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Compare Glyxambi vs. Onglyza

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Glyxambi (empagliflozin/linagliptin) and Onglyza (saxagliptin) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Glyxambi is a combination of two drugs: empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, and linagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor. Onglyza, on the other hand, contains only saxagliptin, which is also a DPP-4 inhibitor. Glyxambi not only helps control blood sugar but also lowers the risk of death from heart disease in people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Onglyza does not have this additional heart benefit. Glyxambi is taken once daily in the morning, while Onglyza can be taken at any time of day. Both medications can cause urinary tract infection, but Glyxambi can also cause more frequent urination. Additionally, Onglyza is available in a generic form, while Glyxambi is not.

Glyxambi (empagliflozin / linagliptin)
Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
Glyxambi (empagliflozin / linagliptin)
Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
Summary of Glyxambi vs. Onglyza
Summary for SGLT2 inhibitor / DPP-4 inhibitor
Prescription only
Glyxambi (empagliflozin / linagliptin) is used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's a combination of 2 medications: empagliflozin (a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor) and linagliptin (a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor). It lowers blood sugar by getting rid of extra sugar through your urine and helping your body make more insulin. Glyxambi (empagliflozin / linagliptin) is taken by mouth once daily. Some common side effects include urinary tract infections and upper respiratory tract infections.
Summary for DPP-4 inhibitor
Prescription only
Saxagliptin (Onglyza) is an add-on medication to exercise and a balanced, nutritious diet to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the drug class called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. The saxagliptin (Onglyza) dosage is taken by mouth once daily. Possible side effects include certain infections and headaches. The brand name, Onglyza, is no longer available. But the lower-cost generic version is still available.
Indications of Glyxambi vs. Onglyza
Indications for

•Type 2 diabetes in adults (when taken along with nutritious diet and regular exercise)

•Lowers risk of death from heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

Indications for

•Type 2 diabetes in adults
Pros and Cons of Glyxambi vs. Onglyza
Pros and Const for SGLT2 inhibitor / DPP-4 inhibitor
Pros

•Combines two medications into one pill for convenience

•Can lower the risk of death from heart attack or stroke in people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

•Only taken once a day in the morning with or without food

•Not likely to cause weight gain

Cons

•Not safe for use in people on dialysis

•Not approved for people with Type 1 diabetes

•Might cause you to urinate more often

•Might cause urinary tract infections or genital yeast infections

Pros and Const for DPP-4 inhibitor
Pros

•Taken once daily (with or without food)

•Less likely to cause weight gain (compared to some other diabetes medications)

•Very low risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when it's taken by itself

Cons

•Doesn't lower A1C and blood sugar levels as well as other diabetes medications

•Might raise risk of hospitalization due to heart failure in certain people

•Not for treating Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
Common Side Effects of Glyxambi vs. Onglyza
Common Side Effects for

•Urinary tract infection (11-13%)

•Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)

Common Side Effects for

•Upper respiratory tract infection (8%)

•Urinary tract infection (UTI; 7%)

•Headache (7%)
Warnings of Glyxambi vs. Onglyza
Common Side Effects for

•Pancreas problems

•Ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood)

•Low fluids in the body (leading to low blood pressure or dehydration, or kidney problems)

•Low blood sugar with other diabetes medications

•Genital and urinary tract infections

•Serious allergic or skin reactions

•Joint pain

•Leg and foot amputations

•Heart failure

Common Side Effects for

•Pancreas problems

•Heart failure

•Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

•Joint pain

•Large blisters

•Risk of allergic reaction
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Compare Glyxambi vs. Onglyza

Key takeaways

Summary of Glyxambi vs. Onglyza

Indications of Glyxambi vs. Onglyza

Pros and Cons of Glyxambi vs. Onglyza

Common Side Effects of Glyxambi vs. Onglyza

Warnings of Glyxambi vs. Onglyza

Prices with our coupons for Glyxambi vs. Onglyza

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