Having high blood sugar levels or hyperglycaemia certainly is not a good thing. Sooner or later, in time, this will result in diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin or the insulin is not used effectively by the body to utilise the sugar from food or drinks. Insulin is a hormone that maintains the blood sugar level by enabling the cell metabolism to utilise the sugar in the form of glucose. Insulin is vital for cells to convert sugar into energy which is used by the body to maintain cell function. Antidiabetic medication such as Janumet 50-500 mg is used to help treat patients with diabetes.
Janumet contains metformin and sitagliptin as its active ingredients. Metformin belongs to the biguanide drug class, while sitagliptin belongs to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors drug class. In general, biguanide works by decreasing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and improving the body’s response towards insulin whereas DPP-4 inhibitors work by preventing breakdown of GLP-1 and prolonging the action of GLP-1. This leads to increased insulin production in the pancreas. Both of the ingredients can be considered to reduce the amount of sugar produced by the liver.
Janumet is usually prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes. It is worth noting that antidiabetic medication is not the first treatment given by doctors when a person is diagnosed with diabetes. Antidiabetic medication is usually given as the last resort when lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are unable to control the blood glucose level as targeted by the doctor. Janumet is also prescribed for those with type 2 diabetes that is inadequately controlled by metformin or sitagliptin alone, thus, combination of the two types of antidiabetic drug or on top of insulin may be prescribed in such cases.
Dosage of Janumet is typically individualised and based on the patient’s targeted blood sugar level or patient response towards antidiabetic drugs. In general, the recommended dose is twice daily with meals. This medicine should not be split or divided. It is best to take it as a whole to avoid the fixated dosage being compromised when it is not taken as a whole. Patient is usually prescribed with Janumet for other reasons apart from diabetes and may be receiving dosage different than what is recommended or receiving more than one type of antidiabetic drug at a time. Hence, it is wise to ask healthcare provider if feeling unsure or in doubt of taking the medicine.
Janumet is an immediate-release medication. This means that when a person takes Janumet, the drug is released in the body almost immediately and works right away. However, even if it is said to be working immediately, the full effect of Janumet may take up to a few weeks in lowering the blood sugar level and ultimately improve A1C level up to 2.5%. Some patients may be able to feel improvement of symptoms within 4-5 days after taking the medicine.
In order for patients to reap the full benefits of Janumet, patients need to take it regularly. Taking it at the same time of the day can help patients to remember taking the medicine. At this point, patients may wonder if they can take Janumet on an empty stomach. It is recommended to take Janumet with meals. This can lower the chances for an upset stomach.
Janumet, just as with other drugs, does have potential side effects. Common side effects include headache, nausea, upper respiratory infection and diarrrhoea. Side effects that get worse should be informed to a healthcare provider. This medication usually does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycaemia is characterised by hunger, dizziness, shaking, and sweating. If a patient takes Janumet with other antidiabetic medications, they may have higher risk for hypoglycemia. If hypoglycaemia does happen, patients should discuss this matter with their healthcare provider so that dosage adjustment can be considered. Since hypoglycaemia may occur with patients with diabetes especially when they take more than one antidiabetic medication, after a heavy physical activity or not eating enough calories throughout the day, it is advisable for patients to bring glucose tablets or sweet candy within hand reach all the time.
In essence, Janumet is one of the many antidiabetic medications available to help treat patients with diabetes. Although it is said to be working immediately, the medicine should be taken regularly in order to reap its full benefits. Possible side effects may be scary or worrying to some people but rest assured that doctors usually prescribed medication after thorough evaluation and making sure the medication provides benefits more than its side effects. Any unwanted side effect should always be addressed to a healthcare provider and never stop taking the medication unless the doctor said otherwise. Patients with diabetes should always bring sugary food or drink with them especially when they have had hypoglycemia before. After a hypoglycemic event, the patient should let their doctor know so that doctors can re-evaluate and advise on what is best for the patient. Any enquiries or questions regarding diabetes or antidiabetic medication received should always be addressed to the respective healthcare provider.
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