Key takeaways
Alogliptin (Nesina) and sitagliptin (Januvia) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes and belong to the same drug class, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. They help lower blood sugar levels by allowing insulin to stay in your body longer. However, there are some differences between them. Alogliptin is typically taken at a dose of 6.25 mg to 25 mg once daily, while sitagliptin is taken at a higher dose of 25 mg to 100 mg once daily. Both medications are available in oral form and can be taken with or without food. Alogliptin is available as a lower-cost generic, while Januvia does not have a generic available. Common side effects for both include symptoms of the common cold and headaches, but alogliptin may also cause constipation and nausea. Both medications can cause severe joint pain and have risks related to heart failure and pancreatitis.
