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Compare Nesina vs. Afrezza

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

Key takeaways

Alogliptin (Nesina) and Afrezza (insulin) are medications used to help manage diabetes, but they work in different ways. Alogliptin (Nesina) is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor taken once daily to treat Type 2 diabetes by helping your body produce more insulin and less sugar. It doesn't cause significant changes in your body weight and is available as a lower-cost generic. On the other hand, Afrezza (insulin) is a fast-acting insulin inhaled through the mouth before meals to help lower blood sugar in adults with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It starts working in about 12 minutes and lasts for 1.5 to 3 hours. Afrezza (insulin) is a good option if you prefer not to use injections, but it can't be used if you have breathing problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Common side effects of alogliptin include headaches and common cold symptoms (such as sneezing or runny nose), while Afrezza can cause low blood sugar, cough, and throat irritation. Additionally, Afrezza is not recommended if you smoke or have recently quit smoking.

  • Alogliptin (Nesina)
    Afrezza (insulin)
  • Alogliptin (Nesina)
    Afrezza (insulin)

  • Summary of Nesina vs. Afrezza

    Summary for DDP-4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Alogliptin (Nesina) is a medication that treats Type 2 diabetes. It's added to diet and exercise to help lower your blood sugar levels. But it isn't a first-choice treatment for this condition. Alogliptin (Nesina) is typically taken by mouth once a day. Some people may experience certain side effects, such as headaches or symptoms of the common cold (e.g., sore throat or runny nose), after starting this medication.

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    Afrezza is an ultra rapid-acting inhaled insulin for adults with diabetes. It helps manage blood sugar levels from meals. You breathe in the medication through the mouth using the Afrezza inhaler usually at the start of meals. Common side effects are low blood sugar and cough. There's also a risk of bronchospasm (sudden narrowing of the airways), which can make it hard to breathe. So Afrezza (insulin) isn't for people with breathing problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

  • Indications of Nesina vs. Afrezza

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adults
    •Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Nesina vs. Afrezza

    Pros and Const for DDP-4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken once daily by mouth
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Is available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Dose may change if you have kidney problems, while other similar medications, like Tradjenta (linagliptin), don't need dose changes
    •Not a first-choice treatment for Type 2 diabetes
    •Isn’t approved for Type 1 diabetes
    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •A good choice for people who don't want to use injectable insulin
    •Can help people with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar
    •Starts to work in about 12 minutes and lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on your dose
    Cons
    •Might need to use more than one cartridge of insulin for your dose (if you need more than 12 units of insulin)
    •Not for people who smoke or for people with breathing problems (e.g., asthma, COPD)
    •Not approved for children

  • Common Side Effects of Nesina vs. Afrezza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (5%)
    •Common cold (5%)
    •Headache (4%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar (up to 67%)
    •Cough (up to 29%)
    •Throat pain or irritation (up to 6%)
    •Headache (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Nesina vs. Afrezza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart failure
    •Severe joint pain
    •Inflammation of the pancreas
    •Liver problems
    •Severe itching rash
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
    •Changes in blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin routine
    •Diabetic ketoacidosis
    •Low potassium levels
    •Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain diabetes medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Nesina vs. Afrezza

    Learn more about Alogliptin
    Learn more about Afrezza

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