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Compare Januvia vs. Glipizide

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

Key takeaways

Januvia (sitagliptin) and Glucotrol XL (glipizide) are both oral medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they belong to different medication classes. Januvia is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, while Glucotrol XL is a sulfonylurea. Januvia is typically taken once daily and works by increasing insulin levels in your body and reducing sugar production. Glucotrol XL is taken once or twice daily and works by stimulating your pancreas to release more insulin. Januvia does not typically cause significant weight changes, whereas Glucotrol XL can lead to weight gain. Common side effects of Januvia include a runny nose and sore throat, while Glucotrol XL may cause dizziness and diarrhea. Both medications can cause low blood sugar, especially when taken with other diabetes medications, but Glucotrol XL has a higher risk of causing dangerously low blood sugar levels.

  • Januvia (sitagliptin)
    Glipizide
  • Januvia (sitagliptin)
    Glipizide

  • Summary of Januvia vs. Glipizide

    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 Sulfonylurea
    Prescription only

    Glipizide is a sulfonylurea medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It lowers blood sugar levels by telling your pancreas to release more insulin. Glipizide is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. Some side effects of this medication include dizziness and diarrhea. Taking glipizide can also put you at risk for dangerously low blood sugar, so it's important to take this medication with meals.

  • Indications of Januvia vs. Glipizide

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

  • Pros and Cons of Januvia vs. Glipizide

    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 Sulfonylurea
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Extended-release tablets taken once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Raises your risk for low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
    •Need to take with meals or 30 minutes before a meal
    •Can cause some weight gain as a side effect

  • Common Side Effects of Januvia vs. Glipizide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Runny or stuffy nose and other symptoms of the common cold (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (7%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Nervousness (4%)
    •Tremor (4%)
    •Passing gas (3%)
    •Low blood sugar levels (3%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by people who took glipizide ER (Glucotrol XL) in clinical studies.

  • Warnings of Januvia vs. Glipizide

    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
    •Low blood sugar levels
    •Risk of low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)
    •Possible risk of serious heart problems
    •Risk of harm in people with certain stomach problems (extended-release tablets)

  • Prices with our coupons for Januvia vs. Glipizide

    Learn more about Januvia
    Learn more about Glipizide

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