Glyxambi vs. Onglyza for Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Saxagliptin

(Onglyza)

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Summary for Glyxambi

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.

Indications for Glyxambi

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

Pros and Cons for Glyxambi

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

Common Side Effects for Glyxambi

Urinary tract infection (11-13%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)

Warnings for Glyxambi

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

Summary for Onglyza

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 for Onglyza

Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Onglyza

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