Januvia Vs. Jardiance: Drug Comparison

Januvia^® (sitagliptin) is an oral medication used to manage type 2 diabetes by inhibiting the enzyme DPP-4, which increases the levels of incretin hormones that stimulate insulin release and reduce sugar production in the liver. Its FDA-approved indication is for improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, typically in combination with diet and exercise. Januvia is available in tablet form and is usually taken once daily. Common side effects include upper respiratory infections, headaches, and nausea, while more serious risks include pancreatitis and kidney dysfunction. Caution is advised in patients with kidney impairment or a history of pancreatitis.

Jardiance^® (empagliflozin) is an oral medication used to improve blood sugar control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus, as an adjunct to diet and exercise. It is also indicated to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. Additionally, Jardiance helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure. It is also used to reduce the risk of sustained decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization in adults with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression. This medication works as a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, promoting the excretion of glucose through the urine​.

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor

Januvia (sitagliptin) is indicated:

• As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is indicated:

• To reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure

• To reduce the risk of sustained decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), end-stage kidney disease, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization in adults with chronic kidney disease at risk of progression

• To reduce the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease

• As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus

• Typically taken orally once daily

• Comes in 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg tablets

• Typically taken orally once daily

• Comes in 10 mg and 25 mg tablets

Adverse reactions reported in ≥5% of patients treated with Januvia and more commonly than in patients treated with placebo are:

• Upper respiratory tract infection

• Inflammation of the nose and throat

• Headache

In the add-on to sulfonylurea and add-on to insulin studies, low blood sugar was also more commonly reported in patients treated with Januvia compared to placebo

Most common adverse reactions (5% or greater incidence) were:

• Urinary tract infections

• Female genital fungal infections

• History of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to sitagliptin, such as anaphylaxis or angioedema

• Hypersensitivity to empagliflozin or any of the excipients in Jardiance

• See the Full Prescribing Information for information on drug interactions and interference of Jardiance with laboratory tests

• Pancreatitis

• Heart failure

• Acute renal failure

• Low blood sugar with concomitant use with insulin or insulin secretagogues

• Hypersensitivity reactions

• Severe and disabling joint pain

• Bullous pemphigoid

• Diabetic ketoacidosis in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus and other ketoacidosis

• Volume depletion

• Urosepsis and pyelonephritis

• Low blood sugar

• Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum (Fournier's gangrene)

• Genital fungal infections

• Lower limb amputation

• Hypersensitivity reactions

• Pregnancy: Potential risk to a fetus especially during the second and third trimesters

• Breastfeeding: Not recommended when breastfeeding

*This information is from the label for brand name Januvia^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Sitagliptin, the active ingredient in Januvia, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient sitagliptin.

*This information is from the label for brand name Jardiance^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information.