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.
