JANUMET

Indicated For

type 2 diabetes

About This Medication

# Merck Patient Assistance Program Patient Guide: How to Get JANUMET (sitagliptin and metformin HCl) at Low or No Cost JANUMET (sitagliptin and metformin HCl) is a prescription medication used to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, when diet and exercise alone are not enough. The **Merck Patient Assistance Program** provides **JANUMET at no cost** to eligible patients facing financial hardship, primarily those without prescription insurance coverage.[1][3] ## About JANUMET **JANUMET** combines two active ingredients: **sitagliptin**, a DPP-4 inhibitor that helps increase insulin production and decrease glucose production in the liver after meals, and **metformin HCl**, a biguanide that reduces glucose production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. It's typically taken twice daily with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Common side effects include upper respiratory infections, diarrhea, and headache. Always follow your doctor's instructions and report any serious side effects like pancreatitis or lactic acidosis symptoms (e.g., unusual tiredness, muscle pain).[1] This guide explains how to access **JANUMET** through the Merck Patient Assistance Program (PAP), a free service from **Merck & Co., Inc.** designed for U.S. residents in need. The program ships medication directly to you if approved.[1][3] ## Who Qualifies? Eligibility focuses on financial need and lack of insurance. Key criteria include: - U.S. resident (no citizenship required). - Prescription for a covered Merck medicine like **JANUMET** from a U.S.-licensed healthcare provider. - **Primarily uninsured**: No private insurance, HMOs, Medicaid, Medicare Part D, or other coverage that pays for prescriptions. Insured patients may qualify under **special financial or medical hardship** cases.[1][5] - Household income meeting program guidelines, verified via application or supporting documents. The program does not publicly list exact **income thresholds** (e.g., Federal Poverty Level percentages), but it targets those in significant financial hardship. Merck may verify income electronically or request proof.[1][3][4] ## Income Eligibility Breakdown Specific income limits are not fixed publicly and depend on household size, but applicants must demonstrate need. Provide income details on the form; Merck verifies. Common proof includes: | Household Size | Typical Threshold Notes | Required Proof Examples | |---------------|-------------------------|-------------------------| | Individual | Financial hardship; exact %FPL not specified | Most recent 1040 tax form, pay stubs, Social Security letter [1] | | Couple | Same as above | Pension letter, unemployment statement [1] | | Family of 3 | Household income-based | Disability statement, veteran benefits [1] | | Family of 4+ | Scaled by size | Employer income verification [1] | **Notes**: Primarily for uninsured; insured with hardship may apply. Program reserves right to audit.[1][4] ## Insurance Requirements - **Uninsured preferred**: No prescription coverage from private plans, employer plans, Medicaid, Medicare, HMOs, etc.[1][5] - **Insured exceptions**: Special circumstances like high copays, coverage denials, or medical/financial hardship may allow qualification—discuss with program staff.[1] - Cannot participate if your insurance requires PAP application as a condition.[1] ## Step-by-Step Application Process 1. **Check eligibility**: Visit **MerckHelps.com** or call **(800) 727-5400** to confirm **JANUMET** coverage and your fit.[1][3][4] 2. **Download form**: Get the enrollment form from **MerckHelps.com** or call for one.[1][2] 3. **Complete patient sections**: Fill Section 1 (personal info: name, address, DOB, phone, email), sign/date Sections 2-3. Authorize income verification (electronic or provide one proof document).[1][3] 4. **Prescriber completes**: Doctor fills Sections 4-5 (diagnosis, prescription, NPI number), signs/dates all spots. Prescription must be from U.S.-licensed provider; controlled substances separate.[1][2] 5. **Submit**: - **Mail**: Merck Patient Assistance Program, PO Box 1206, Wilkes Barre, PA 18703-1206.[1][2] - **Online**: At **www.MerckHelps.com**.[1] Original form required—no copies.[3] 6. **Wait for approval**: Processed in ~7 business days if complete; up to 2 weeks.[3][4] **Required Documents**: - Prescription from U.S.-licensed provider. - Completed, signed enrollment form (patient + prescriber). - Optional/one proof: 1040 tax form, pay stubs (1 month), SS/pension/unemployment letter, disability/veteran statement.[1][3] ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Less than **7 business days** if complete; ~2 weeks typical. Call **(800) 727-5400** for urgent needs.[3][4] - **Approval duration**: Up to **12 months**; reauthorization needed annually or sooner.[2] - **Delivery**: Free medication shipped directly to **your home** (not pharmacy).[1] - Status updates via phone/email provided on form.[1] ## Alternatives if Denied - **Appeal**: Contact **(800) 727-5400** to discuss reasons (e.g., incomplete form, income).[4] - **Other programs**: Check state assistance, NeedyMeds, RxAssist, or Merck's pricing tools. - **Generic options**: Metformin alone or sitagliptin generics if appropriate (discuss with doctor). - **Patient savings cards**: Merck offers copay assistance for commercially insured (separate from PAP).[8] - Reapply after addressing issues; provide more hardship proof if insured.[1] ## Refills and Reauthorization Approved patients get refills automatically until 12-month period ends. **Reauthorization required** yearly via new application. Prescriber must reconfirm need.[2][3] ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes based on Merck PAP details as of available data. Eligibility, processes, and coverage can change—**always verify directly with Merck at (800) 727-5400 or MerckHelps.com**. Not medical advice; consult your doctor for **JANUMET** suitability. Program not guaranteed; subject to availability, audits. Merck not liable for application errors. Word count: 1028.

Program information last verified: March 25, 2026