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Compare Onglyza vs. Victoza

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

Key takeaways

Saxagliptin (Onglyza) and liraglutide (Victoza) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Saxagliptin is dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor taken orally once a day, while liraglutide is a glucogon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that you inject under the skin daily. Saxagliptin helps control blood sugar by blocking a protein that breaks down insulin, whereas liraglutide works by telling your body to release more insulin and slowing down digestion. Saxagliptin is available in a generic form, but Victoza does not have a generic version. Common side effects of saxagliptin include infections and headaches, while liraglutide can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, liraglutide can help lower the risk of heart-related problems in certain adults with Type 2 diabetes, a benefit not mentioned for saxagliptin.

  • Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
    Victoza (liraglutide)
  • Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
    Victoza (liraglutide)

  • Summary of Onglyza vs. Victoza

    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

    Victoza (liraglutide) is a medication that's injected once a day. It helps lower blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes when used with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. It can also help lower the risk of heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Victoza (liraglutide) belongs to the drug class called GLP-1 agonists. The medication comes as single-dose prefilled pens and is injected under the skin. It can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Victoza (liraglutide) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Onglyza vs. Victoza

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in people age 10 and older, together with a balanced diet and exercise
    •Lowering the risk of serious heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

  • Pros and Cons of Onglyza vs. Victoza

    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
    •Lowers A1C by up to 1% over a year
    •Can take with or without food at any time of day
    •Available as an injectable pen
    Cons
    •Must inject once a day
    •Might have uncomfortable side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, and headache
    •Can slow down gut movement, which can affect how other medications get absorbed into the body

  • Common Side Effects of Onglyza vs. Victoza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (8%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI; 7%)
    •Headache (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 20%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 12%)
    •Headache (up to 11%)
    •Common cold symptoms (up to 10%)
    •Lower appetite (up to 10%)
    •Vomiting (up to 9%)
    •Indigestion (up to 7%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 7%)
    •Constipation (5%)

  • Warnings of Onglyza vs. Victoza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Pancreas problems
    •Heart failure
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Joint pain
    •Large blisters
    •Risk of allergic reaction
    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible risk of thyroid cancer
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Kidney damage
    •Allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation

  • Prices with our coupons for Onglyza vs. Victoza

    Learn more about Saxagliptin
    Learn more about Victoza

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