Can Janumet cause vision probs & should you take Metformin if you can control Blood Sugar w/out it?
Question posted by audiogatorjim on 20 March 2011
Last updated on 21 March 2011 by Anonymous
I was diagnosed with type 2 3.5 moths ago. My A1C was 10.8. Lost some weight, changed diet, exercise more and take Janumet. My A1C yesterday was 5.5.so it is clearly effective. But, the side effects: lethargic, abdomen pain, flu like feeling, and the worst - blurred vision and sensitivity to light. I have checked my blood sugar when I have the vision problems and sometimes it may be in the 80's - low 100's. I took myself off Janumet and a blood pressure medicine. My dr knew about stopping the Janumet temporarily but my blood pressure went up. I have two questions... 1. Could the Janumet be the cause of the side effects and vision issues? 2. I have read it is good to take metformin continuously even if you can control your blood sugars without medicine. is that true?
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
Answers
IN
Inactive
21 March 2011
You bring up some excelent points! First, I want to commend you on your excelent numbers and loosing all that wegiht. Good work, keep it up! Since Janumet is combination of both Januvia and Metformin, I will adress both seperatly.
1) Januvia has not been reported to cause vision problems, neither has metformin. There are a couple of possibilities that I see. First, even though it is less likely with these two meds, you could still get hypoglycemic. If you are hypoglycemic you could have vision problems. However, it doesn't sound like you are that low when this happens. The second possibility is the natural course of diabetes. Have you hade your eyes checked? That is a need-to check for all diabetics to look for diabetic retinopathy.
2) There is a lot of evidence that shows metformin is good to prevent further complications from diabetes. So yes you could still take it, as it is less likely to cause hypoglycemia.
However, all these discusions should also take place with your endocrinologist or primary care doctor.
