Compare Januvia vs. metformin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Lowers your blood sugar.
Januvia (sitagliptin) is a good add-on treatment if your blood sugars are not controlled and you don't want to use an injectable medicine.
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3.2/ 5 average rating with 143 reviewsforJanuvia
Lowers blood sugar.
Glucophage (metformin) is the first choice medicine to control your blood sugar and lower the risk of death from diabetes, although a few people may not tolerate the stomach side effects.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 938 reviewsformetformin
Upsides
- Oral blood sugar-lowering medicine.
- Januvia (sitagliptin) is not linked to worsening heart failure like other medicines in its class.
- Uses the hormones naturally produced by your body to affect how sugar is processed.
- It is less likely to cause weight gain and low blood sugar compared to other diabetes medicines.
- Improves sugar control and lowers A1c levels as much as 2%.
- One of the few diabetes medicines that lowers the risk of death from diabetes-related complications.
- Doesn't cause weight gain.
- Rarely causes low blood sugar.
Downsides
- Lowers A1c (average blood sugar over time) by less than 1%.
- Available as brand version only.
- Some people might get frequent cold-like symptoms.
- Rare but serious side effects include pancreatitis and severe joint pain.
- Often causes stomach upset, like diarrhea, nausea, gas, or stomach cramping.
- Usually not a good choice for people with kidney problems. Your doctor will tell you if Glucophage (metformin) is right for you to take.
- Excessive or chronic alcohol use can increase the risk of a dangerous side effect.
Used for
- Type 2 diabetes
- Diabetes prevention
- Diabetes from pregnancy
- Obesity with high insulin
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$549.57
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$11.62
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Reviews
143 reviews so far
44%
saidit'sworth it
34%
saiditworked well
17%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Januvia (sitagliptin)?
Leave a review938 reviews so far
65%
saidit'sworth it
46%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Glucophage (metformin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
7possible side effects
- Diarrhea53%
- Nausea/vomiting26%
- Gas12%
- Weakness9%
- Indigestion7%
- Stomach pain6%
- Headache6%
Risks and risk factors
- Death from inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- History of pancreatitis
- High blood triglyceride levels
- Gallstones (stones in gallbladder)
- History of alchoholism
- Kidney problems
- Serious allergic reactions
- Kidney damage
- Pre-existing kidney damage
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Taking medicines for diabetes
- Severe joint pain and swelling
- Excess lactic acid in the blood
- Kidney problems
- Liver problems
- Congestive heart failure
- Using contrast dye for procedures
- Surgery
- Alcohol use
- Low vitamin B12 levels