Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Januvia vs. Afrezza

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

Key takeaways

Januvia (sitagliptin) and Afrezza (insulin human) are both medications used to manage diabetes, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Januvia is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor taken orally once daily, while Afrezza is an ultra rapid-acting insulin that is inhaled at the start of meals. Januvia is specifically approved for Type 2 diabetes, whereas Afrezza is approved for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Januvia does not typically cause weight changes, but Afrezza can lead to weight gain. Common side effects of Januvia include a runny nose and sore throat, while Afrezza may cause low blood sugar and cough. Afrezza is not suitable for people with lung conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), whereas Januvia requires caution in those with kidney issues. Additionally, both medications can be combined with other diabetes medications for better blood sugar control, but this requires blood sugar monitoring due to the increased risk of low blood sugar.

  • Januvia (sitagliptin)
    Afrezza (insulin)
  • Januvia (sitagliptin)
    Afrezza (insulin)

  • Summary of Januvia vs. Afrezza

    Summary for DDP-4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Januvia (sitagliptin) is a prescription medication that helps lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It works best when you also follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. It belongs to the drug class called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, or gliptins. Januvia (sitagliptin) comes as a tablet you take by mouth once a day. Side effects include stuffy or runny nose and headache. Januvia (sitagliptin) is a brand-name medication only; the generic version isn't available yet.

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    Afrezza is an ultra rapid-acting inhaled insulin for adults with diabetes. It helps manage blood sugar levels from meals. You breathe in the medication through the mouth using the Afrezza inhaler usually at the start of meals. Common side effects are low blood sugar and cough. There's also a risk of bronchospasm (sudden narrowing of the airways), which can make it hard to breathe. So Afrezza (insulin) isn't for people with breathing problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

  • Indications of Januvia vs. Afrezza

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults
    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adults
    •Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Januvia vs. Afrezza

    Pros and Const for DDP-4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken once a day
    •Not likely to affect your body weight
    Cons
    •Not for people with Type 1 diabetes
    •Possible risk of severe joint pain
    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •A good choice for people who don't want to use injectable insulin
    •Can help people with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar
    •Starts to work in about 12 minutes and lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on your dose
    Cons
    •Might need to use more than one cartridge of insulin for your dose (if you need more than 12 units of insulin)
    •Not for people who smoke or for people with breathing problems (e.g., asthma, COPD)
    •Not approved for children

  • Common Side Effects of Januvia vs. Afrezza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Runny or stuffy nose and other symptoms of the common cold (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar (up to 67%)
    •Cough (up to 29%)
    •Throat pain or irritation (up to 6%)
    •Headache (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Januvia vs. Afrezza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Risk of heart failure
    •Sudden kidney problems
    •Low blood sugar when taken with other diabetes medications
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Joint pain
    •Severe skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
    •Changes in blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin routine
    •Diabetic ketoacidosis
    •Low potassium levels
    •Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain diabetes medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Januvia vs. Afrezza

    Learn more about Januvia
    Learn more about Afrezza

Compare other Diabetes Type 2 drugs

Alogliptin vs JanuviaGlyxambi vs JanuviaJanuvia vs ActosJanuvia vs AfrezzaJanuvia vs AmarylJanuvia vs ByettaJanuvia vs FarxigaJanuvia vs GlipizideJanuvia vs GlucotrolJanuvia vs GlucovanceJanuvia vs InvokanaJanuvia vs JanumetJanuvia vs JardianceJanuvia vs OnglyzaJanuvia vs OzempicJanuvia vs RybelsusJanuvia vs StarlixJanuvia vs TradjentaJanuvia vs VictozaJanuvia vs ZituvioMetaglip vs JanuviaMetformin vs JanuviaNesina vs JanuviaSaxagliptin vs JanuviaToujeo vs JanuviaTrulicity vs JanuviaByetta vs OzempicGlucotrol vs ByettaGlyburide vs ByettaMetaglip vs Byetta
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.