Sitagliptin Vs Linagliptin
Linagliptin is good supplementary medication for controlling blood sugar levels, but it may cause body aches. Sitagliptin is a good supplementary medication for individuals whose blood sugar levels are not under control. Both drugs are taken orally on a daily basis in order to treat type 2 diabetes. As well, these drugs are both DPP-4 inhibitors. This means that they work by inhibiting dipeptidyl peptidase-4, an enzyme that destroys incretin hormones, which ultimately helps to bring blood sugar to an optimal level.
Advantages
Linagliptin is a good supplementary medication for individuals whose blood sugar levels are not controlled. Individuals who have poor liver or kidney function may be good candidates for this medication, and it can be taken once per day. This drug is not known to cause weight gain and does not cause low blood sugar when taken by itself.
Sitagliptin is an oral medication for lowering blood sugar levels. Unlike other medications in its class, Sitagliptin is not associated with worsening heart failure. This medication uses hormones that are naturally produced by the body to affect how sugar is processed. It is not known to cause weight gain or low blood sugar compared with other diabetes medications.
Drawbacks
Linagliptin is not able to lower blood sugar levels as much as other diabetes medicines are. The drug is available only as a brand name, Tradjenta, so a generic version is not available.
Sitagliptin may not be able to lower blood sugar levels as much as other medications. As well, it is also only available under its brand name, Januvia, and cannot be purchased as a generic drug. Some people might experience frequent cold-like symptoms.
Side Effects
Side effects of Linagliptin include:
- back pain,
- lung infection,
- cough,
- headache,
- joint pain.
Side effects of Sitagliptin include:
- abdominal pain,
- diarrhea,
- the common cold.
