saxagliptin vs sitagliptin
Side-by-side comparison of saxagliptin and sitagliptin Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Onglyza
Januvia
QTERN is a drug that combines two medicines to help lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It should be used with diet and exercise.
Zituvimet is a combination of two medicines, sitagliptin and metformin. It helps lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise.
QTERN helps adults with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. You should use it along with a healthy diet and regular exercise. QTERN is not for people with type 1 diabetes.
Zituvimet is used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to control your blood sugar levels when diet and exercise are not enough. Zituvimet is not for people with type 1 diabetes.
QTERN contains two medicines that work in different ways to lower blood sugar. One medicine helps your kidneys remove sugar from your blood through your urine. The other medicine helps your body release more insulin after you eat.
Zituvimet contains sitagliptin, which increases insulin release after you eat and decreases sugar production in your liver. It also contains metformin, which helps your body use insulin better and reduces sugar released from the liver. Together, they help lower your blood sugar levels.
- • Upper respiratory tract infection
- • Urinary tract infection
- • High cholesterol
- • Diarrhea
- • Upper respiratory tract infection (like a cold)
- • Headache
- Congestive heart failure 428
- Increased blood sugar 401
- Heart failure 400
- Feeling sick to your stomach 372
- Medicine not working 333
- Increased blood sugar 4,452
- Feeling sick to your stomach 3,787
- Diarrhea 3,470
- The medicine is not working 3,467
- Feeling tired 2,883
QTERN can cause a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, especially if you have type 1 diabetes. Symptoms include trouble breathing, nausea, vomiting, belly pain, confusion, and unusual fatigue. If you have these symptoms, get medical help right away. QTERN may also increase your risk of heart failure. Tell your doctor if you have any heart problems.
Zituvimet can cause a serious condition called lactic acidosis. This is a buildup of lactic acid in your blood. It can be life-threatening. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms like weakness, muscle pain, trouble breathing, sleepiness, or stomach pain.
QTERN may harm your unborn baby, especially during the second and third trimesters. It is not recommended to use QTERN while breastfeeding.
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Zituvimet will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
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How to Read This saxagliptin vs sitagliptin Comparison
saxagliptin is classified in the DPP-4 Inhibitor drug class, while sitagliptin 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, saxagliptin has 1,934 submissions while sitagliptin has 18,059. 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 substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between saxagliptin and sitagliptin — always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.