In clinical trials with patients treated with sitagliptin and metformin, all doses of sitagliptin plus metformin were generally well-tolerated. Gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhea, were similar to metformin alone.

"Our goal is to help patients reach glucose targets quickly and keep them there. Good blood glucose control can reduce the risk of the devastating complications including blindness, kidney damage, and cardiovascular problems, such as stroke and heart attack, yet recent surveys have suggested that half of Canadians with diabetes have glucose levels above the recommended targets. New treatment options, which help improve blood glucose levels without the risk of weight gain and too low blood sugar associated with some of our older medications, are most welcome," says Dr. Leiter.

JANUMET(TM) (sitagliptin/metformin HCI, MSD) is indicated as an adjunct to healthy eating habits and physical activity to improve glycemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on metformin or in patients already being treated with the combination of sitagliptin and metformin. JANUMET(TM) (sitagliptin/metformin HCI, MSD) is currently available in Canada.

With JANUMET(TM) (sitagliptin/metformin HCI, MSD), Merck continues to build a portfolio of oral anti-diabetic agents that provide physicians with new treatment options for a broad range of patients.

Source: MERCK FROSST CANADA LTD.