Januvia vs. Tradjenta

Are Januvia and Tradjenta the Same Thing?

Januvia (sitagliptin) and Tradjenta (linagliptin) are oral diabetes medicines for people with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes.

Januvia is sometimes used in combination with other diabetes medications, but is not for treating type 1 diabetes.

Side effects of Januvia and Tradjenta that are similar include runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, headache, back pain, or joint or muscle pain.

Side effects of Januvia that are different from Tradjenta include nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, or constipation.

Side effects of Tradjenta that are different from Januvia include cough, weight gain, or low blood sugar.

Both Januvia and Tradjenta may interact with other anti-diabetic medications, probenecid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin or other salicylates, sulfa drugs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or beta-blockers.

Januvia may also interact with digoxin.

Tradjenta may also interact with bosentan, dexamethasone, ketoconazole, quinidine, verapamil, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, St. John's wort, barbiturates, medication to treat HIV/AIDS, medicines to treat narcolepsy, medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection, or seizure medications.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Januvia?

Common side effects of Januvia include:

  • runny or stuffy nose,
  • sore throat,
  • headache,
  • back pain,
  • joint or muscle pain,
  • nausea,
  • stomach pain,
  • diarrhea, or
  • constipation.

Although Januvia by itself usually does not cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), low blood sugar may occur if Januvia is prescribed with other anti-diabetic medications. Symptoms of low blood sugar include sudden sweating, shaking, fast heartbeat, hunger, blurred vision, dizziness, or tingling hands/feet.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Tradjenta?

Common side effects of Tradjenta include:

  • stuffy nose,
  • runny nose,
  • sore throat,
  • cough,
  • weight gain,
  • muscle or joint pain,
  • headache,
  • back pain, or
  • low blood sugar.

Tradjenta may cause serious side effects, including:

  • inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis, symptoms include severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting,
  • loss of appetite,
  • fast heart rate),
  • fever, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.

What Is Januvia?

Januvia (sitagliptin) is an oral diabetes medicine for people with type 2 diabetes (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Januvia is sometimes used in combination with other diabetes medications, but is not for treating type 1 diabetes. Many people using Januvia do not have serious side effects.

What Is Tradjenta?

Tradjenta (linagliptin) tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

What Drugs Interact With Januvia?

Januvia may interact with digoxin, probenecid, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin or other salicylates, sulfa drugs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or beta-blockers. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. During pregnancy Januvia should be used only when prescribed. Pregnancy may cause or worsen diabetes. Your doctor may change your diabetes treatment during pregnancy. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

What Drugs Interact With Tradjenta?

Tradjenta may interact with bosentan, dexamethasone, ketoconazole, quinidine, verapamil, rifabutin, rifampin, rifapentine, St. John's wort, phenobarbital and other barbiturates, medication to treat HIV or AIDS, medicines to treat narcolepsy, medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection, seizure medications, probenecid, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin or other salicylates (including Pepto-Bismol), sulfa drugs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), beta-blockers, or other oral diabetes medications. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before using Tradjenta; it is not expected to harm an unborn baby. It is unknown if Tradjenta passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

How Should Januvia Be Taken?

The recommended dose of Januvia is 100 mg once daily.

How Should Tradjenta Be Taken?

The recommended dose of Tradjenta is 5 mg once daily.

Disclaimer

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References

Merck. Januvia Product Information.
https://www.januvia.com
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Tradjenta Product Information.
https://www.tradjenta.com/

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