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Does Janumet Intake Cause Pancreatitis?

Posted on Mon, 19 May 2014

Question: I would like opinion from several doctors on the following questions. 1. How safe is Januvia (Janumet) ? I've heard different views. I heard it is safe and I've heard that "there aught to be a black box warning about pancreatitis." Is that warning an exaggeration? What is the likely hood I would develop pancreatitis? 2. Is better to be on Janumet or metformin and lantus?

Answered by Dr. Raju A.T (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, there is risk involved

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

There is 1% risk of developing pancreatitis when put on Janumet and the risk is more in people with history of pancreatitis.

Careful observation is necessary when one is started on Janumet.

I consider Metformin is comparatively safer and you can go for it if your blood sugars are not too high. If too high then Lantus is better choice.

Hope, I answered your query.

Wish you good health.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Raju A.T (20 hours later)

Is the risk for pancreatitis greater the longer you're on it? I was on Janumet and Lantus and a different HCP took me off Janumet, put me on metformin and at the same time cut my lantus in half. I went from 20 u Lantus to 10 u. I learned that Janumet helps with PP BS. I started to take 2hr. PP BS and noticed that especially after lunch my BS were running over 200-250 when on metformin. Prior to switching my meds my BS rarely were over 200. I have a new endocrinologist who just put me on Janumet only. BS are good so far. I would like a second opinion. Also for ty2 DM what should BS readings (a range is fine) be for 1)am fasting, 2)2hr PP, 3) bedtime. Thanks for your help

Answered by Dr. Raju A.T (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Its an initiation side effect

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

Pancreatitis is an initiation side effect. If at al its seen soon after the start of the medication. Long term use without any signs of pancreatitis rules out the risk in future too.

If you had been on it in past I believe you can get back to it again.

I agree it has better control on sugars than metformin alone.

Sugar levels : Fasting : 70 to 120mg/dl

PPBS : 100 to 140mg/dl

bedtime / random: 90 to 120

The range varies by 10 or 15mg/dl.

Regards,

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar