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Compare Novolin N vs. Janumet

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

Key takeaways

Novolin N (insulin NPH) and Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) are both used to manage diabetes, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Novolin N is an intermediate-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It is injected under the skin once or twice a day and is available as a prescription and over the counter. On the other hand, Janumet is a combination of sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, and metformin, and is used only for Type 2 diabetes. Janumet requires a prescription and is taken orally with meals, either as immediate-release tablets twice daily or extended-release tablets (Janumet XR) once daily. Novolin N can cause low blood sugar and weight gain, while Janumet is less likely to cause these issues but can lead to side effects like diarrhea and headache. Additionally, Janumet is not suitable for people with severe kidney problems, whereas Novolin N can be used by those with liver or kidney issues.

  • Novolin n
    Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin)
  • Novolin n
    Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin)

  • Summary of Novolin N vs. Janumet

    Summary for Insulin

    Novolin N, a brand name of insulin NPH, is an intermediate-acting insulin. It helps control blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. This type of insulin comes in a vial (Novolin N) and a pen (Novolin N Flexpen). There's also a Novolin N ReliOn brand name. Novolin N is injected under the skin once or twice daily to regulate blood sugar levels. Side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and reactions at the injection site.

    Summary for DPP-4 inhibitor / Biguanide
    Prescription only

    Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin) is a combination prescription medication that helps improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It contains two diabetes medications from different drug classes: sitagliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor) and metformin (a biguanide). Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin) is used as an add-on to diet and exercise. Immediate-release tablets (Janumet) are taken by mouth twice daily, and extended-release tablets (Janumet XR) are taken just once daily. Side effects include diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache.

  • Indications of Novolin N vs. Janumet

    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes

  • Pros and Cons of Novolin N vs. Janumet

    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Available over the counter without a prescription
    •Can help manage both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
    •Available as a pen and vial
    •Pens are small enough to fit in your purse or pocket
    Cons
    •Might need to inject twice daily
    •Must give as an injection under the skin
    •Risk of low blood sugar and weight gain
    •Only available as a brand-name medication
    Pros and Const for DPP-4 inhibitor / Biguanide
    Pros
    •Combines the effects of two medications into one tablet
    •Lowered A1C by up to 2% in a 6-month clinical study
    •Might be a good option for additional blood sugar control for people who don't like injections (such as with insulin)
    •Less likely to cause weight gain and low blood sugar compared to other diabetes medications
    Cons
    •Not yet available as a lower-cost generic
    •Must take with meals
    •Only available as a fixed dose, so can be hard to make dose adjustments
    •Side effects more likely if you're 65 years or older
    •Not a good option for people with severe kidney problems

  • Common Side Effects of Novolin N vs. Janumet

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar
    •Reactions where the medication is injected (e.g., redness, swelling, itching)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (6%)
    •Headache (6%)

  • Warnings of Novolin N vs. Janumet

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of infections from sharing injection supplies
    •Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin regimen
    •Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain diabetes medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Lactic acidosis
    •Pancreas problems
    •Heart failure
    •Sudden kidney problems
    •Low vitamin B12 levels
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Joint pain
    •Severe skin reaction
    •Severe allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Novolin N vs. Janumet

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