Compare Onglyza vs. Starlix

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

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Onglyza (saxagliptin)

Prescription only

Starlix (nateglinide)

Prescription only
Lowers blood sugar.

Onglyza (saxagliptin) can cause heart failure unlike other medicines that work just like it.

Lowers blood sugar.

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

Upsides
  • DRUG-NAME is an oral blood sugar lowering medicine. It's a good option if you don't like injections.
  • Does not cause weight gain.
  • May be a good option for those with bad liver function.
  • Does not cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taken by itself.
  • 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
  • Typically not first-choice treatment for diabetes.
  • Only lowers A1C (average blood sugar over time) by ~0.5%.
  • Risk for heart failure has not been seen in other medicines that work just like it.
  • May be more expensive than other anti-diabetic medicines.
  • 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
$445.42
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Lowest price
$27.72
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Reviews
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Side effects
The Onglyza (saxagliptin) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
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
  • inflammation of the pancreas
    • Alcoholism
    • Elevated triglycerides
    • History of pancreatitis
    • Gallstones
  • Heart failure
    • History of heart failure
    • Bad kidney function
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    • Alcohol
    • Unexpected changes in diet
    • Changes in amount of exercise
    • Taking other anti-diabetic medications
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Severe joint pain
  • Fluid-filled blisters on the skin (bullous pemphigoid)
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 Onglyza (saxagliptin)
Learn more about Starlix (nateglinide)