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Compare Januvia vs. Rybelsus

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

Key takeaways

Januvia (sitagliptin) and Rybelsus (semaglutide) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they belong to different drug classes. Januvia is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, while Rybelsus is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Januvia is taken as a 100 mg tablet once daily, whereas Rybelsus starts at 3 mg daily and can be increased to 7 mg or 14 mg daily. Januvia is available as a brand-name and generic medication, but Rybelsus is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of Januvia include a runny nose and headache, while Rybelsus can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Rybelsus has a warning for thyroid cancer, and Januvia does not. Both medications can cause low blood sugar, especially when taken with other diabetes medications. However, Rybelsus should be taken on an empty stomach, while Januvia can be taken with or without food.

  • Januvia (sitagliptin)
    Rybelsus (semaglutide)
  • Januvia (sitagliptin)
    Rybelsus (semaglutide)

  • Summary of Januvia vs. Rybelsus

    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 GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a brand-name GLP-1 agonist that helps lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's also FDA approved to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in people with Type 2 diabetes who are at risk for these events. The medication comes as a pill that's taken by mouth once a day, at least 30 minutes before you eat, drink, or take any other medications by mouth. It’s used along with diet and exercise, and might also help with weight loss. Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Januvia vs. Rybelsus

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    •Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes at high risk for these events

  • Pros and Cons of Januvia vs. Rybelsus

    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 GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Only needs to be taken once per day
    •First GLP-1 agonist in pill form
    •Helps lower blood sugar and might also support weight loss
    Cons
    •Must be taken on an empty stomach
    •Stomach side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain are common
    •Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes

  • Common Side Effects of Januvia vs. Rybelsus

    Common Side Effects for
    •Runny or stuffy nose and other symptoms of the common cold (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (11-20%)
    •Stomach pain (10-11%)
    •Diarrhea (9-10%)
    •Lower appetite (6-9%)
    •Vomiting (6-8%)
    •Constipation (5-6%)

  • Warnings of Januvia vs. Rybelsus

    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
    •Risk of thyroid tumors
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Eye problems
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications
    •Kidney damage
    •Severe stomach side effects
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation

  • Prices with our coupons for Januvia vs. Rybelsus

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