Janumet: Two For the Price of One

FDA approval has just been given to Merk’s Janumet, the newest drug approved for fighting type 2 diabetes. I know, you are saying to yourself “A new drug, what’s the big deal? There is already Metformin and Januvia”.

According to Merk, the FDA approved Janumet based on clinical studies showing that Janumet packs a punch equivalent to taking both Januvia and Metformin together. Januvia and Metformin are commonly both prescribed to a type 2 diabetes patient who is having poor results from taking just one or the other. By taking one Janumet you are receiving the benefits of combining Metformin and Januvia in one convenient pill and also cutting down on your out of pocket co-pay costs.

Both Janumet and Januvia represent a new class of diabetes medicines called DPP-4 which work by enhancing the body’s ability to produce insulin while also lowering elevated glucose levels. Januvia paired with Metformin is said to target all of the causes of type 2 diabetes. Janumet now makes this possible in one pill.

I took a look at the Merk & Co press release which is really informative. It gives information on the clinical trials that led up to FDA approval as well as common side effects, dosing and cost.

It appears that someone who is currently prescribed both Metformin and Januvia are not going to notice any additional health benefits by taking Janumet. What they will notice is that taking one Janumet pill will be more convenient as well as less costly to them. Instead of having to pay two separate co-pays each month they will pay just one.

I think that not only breakthroughs in the effectiveness of type 2 diabetes medication is important but also making medication and testing more convenient. People are more likely to stay on top of medication that is easier to take. They are also more likely to keep up with the testing of glucose levels now that their are more convenient methods to this such as electronic blood glucose monitors.

Remember no matter how convenient the testing supplies get and how good the medication gets, you can’t rely on these things along to battle diabetes. You must change over to a healthier lifestyle consisting of a good diet and plenty of exercise. Good Luck.