Compare Januvia vs. Starlix

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

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Januvia (sitagliptin)

Prescription only

Starlix (nateglinide)

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.

Starlix (nateglinide) can quickly lower your blood sugar, but needs to be timed with your meals.

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.
  • Can quickly lower blood sugar.
  • Good alternative if you have poor kidney function.
  • Can be safely used in people 65 and older.
  • Widely available in generic (cheaper) form.
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.
  • Take during mealtime.
  • May need to take as often as three times daily.
  • Can easily cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you don't maintain a consistent diet or exercise schedule.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$490.99
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Lowest price
$29.90
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Reviews
143 reviews so far
44%
saidit'sworth it
34%
saiditworked well
17%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
3possible side effects
  • Common cold
    5%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
  • Abdominal pain
    2%
See more detailed side effects
10possible side effects
  • Common cold
    11%
  • Back pain
    4%
  • Flu symptoms
    4%
  • Dizziness
    4%
  • Joint problems
    3%
  • Diarrhea
    3%
  • Accidental trauma
    3%
  • Inflammation of the airways
    3%
  • Coughing
    2%
  • Low blood sugar
    2%
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
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    • Changes in meal pattern
    • Changes in how much exercise you do
    • Taking other antidiabetic medications
    • Bad liver or renal function
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Januvia (sitagliptin)
Learn more about Starlix (nateglinide)