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Compare Saxagliptin vs. Januvia

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

Key takeaways

Saxagliptin (Onglyza) and sitagliptin (Januvia) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes and belong to the same drug class, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. They help control blood sugar levels by blocking the DPP-4 protein, increasing insulin release in the body and lowering sugar production. However, there are some differences between the two medications. Saxagliptin is typically taken in doses of 2.5 mg or 5 mg once daily, while sitagliptin is usually taken as 25 mg to 100 mg doses once daily. Saxagliptin is available as a generic, while Januvia doesn't have a generic available. Common side effects of saxagliptin include upper respiratory tract infections and headaches, and sitagliptin may cause a runny nose and sore throat. Both medications can cause serious side effects like pancreatitis and joint pain. Always discuss with your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, as both can interact with other diabetes medications, potentially leading to low blood sugar.

  • Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
    Januvia (sitagliptin)
  • Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
    Januvia (sitagliptin)

  • Summary of Saxagliptin vs. Januvia

    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

    Januvia (sitagliptin) is a prescription medication that helps lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It works best when you also follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. It belongs to the drug class called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, or gliptins. Januvia (sitagliptin) comes as a tablet you take by mouth once a day. Side effects include stuffy or runny nose and headache. Januvia (sitagliptin) is a brand-name medication only; the generic version isn't available yet.

  • Indications of Saxagliptin vs. Januvia

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

  • Pros and Cons of Saxagliptin vs. Januvia

    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
    •Taken once a day
    •Not likely to affect your body weight
    Cons
    •Not for people with Type 1 diabetes
    •Possible risk of severe joint pain

  • Common Side Effects of Saxagliptin vs. Januvia

    Common Side Effects for
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (8%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI; 7%)
    •Headache (7%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Runny or stuffy nose and other symptoms of the common cold (5%)

  • Warnings of Saxagliptin vs. Januvia

    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 of heart failure
    •Sudden kidney problems
    •Low blood sugar when taken with other diabetes medications
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Joint pain
    •Severe skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Saxagliptin vs. Januvia

    Learn more about Saxagliptin
    Learn more about Januvia

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