Januvia vs. Onglyza for Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

Get free coupons

Saxagliptin

(Onglyza)

Get free coupons

Summary for Januvia

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.

Indications for Januvia

Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Januvia

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

Common Side Effects for Januvia

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

Warnings for Januvia

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

Summary for Onglyza

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 for Onglyza

Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Onglyza

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