Sitagliptin and Metformin

Sitagliptin and metformin is a combination medication that is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It works by lowering blood sugar levels, which decreases your risk of developing long-term diabetes complications. The medicine is available by prescription and comes in tablet form that is usually taken twice a day with meals. Side effects of sitagliptin and metformin may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting.

 

What Is Sitagliptin and Metformin?

Sitagliptin and metformin (Janumet®) is a prescription medication that is used to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes). It is a combination medication, containing sitagliptin (Januvia®) and metformin (Fortamet®, Glucophage®, Glucophage XR®, Glumetza®, or Riomet®).
 
(Click What Is Sitagliptin and Metformin Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Sitagliptin and Metformin?

Sitagliptin and metformin is made by Merck & Co., Inc.
 

How Does Sitagliptin and Metformin Work?

The medication contains two different
 diabetes drugs -- 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, sitagliptin and metformin slows down the breakdown of incretin hormones, increasing the level of these hormones in the body. This increase is responsible for the beneficial actions of the medication, 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. It 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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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;