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

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)

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Saxagliptin

(Onglyza)

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Summary for Janumet

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 for Janumet

Type 2 diabetes

Pros and Cons for Janumet

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 for Janumet

Diarrhea (8%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (6%)
Headache (6%)

Warnings for Janumet

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

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