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Compare Janumet vs. Actos

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

Key takeaways

Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) and Actos (pioglitazone) are both medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and belong to different drug classes. Janumet combines two medications: sitagliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor) and metformin (a biguanide). It helps control blood sugar by improving insulin function and reducing sugar production in the liver. Actos, on the other hand, is a thiazolidinedione that enhances your body's ability to use insulin. Janumet is taken either twice daily (immediate-release) or once daily (extended-release), while Actos is taken once daily. Janumet is not yet available in a generic form, but a generic version is expected by 2026. Actos is available as a generic. Janumet may cause side effects like diarrhea and upper respiratory infections, whereas Actos can lead to weight gain, fluid retention, and an increased risk of bladder cancer. Both medications have risks, but Janumet is less likely to cause weight gain and low blood sugar compared to other diabetes medications.

  • Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin)
    Pioglitazone (Actos)
  • Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin)
    Pioglitazone (Actos)

  • Summary of Janumet vs. Actos

    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.

    Summary for Thiazolidinedione
    Prescription only

    Pioglitazone (Actos) is an oral medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults, along with diet and exercise. It's a thiazolidinedione, which works by helping your body respond better to insulin. This medication is taken by mouth once a day and is available in both brand and generic forms. Side effects include headache, swelling in the body, and weight gain. There's also a serious warning that it can cause or worsen heart failure.

  • Indications of Janumet vs. Actos

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults, along with diet and exercise

  • Pros and Cons of Janumet vs. Actos

    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
    Pros and Const for Thiazolidinedione
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Rarely causes dangerously low blood sugar when taken by itself
    •Can be taken with or without food
    Cons
    •Can cause fluid buildup in the body
    •Not safe for people with moderate to severe heart failure
    •Not a good choice for people with bladder cancer

  • Common Side Effects of Janumet vs. Actos

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (6%)
    •Headache (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Swelling (27%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (13%)
    •Headache (9%)
    •Heart failure (8%)
    •Sinus infection (6%)
    •Pain in the arms and legs (6%)

    Side effects above are for pioglitazone (Actos) taken alone. These might differ if it's taken with other medications.

  • Warnings of Janumet vs. Actos

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart failure and swelling
    •Low blood sugar (when used with other medications)
    •Liver problems
    •Bladder cancer
    •Risk of bone fractures
    •Eye problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Janumet vs. Actos

    Learn more about Janumet
    Learn more about Pioglitazone

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