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Compare Januvia vs. Janumet

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

Key takeaways

Januvia (sitagliptin) and Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) are both prescription medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Januvia contains only sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, and is typically taken once daily. It works by blocking the DPP-4 protein, allowing insulin to stay in your body longer to lower blood sugar levels. On the other hand, Janumet combines sitagliptin with metformin, a biguanide, and is available in both immediate-release (taken twice daily) and extended-release (taken once daily) forms. Metformin helps lower the amount of sugar your liver releases and improves your body's response to insulin. While Januvia is not known to affect body weight, Janumet might cause some weight loss due to the metformin component. Additionally, Janumet has a higher risk of side effects like diarrhea and lactic acidosis, especially in older adults or those with kidney problems. Both Januvia and Janumet are only available as brand-name medications.

  • Januvia (sitagliptin)
    Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin)
  • Januvia (sitagliptin)
    Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin)

  • Summary of Januvia vs. Janumet

    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 DPP-4 inhibitor / Biguanide
    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 of Januvia vs. Janumet

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

  • Pros and Cons of Januvia vs. Janumet

    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 DPP-4 inhibitor / Biguanide
    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 of Januvia vs. Janumet

    Common Side Effects for
    •Runny or stuffy nose and other symptoms of the common cold (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (6%)
    •Headache (6%)

  • Warnings of Januvia vs. Janumet

    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
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Januvia vs. Janumet

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