 1.6 percent of patients using Janumet, states RxList. Excessive exercise, missed meals, dehydration, vomiting, other diabetic medications and the use of alcohol elevate the risk of hypoglycemia. Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, nausea, confusion, anxiety, weakness and headaches. Immediate treatment is ingestion of sugar by taking orange juice, corn syrup or other substances high in sugar. Long-term treatment may require adjustment or discontinuation of Janumet.
Lactic Acidosis
Lactic acidosis, a serious metabolic disorder affecting every organ system, is the most serious side effect associated with Janumet, mainly the metformin component. Drugs.com notes the mortality rate from lactic acidosis is more than 50 percent and requires prompt treatment, including discontinuation of the drug and hospitalization, once suspected. The risk of lactic acidosis is increased with serious infections, dehydration, excessive alcohol ingestion, acute congestive heart failure, as well as liver and kidney failure, according to RxList.
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