Onglyza vs. Tradjenta for Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

Get free coupons

Tradjenta

(linagliptin)

Get free coupons

Summary for Onglyza

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.

Indications for Onglyza

Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Onglyza

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

Common Side Effects for Onglyza

Warnings for Onglyza

Pancreas problems
Heart failure
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Joint pain
Large blisters
Risk of allergic reaction

Summary for Tradjenta

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 for Tradjenta

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

Pros and Cons for Tradjenta

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 for Tradjenta

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.