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Compare Onglyza vs. Tradjenta

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

Key takeaways

Saxagliptin (Onglyza) and linagliptin (Tradjenta) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they have some differences. Saxagliptin is available in a generic form, while linagliptin is only available as a brand-name medication. Both medications belong to the same drug class, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, and are taken once daily by mouth, with or without food. However, saxagliptin has been associated with a higher risk of heart failure in certain people, whereas this risk is less clear for linagliptin. Common side effects of saxagliptin include upper respiratory infections and headaches, while linagliptin more commonly causes runny nose, sneezing, and diarrhea. Both medications can cause severe joint pain and have a risk of causing pancreatitis. You should talk to your healthcare provider to determine which medication is best for you based on your medical history and other medications you may be taking.

  • Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
    Tradjenta (linagliptin)
  • Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
    Tradjenta (linagliptin)

  • Summary of Onglyza vs. Tradjenta

    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 DDP-4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Tradjenta (linagliptin) is a prescription medication that's used along with a balanced diet and exercise to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's a type of diabetes medication called a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. The dose is 5 mg (1 tablet) that's taken by mouth once per day. Tradjenta (linagliptin) doesn't cause many side effects but can sometimes include runny nose, sneezing, and diarrhea. As of 2024, Tradjenta (linagliptin) is available as a brand-name medication only; there's no generic version yet.

  • Indications of Onglyza vs. Tradjenta

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults
    Indications for
    •Improve blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes (as an add-on to a nutritious diet and exercise routine)

  • Pros and Cons of Onglyza vs. Tradjenta

    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 DDP-4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Can take with or without food
    •Has little to no effect on weight
    Cons
    •Not approved for people with Type 1 diabetes
    •Lowers A1C (average blood sugar level over a 3-month period) by less than 1%
    •Not approved for protecting the heart or kidneys

  • Common Side Effects of Onglyza vs. Tradjenta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (8%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI; 7%)
    •Headache (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Common cold symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, coughing; 7%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Cough (2%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by people who took Tradjenta (linagliptin) by itself or people who took Tradjenta (linagliptin) with other diabetes.

  • Warnings of Onglyza vs. Tradjenta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Pancreas problems
    •Heart failure
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Joint pain
    •Large blisters
    •Risk of allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Risk for low blood sugar when taken with certain other diabetes medications
    •Heart failure
    •Severe joint pain
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Severe skin reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Onglyza vs. Tradjenta

    Learn more about Saxagliptin
    Learn more about Tradjenta

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