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Compare Janumet vs. Onglyza

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

Key takeaways

Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) and Onglyza (saxagliptin) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Janumet is a combination of two drugs: sitagliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor) and metformin (a biguanide). Onglyza, on the other hand, contains only saxagliptin, which is also a DPP-4 inhibitor. Janumet is available in both extended-release and immediate-release forms, and is taken once or twice daily respectively. Onglyza is only taken once daily. Janumet can cause side effects like diarrhea and upper respiratory infections, whereas Onglyza may lead to urinary tract infections and headaches. Additionally, Janumet is not recommended for people with severe kidney problems. Janumet is only avaolable as a brand name medication, while Onglyza has a generic version available, making it potentially more affordable. Both medications can cause serious side effects like pancreatitis and heart failure, so it's important to discuss your medical history with your healthcare team.

  • Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin)
    Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
  • Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin)
    Saxagliptin (Onglyza)

  • Summary of Janumet vs. Onglyza

    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.

    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 Janumet vs. Onglyza

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Janumet vs. Onglyza

    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
    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 Janumet vs. Onglyza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (6%)
    •Headache (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (8%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI; 7%)
    •Headache (7%)

  • Warnings of Janumet vs. Onglyza

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Pancreas problems
    •Heart failure
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Joint pain
    •Large blisters
    •Risk of allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Janumet vs. Onglyza

    Learn more about Janumet
    Learn more about Saxagliptin

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