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Compare Onglyza vs. Byetta

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

Key takeaways

Saxagliptin (Onglyza) and exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise) are both medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Saxagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor taken orally once daily, while exenatide is a GLP-1 agonist that is injected under the skin. Saxagliptin is available in a generic form, whereas exenatide is only available as a brand-name medication. Exenatide comes in two versions: Byetta, which is short-acting and taken twice daily, and Bydureon BCise, which is long-acting and taken once a week. Saxagliptin is less likely to cause weight gain, while exenatide might help with weight loss. However, exenatide has a higher risk of causing nausea and vomiting. Both medications can cause serious side effects like pancreatitis and low blood sugar, but exenatide also carries a risk of thyroid cancer and severe kidney problems.

  • Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
    Exenatide
  • Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
    Exenatide

  • Summary of Onglyza vs. Byetta

    Summary for DPP-4 inhibitor
    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.

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Exenatide is an injectable medication used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It should be used along with an appropriate diet and exercise plan. This medication comes in short-acting (Byetta) and long-acting (Bydureon BCise) versions.

  • Indications of Onglyza vs. Byetta

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise (adults) - Byetta only
    •Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise (adults and children age 10 years and older) - Bydureon BCise only

  • Pros and Cons of Onglyza vs. Byetta

    Pros and Const for DPP-4 inhibitor
    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
    Cons
    •Doesn't lower A1C and blood sugar levels as well as other diabetes medications
    •Might raise risk of hospitalization due to heart failure in certain people
    •Not for treating Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Can lower your A1c (average blood sugar over time)
    •Not as likely to cause very low blood sugar as other diabetes medications
    •Might help some people with weight loss
    •Bydureon BCise (once-weekly injections) can be taken any time of day, with or without food
    Cons
    •Slows stomach emptying, which can affect how other medications are absorbed
    •Short-acting version (Byetta) must be used within 60 minutes before meals
    •Not safe for people with severe kidney problems
    •Brand-name only, so it can be expensive

  • Common Side Effects of Onglyza vs. Byetta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (8%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI; 7%)
    •Headache (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (Up to 44%)
    •Vomiting (Up to 18%)
    •Diarrhea (Up to 18%)
    •Headache (Up to 14%)
    •Injection-site lump (11%)
    •Constipation (Up to 10%)

    Note: These side effects were reported by people taking either exenatide alone or with other diabetes medications. The side effects you experience might differ depending on what other diabetes medications you're taking.

  • Warnings of Onglyza vs. Byetta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Pancreas problems
    •Heart failure
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Joint pain
    •Large blisters
    •Risk of allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Thyroid cancer - Bydureon BCise only
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Kidney problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe bleeding
    •Injection-site reactions
    •Gallbladder problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Onglyza vs. Byetta

    Learn more about Saxagliptin
    Learn more about Exenatide

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