Compare Januvia vs. metformin

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

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Januvia (sitagliptin)

Prescription only

Glucophage (metformin)

Prescription only
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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Extended release pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$515.24
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Lowest price
$14.43
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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 review
938 reviews so far
65%
saidit'sworth it
46%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Glucophage (metformin)?

Leave a review
Side effects
3possible side effects
  • Common cold
    5%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
  • Abdominal pain
    2%
See more detailed side effects
7possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    53%
  • Nausea/vomiting
    26%
  • Gas
    12%
  • Weakness
    9%
  • Indigestion
    7%
  • Stomach pain
    6%
  • Headache
    6%
See more detailed side effects
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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Januvia (sitagliptin)
Learn more about Glucophage (metformin)