linagliptin vs saxagliptin

PlainMeds reviewed this comparison against our methodology in August 2026. It places FDA and CMS record fields side by side, without recommending either medication.

Side-by-side comparison of linagliptin and saxagliptin. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.

Drug Class
linagliptin DPP-4 Inhibitor
saxagliptin DPP-4 Inhibitor
Type
linagliptin Prescription
saxagliptin Prescription
Summary
linagliptin

No summary available.

saxagliptin

No summary available.

What It Treats
linagliptin

Information not available.

saxagliptin

Information not available.

How It Works
linagliptin

Information not available.

saxagliptin

Information not available.

Common Side Effects
linagliptin
  • Runny nose or sore throat
  • Diarrhea
saxagliptin
  • Upper respiratory tract infection
  • Urinary tract infection
  • High cholesterol
FAERS Reports
linagliptin
  • Blood Glucose Increased 1,326
  • Diarrhoea 1,196
  • Nausea 1,138
  • Fatigue 1,028
  • Dyspnoea 998
saxagliptin
  • Cardiac Failure Congestive 428
  • Blood Glucose Increased 401
  • Cardiac Failure 400
  • Nausea 372
  • Diarrhoea 328
Serious Warnings
linagliptin

No specific warnings noted.

saxagliptin

No specific warnings noted.

Pregnancy
linagliptin

No pregnancy information available.

saxagliptin

No pregnancy information available.

Also Compare, Nearby Drugs

How to Read This linagliptin vs saxagliptin Comparison

linagliptin is classified in the DPP-4 Inhibitor drug class, while saxagliptin sits within the DPP-4 Inhibitor class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory, but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.

Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, linagliptin has 5,686 submissions while saxagliptin has 1,929. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.

A table cannot represent individual circumstances. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This registry does not provide medical, treatment, substitution, or medication-change directions for linagliptin or saxagliptin.

Registry boundary: This comparison displays source-record fields and does not provide individualized medical direction.