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Compare Onglyza vs. Starlix

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

Key takeaways

Saxagliptin (Onglyza) and nateglinide (Starlix) are both medications used to help control blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. However, they belong to different medication classes and work in different ways. Saxagliptin is a DPP-4 inhibitor that helps insulin stay in your body longer, while nateglinide is a meglitinide that makes your pancreas release more insulin. Saxagliptin is taken once daily, with or without food, while nateglinide is taken three times a day before meals. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common saxagliptin side effects include infections and headaches. Nateglinide can cause low blood sugar, especially if you skip meals, and may lead to weight gain. Both medications can be taken with metformin, a first-choice diabetes medication.

  • Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
    Nateglinide
  • Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
    Nateglinide

  • Summary of Onglyza vs. Starlix

    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 Meglitinide
    Prescription only

    Nateglinide is an add-on medication to diet and exercise to control blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes. This medication comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth. It must be taken three times a day, which might be inconvenient for some people.

  • Indications of Onglyza vs. Starlix

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes

  • Pros and Cons of Onglyza vs. Starlix

    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 Meglitinide
    Pros
    •Helps release insulin into the body within 20 minutes of taking
    •Lowers A1C levels by around 0.75%
    •Good option if you can't take metformin because of side effects or poor kidney function
    •Lower-cost generic available
    Cons
    •Need to take 1 to 30 minutes before each meal
    •Must take 3 times a day, which can be inconvenient
    •Might be more likely to cause weight gain than other diabetes medications
    •Not for people with Type 1 diabetes

  • Common Side Effects of Onglyza vs. Starlix

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (8%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI; 7%)
    •Headache (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (11%)
    •Back pain (4%)
    •Flu symptoms (4%)
    •Dizziness (4%)
    •Joint problems (3%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Accidental trauma (3%)
    •Bronchitis (3%)

  • Warnings of Onglyza vs. Starlix

    Common Side Effects for
    •Pancreas problems
    •Heart failure
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Joint pain
    •Large blisters
    •Risk of allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

  • Prices with our coupons for Onglyza vs. Starlix

    Learn more about Saxagliptin
    Learn more about Nateglinide

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