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Compare Januvia vs. Onglyza

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

Key takeaways

Januvia (sitagliptin) and Onglyza (saxagliptin) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes and belong to the same drug class, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Januvia is a brand-name medication, while Onglyza is only available in its generic form, saxagliptin. The typical dose for Januvia is 100 mg once daily, whereas saxagliptin is taken at 2.5 mg or 5 mg once daily. Both medications can be taken with or without food. Januvia is not known to affect body weight, while saxagliptin has a low potential for causing weight gain. Common side effects of Januvia include runny nose and sore throat, while saxagliptin may cause upper respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like pancreatitis and heart failure, but saxagliptin has a noted risk of causing severe joint pain and large blisters.

Januvia (sitagliptin)
Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
Januvia (sitagliptin)
Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
Summary of Januvia vs. Onglyza
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
Prescription only
Saxagliptin (Onglyza) is an add-on medication to exercise and a balanced, nutritious diet to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the drug class called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. The saxagliptin (Onglyza) dosage is taken by mouth once daily. Possible side effects include certain infections and headaches. The brand name, Onglyza, is no longer available. But the lower-cost generic version is still available.
Indications of Januvia vs. Onglyza
Indications for

•Type 2 diabetes in adults

Indications for

•Type 2 diabetes in adults
Pros and Cons of Januvia vs. Onglyza
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
Pros

•Taken once daily (with or without food)

•Less likely to cause weight gain (compared to some other diabetes medications)

•Very low risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when it's taken by itself

Cons

•Doesn't lower A1C and blood sugar levels as well as other diabetes medications

•Might raise risk of hospitalization due to heart failure in certain people

•Not for treating Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
Common Side Effects of Januvia vs. Onglyza
Common Side Effects for

•Runny or stuffy nose and other symptoms of the common cold (5%)

Common Side Effects for

•Upper respiratory tract infection (8%)

•Urinary tract infection (UTI; 7%)

•Headache (7%)
Warnings of Januvia vs. Onglyza
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

•Pancreas problems

•Heart failure

•Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

•Joint pain

•Large blisters

•Risk of allergic reaction
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Compare Januvia vs. Onglyza

Key takeaways

Summary of Januvia vs. Onglyza

Indications of Januvia vs. Onglyza

Pros and Cons of Januvia vs. Onglyza

Common Side Effects of Januvia vs. Onglyza

Warnings of Januvia vs. Onglyza

Prices with our coupons for Januvia vs. Onglyza

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