If you have type 2 diabetes, your doctor might suggest Janumet or Janumet XR as a treatment option for you.
Janumet and Janumet XR are prescription drugs that are prescribed along with exercise and a balanced diet to manage blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Janumet is an immediate-release tablet that you swallow. This means the tablet releases the medication into your body right after you take it. Janumet XR is an extended-release tablet. This means the tablet slowly releases the medication into your body after you take it.
Janumet and Janumet XR are both combination drugs that contain two active ingredients: sitagliptin and metformin. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Sitagliptin and metformin belong to different groups of drugs. Sitagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, and metformin is a biguanide.
This article describes the dosages of Janumet and Janumet XR, as well as their strengths and how to take them. To learn more about Janumet and Janumet XR, see this in-depth article.
Note: This chart highlights the dosage basics for Janumet and Janumet XR. Be sure to read on for more detail. And please keep in mind that this article covers the standard dosage schedule of Janumet and Janumet XR, which is provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But always follow the dosing instructions your doctor prescribes.
| Janumet | Janumet XR | |
| Recommended starting dosage if you’re not already taking metformin | 50 milligrams (mg) sitagliptin/500 mg metformin taken twice daily | 100 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin taken once daily |
| Recommended starting dosage if you’re already taking metformin | 50 mg sitagliptin and 500 mg or 1,000 mg metformin* taken twice daily | 100 mg sitagliptin and 1,000 mg or 2,000 mg metformin* taken once daily |
* Your dose of metformin will be determined by the amount of metformin you were already taking before starting Janumet or Janumet XR.
In this section, you’ll find standard dosage information for Janumet and Janumet XR. Before you start taking this medication, your doctor will discuss dosage instructions specific to your condition.
What are the forms of Janumet and Janumet XR?
Janumet comes as an immediate-release tablet that you swallow. This means the tablet releases the medication all at once into your body.
Janumet XR is an extended-release (ER) tablet that you swallow. This means the tablet releases the medication into your body slowly over time until your next dose.
What strengths do Janumet and Janumet XR come in?
Janumet comes in two strengths:
- 50 milligrams (mg) sitagliptin/500 mg metformin
- 50 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin
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
What are the usual dosages of Janumet and Janumet XR?
Usually, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then, they’ll adjust your dosage over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes commonly used or recommended dosages. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Your starting dose of Janumet or Janumet XR will depend on whether you’re taking metformin before starting these medications.
To lower your risk of side effects, your doctor may start you on a lower dosage and gradually increase your dose to the amount that’s right for you.
The maximum dose for Janumet or Janumet XR is a daily total of 100 mg sitagliptin/2,000 mg metformin or metformin ER.
The table below summarizes recommended starting doses for Janumet and Janumet XR:
| Janumet | Janumet XR | |
| Recommended dose if you’re not already taking metformin | 50 mg sitagliptin/500 mg metformin taken twice daily | 100 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin ER taken once daily |
| Recommended dose if you’re already taking 500 mg of metformin twice daily | 50 mg sitagliptin/500 mg taken twice daily | 100 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin ER taken once daily |
| Recommended dose if you’re taking 850 mg of metformin twice daily | 50 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin taken twice daily | two tablets of 50 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin ER taken once daily |
| Recommended dose if you’re taking 1,000 mg of metformin twice daily | 50 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin taken twice daily | two tablets of 50 mg sitagliptin/1,000 mg metformin ER taken once daily |
If you have questions about your specific dosage of Janumet or Janumet XR, talk with your doctor.
Are Janumet and Janumet XR used long term?
Yes, Janumet and Janumet XR are typically used 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.
Dosage adjustments
If you have kidney problems, your doctor may lower your dosage of Janumet or Janumet XR. See the “Ask a pharmacist” section below to learn more.
If you miss a dose of Janumet or Janumet XR, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Then, take your next dose at its usual time.
You should not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Doing so could raise your risk of side effects from Janumet or Janumet XR.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Janumet or Janumet XR on time, 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.
The dosage of Janumet or Janumet XR you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using Janumet or Janumet XR to treat
- your age
- other medications for diabetes you may be taking
- other conditions you may have (see “Dosage adjustments” under “What is Janumet’s and Janumet XR’s dosage?”)
Janumet and Janumet XR come as tablets that you swallow whole. You should not chew, cut, or crush the tablets. You’ll take the tablets with food.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, see this article for some tips that may help.
Janumet tablets are usually taken twice per day. Janumet XR tablets are taken once per day. If your Janumet XR dosage requires you to take two tablets, take both tablets together as one dose.
For information on Janumet and Janumet XR expiration, storage, and disposal, see this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies may provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code that you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Janumet or Janumet XR in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also have some tips that can help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.
Do not take more Janumet or Janumet XR than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can lead to serious side effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
* Janumet and Janumet XR have a
What to do in case you take too much Janumet or Janumet XR
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Janumet or Janumet XR. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
The sections above describe the usual 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.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Janumet or Janumet XR without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Janumet and Janumet XR exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Should I skip my dose of Janumet or Janumet XR if I have symptoms of low blood sugar?
- How will my dosage change if I switch from Janumet to Janumet XR?
- Would a lower dosage of Janumet or Janumet XR decrease my risk of lactic acidosis?
- Can I take Janumet once per day?
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Q:
Will I take a different dose of Janumet or Janumet XR if I have kidney problems?
AnonymousA:
It’s possible. If you have kidney problems, your doctor will determine what your dosage should be.
Janumet and Janumet XR are combination drugs that contain the active ingredients metformin and sitagliptin. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) If you have a kidney condition, you may need a lower dose of these drugs. But because Janumet and Janumet XR have a fixed dose of each active ingredient, it can be hard to adjust your dose.
If you need a lower dose, your doctor will likely have you take metformin and sitagliptin (Januvia) as separate tablets. If you have kidney problems, talk with your doctor about the dosage that’s right for you.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Healthline 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.
