Key takeaways
Januvia (sitagliptin) and Glucovance (glyburide/metformin) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and belong to different drug classes. Januvia is a a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that helps increase insulin levels and decrease sugar production in your body. It is typically taken once daily and does not usually affect body weight. On the other hand, Glucovance combines two medications: glyburide, a sulfonylurea that stimulates insulin release, and metformin, a biguanide that reduces sugar production and absorption. Glucovance is usually taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar and stomach upset, and it can be taken once or twice daily. While Januvia is less likely to cause low blood sugar, Glucovance has a higher risk of this side effect. Additionally, Glucovance can cause lactic acidosis, a rare but serious condition, and is not recommended for people with severe kidney or liver problems. Both medications require a prescription and are available in generic forms.
