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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 medication for adults with Type 2 diabetes. It contains two different diabetes medications that work together to help control blood sugar. One is sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, and the other is metformin, a biguanide. The Janumet immediate-release tablets are taken by mouth twice a day. It works best when used with a balanced meal plan and exercise routine. Some side effects are diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache. There's only a brand-name version of Janumet; there's no generic version yet.

  • 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 diabetes medications into one tablet
    •Less likely to cause weight gain and low blood sugar compared to other diabetes medications
    •Can lower A1C by up to 2% in 6 months
    Cons
    •Must take twice a day with meals
    •Only available as a fixed dose, so can be hard to make dose adjustments
    •Not a good option for people with severe kidney problems
    •Not approved for people with Type 1 diabetes

  • 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
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Risk of heart failure
    •Sudden kidney problems
    •Low vitamin B12 levels
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications
    •Joint pain
    •Severe skin reaction
    •Serious allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Novolin N vs. Janumet

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