Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Januvia vs. Victoza

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

Key takeaways

Januvia (sitagliptin) and Victoza (liraglutide) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and have different forms of administration. Januvia is a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitor taken orally once a day, while Victoza is a Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that you inject under the skin daily. Januvia helps lower blood sugar by blocking the DPP-4 protein, which allows insulin to stay in your body longer. On the other hand, Victoza works by telling your body to release more insulin, stopping the release of more sugar, and slowing down digestion. Victoza can also help reduce the risk of heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, a benefit not mentioned for Januvia. Common side effects of Januvia include runny nose and sore throat, whereas Victoza often causes nausea and diarrhea. Additionally, Januvia does not typically affect body weight, while Victoza may help with weight loss.

  • Januvia (sitagliptin)
    Victoza (liraglutide)
  • Januvia (sitagliptin)
    Victoza (liraglutide)

  • Summary of Januvia vs. Victoza

    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

    Victoza (liraglutide) is a medication that's injected once a day. It helps lower blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes when used with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. It can also help lower the risk of heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Victoza (liraglutide) belongs to the drug class called GLP-1 agonists. The medication comes as single-dose prefilled pens and is injected under the skin. It can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Victoza (liraglutide) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Januvia vs. Victoza

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in people age 10 and older, together with a balanced diet and exercise
    •Lowering the risk of serious heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

  • Pros and Cons of Januvia vs. Victoza

    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
    •Lowers A1C by up to 1% over a year
    •Can take with or without food at any time of day
    •Available as an injectable pen
    Cons
    •Must inject once a day
    •Might have uncomfortable side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, and headache
    •Can slow down gut movement, which can affect how other medications get absorbed into the body

  • Common Side Effects of Januvia vs. Victoza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Runny or stuffy nose and other symptoms of the common cold (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 20%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 12%)
    •Headache (up to 11%)
    •Common cold symptoms (up to 10%)
    •Lower appetite (up to 10%)
    •Vomiting (up to 9%)
    •Indigestion (up to 7%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 7%)
    •Constipation (5%)

  • Warnings of Januvia vs. Victoza

    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
    •Possible risk of thyroid cancer
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Kidney damage
    •Allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation

  • Prices with our coupons for Januvia vs. Victoza

    Learn more about Januvia
    Learn more about Victoza

Compare other Diabetes Type 2 drugs

Alogliptin vs JanuviaGlyxambi vs JanuviaJanuvia vs ActosJanuvia vs AfrezzaJanuvia vs AmarylJanuvia vs ByettaJanuvia vs FarxigaJanuvia vs GlipizideJanuvia vs GlucotrolJanuvia vs GlucovanceJanuvia vs InvokanaJanuvia vs JanumetJanuvia vs JardianceJanuvia vs OnglyzaJanuvia vs OzempicJanuvia vs RybelsusJanuvia vs StarlixJanuvia vs TradjentaJanuvia vs VictozaJanuvia vs ZituvioMetaglip vs JanuviaMetformin vs JanuviaNesina vs JanuviaSaxagliptin vs JanuviaToujeo vs JanuviaTrulicity vs JanuviaFarxiga vs GlucotrolGlucotrol vs ActosGlucotrol vs AfrezzaGlucotrol vs Amaryl
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.