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

Janumet

(sitagliptin / metformin)

Xigduo XR

(dapagliflozin / metformin)

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 Xigduo XR

Prescription only

Xigduo XR is a combination medication that contains dapagliflozin (an SGLT2 inhibitor) and metformin (a biguanide). It's taken along with a healthy diet and exercise to treat Type 2 diabetes in people ages 10 years and older. In addition, dapagliflozin in Xigduo XR can help lower the risk of worsening heart failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD) in certain people. Xigduo XR (dapagliflozin / metformin) is taken by mouth once daily in the morning. It's best to take this medication with food since it might cause stomach upset. Other possible side effects include yeast infection, cold symptoms, and urinary tract infection (UTI).

Indications for Xigduo XR

Type 2 diabetes (T2D)

Pros and Cons for Xigduo XR

Pros

Combines two medications into one pill for convenience
Only taken once a day in the morning
Lowers your risk for certain complications of diabetes, such as heart and kidney problems

Cons

Might cause you to urinate more often
Need to take with a meal to prevent stomach upset
Raises risk of genital and urinary tract infections

Common Side Effects for Xigduo XR

Redness, itching, and other symptoms of a genital yeast infection (4-9%)
Pain or discomfort while urinating and other symptoms of an urinary tract infection (6%)
Sore throat, stuffy nose, and other symptoms of the common cold (5-6%)
Diarrhea (4-6%)
Headache (3-5%)

Warnings for Xigduo XR

Lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in the blood)
Ketoacidosis (too many ketones in the blood)
Low fluids in the body (leading to low blood pressure, dehydration, or kidney problems)
Genital and urinary tract infections
Low vitamin B12 levels
Rare risk of serious skin infection
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with other diabetes medications