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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 used along with a healthy diet and exercise to treat Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the drug class dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, also known as gliptins. Januvia (sitagliptin) is taken by mouth, typically once daily. Most people don't experience many side effects from this medication, but possible ones include stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, and headache.

    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
    •Only taken once a day
    •Can take with or without food
    •Not known to affect your body weight
    Cons
    •Can cause severe joint pain
    •Not a first choice option for people with Type 2 diabetes and heart problems
    •Might cause sudden kidney injury in people with kidney problems
    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 nose, sore throat, 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
    •Pancreas problems
    •Heart failure
    •Sudden kidney problems
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Januvia vs. Onglyza

    Learn more about Januvia
    Learn more about Saxagliptin

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