Sitagliptin + Metformin 50 mg + 500 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Prescription required (Schedule H)
Common uses: Type 2 diabetes in adults when metformin alone is not enough; A convenient single tablet for people already taking sitagliptin and metformin separately.
Listed MRPs range from ₹5.16 to ₹25.77 per tablet across 9 listings. Use only on a doctor's prescription.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sitagliptin Phosphate 50mg & Metformin Hydrochloride 500mg TabletsJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹51.57 | ₹5.16 | 19 October 2026 |
| Sitaglo M 50/500 | Aristo Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 15 | ₹169.00 | ₹11.27 | 19 October 2026 |
| Sitamax-M 50/500 | Ajanta Pharma Limited | 15 | ₹174.50 | ₹11.63 | 19 October 2026 |
| Sitaday M 50/500 | Mankind Pharma Ltd | 15 | ₹177.88 | ₹11.86 | 19 October 2026 |
| Macsita-M 50/500 | Macleods Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 10 | ₹120.24 | ₹12.02 | 19 October 2026 |
| Sitared-M 50/500 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | 15 | ₹193.00 | ₹12.87 | 19 October 2026 |
| Stalix M 50/500 | Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 15 | ₹235.40 | ₹15.69 | 19 October 2026 |
| Emsita-M 50/500 | Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 10 | ₹169.65 | ₹16.96 | 19 October 2026 |
| Janumet 50/500 | MSD Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd | 15 | ₹386.50 | ₹25.77 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Type 2 diabetes in adults when metformin alone is not enough.
- A convenient single tablet for people already taking sitagliptin and metformin separately.
- Used with a sulfonylurea or insulin when more control is needed.
How to take it
Take one tablet twice a day with meals (morning and evening), as prescribed; this reduces the stomach upset metformin can cause. Swallow it whole with water. Extended-release (XR/PR) versions are taken once a day with the evening meal and must not be crushed or chewed. The sitagliptin part raises your own insulin after meals and the metformin part reduces sugar made by the liver. Keep taking it long term along with diet and exercise; do not stop unless your doctor says so. Tell your doctor before any CT scan with contrast dye or surgery – the tablet may need to be paused. Seek urgent help for fast breathing, unusual tiredness with muscle pain, or severe stomach pain.
Side effects
Common
- Nausea, loss of appetite, loose motions – usually settle in a few weeks.
- Headache.
- Metallic taste.
- Low blood sugar when combined with glimepiride or insulin.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency with long-term use.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Lactic acidosis (rare but dangerous) – fast breathing, severe tiredness, muscle pain, stomach pain, feeling cold; seek emergency help.
- Pancreatitis – severe constant stomach pain spreading to the back.
- Serious allergic reaction – swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing.
- Severe skin reaction with blisters or mouth ulcers.
Safety information
Alcohol
Limit alcohol strictly. Heavy or binge drinking with metformin raises the risk of lactic acidosis and low blood sugar.
Pregnancy
Not used in pregnancy or breastfeeding; tell your doctor so you can be switched, usually to insulin or metformin alone.
Kidney problems
Your doctor must check eGFR before and during treatment. The combination is not used when kidney function is poor because metformin can build up.
Liver problems
Avoid in severe liver disease because of lactic acidosis risk.
Children
Not for use in children.
Missed dose
Take it with your next meal if you remember soon; if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose.
Interactions
- Iodine contrast dye for CT scans or angiography – usually paused on the day of the scan and for 48 hours after.
- Glimepiride, gliclazide and insulin – higher chance of a hypo; doses may need lowering.
- Steroids, diuretics and some BP medicines – can raise blood sugar or affect kidney function.
- Cimetidine, ranolazine, dolutegravir – raise metformin levels.
- Digoxin – sitagliptin may slightly raise digoxin levels.
- Alcohol – lactic acidosis risk.
Frequently asked questions
What is Janumet 50/500 used for?
Janumet 50/500 combines sitagliptin 50 mg and metformin 500 mg in one tablet. It is used for type 2 diabetes when metformin alone does not control blood sugar, and is usually taken twice daily with meals.
Janumet 50/500 vs Janumet 50/1000 – what is the difference?
Both contain sitagliptin 50 mg; the metformin content differs (500 mg vs 1000 mg). Your doctor picks the strength to match the total daily metformin you need, usually 2000 mg a day at most.
Should Janumet be taken before or after food?
With meals. Taking it with breakfast and dinner reduces the nausea and loose motions metformin can cause. XR versions are taken once daily with the evening meal.
Can I take Janumet with alcohol?
Keep alcohol to a minimum and never binge. Alcohol with metformin raises the risk of lactic acidosis and low blood sugar.
Does Janumet cause weight gain?
No. Metformin is weight-neutral or causes a small loss, and sitagliptin is weight-neutral.
Does Janumet cause low blood sugar?
Rarely on its own. The risk goes up if you also take glimepiride or insulin, or skip meals. Keep a sugary snack with you.
Is Janumet safe for kidney patients?
It depends on your eGFR. Because of the metformin part, the combination is reduced or stopped when kidney function falls. Your doctor checks kidney tests regularly.
Can I switch from Janumet to a cheaper sitagliptin-metformin brand?
Many Indian brands and Jan Aushadhi generics contain the same sitagliptin 50 mg + metformin 500 mg. The molecules and doses are identical; confirm with your doctor before switching.
Why must I stop Janumet before a CT scan?
The iodine contrast used in CT scans and angiography can temporarily affect the kidneys, which could let metformin build up. Doctors usually pause it on the day of the scan and restart 48 hours later once kidney function is confirmed.
Sources
- NHS – Sitagliptin (19 October 2026)
- NHS – How and when to take metformin (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms