Skip to main content
Health Education

Januvia alternatives: What can I take instead of Januvia?

Tradjenta, metformin, Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Ozempic are just a few Januiva alternatives

Key takeaways

  • Januvia, used for Type 2 diabetes, may be replaced due to side effects, high costs, or other concerns, with alternatives like Tradjenta, metformin, Jardiance, Victoza, and Ozempic among the options.

  • Alternatives to Januvia include a variety of FDA-approved prescription medications, each with specific uses, side effects, and dosages, tailored to improve blood sugar control in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

  • Injectable medications and oral combination drugs offer additional options for those seeking alternatives to Januvia, providing flexibility in diabetes management strategies.

  • Before switching from Januvia to an alternative medication, patients should consult their healthcare provider to discuss potential impacts, including drug interactions and side effects, and consider insurance coverage.

Januvia (sitagliptin) is a brand-name medication made by the pharmaceutical company Merck Sharp & Dohme. This prescription drug is part of a class of medicines called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. Januvia is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In some cases, the price of Januvia may be expensive, even with insurance coverage. Some people cannot take Januvia, or may experience unpleasant side effects. If you are thinking about exploring alternatives to Januvia, there are many other drugs you can discuss with your healthcare provider.

Save up to 80% on Januvia with SingleCare

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.

Januvia 100 mg (30 Tablets)
23666 - Hampton, VA
$285.74
$285.74
See Januvia prices at all pharmacies

What can I take instead of Januvia?

In the table below, we look at Januvia and common alternatives to Januvia. All drugs listed are prescription diabetes medications approved by the FDA

Compare Januvia alternatives
Drug name Price without insurance SingleCare price Savings options
Januvia (sitagliptin) $731 for 30, 100 mg tablets $286 for 30, 100 mg tablets of brand-name Januvia See latest prices
Actos (pioglitazone) $2,111 for 90, 30 mg tablets $29 for 90, 30 mg tablets of generic pioglitazone See latest prices
Farxiga (dapagliflozin) $835 for 30, 10 mg tablets $360 for 30, 10 mg tablets of generic dapagliflozin See latest prices
Amaryl (glimepiride) $22 for 30, 2 mg tablets $3 for 30, 2 mg tablets of generic glimepiride See latest prices
Glipizide $16 for 60, 5 mg tablets $7 for 60, 5 mg tablets of generic glipizide See latest prices
Metformin  $165 for 60, 500 mg tablets $5 for 60, 500 mg tablets of generic metformin See latest prices
Invokana (canagliflozin) $813 for 30, 300 mg tablets $587 for 30, 300 mg tablets of brand-name Invokana See latest prices
Janumet (sitagliptin and metformin) $722 for 60, 50/1000 mg tablets $325 for 60, 50/1000 mg tablets of brand-name Janumet See latest prices
Jardiance (empagliflozin) $867 for 30, 25 mg tablets $528 for 30, 25 mg tablets of brand-name Jardiance See latest prices
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) $1,486 for 4, 0.5 mL of 5 mg/0.5mL pens $869 for 4, 0.5 mL of 5 mg/0.5 mL pens of brand-name Mounjaro See latest prices
Nesina (alogliptin) $326 for 30, 25 mg tablets $158 for 30, 25 mg tablets of generic alogliptin See latest prices
Ozempic (semaglutide) $1,379 for 1, 3 mL of 2 mg/3mL pen $822 for 1, 3 mL of 2 mg/3 mL pen of brand-name Ozempic See latest prices
Rybelsus (semaglutide) $1,388 for 30, 7 mg tablets $874 for 30, 7 mg tablets of brand-name Rybelsus See latest prices
Saxagliptin $502 for 30, 5 mg tablets  $74 for 30, 5 mg tablets of generic saxagliptin See latest prices
Tradjenta (linagliptin) $756 for 30, 5 mg tablets $516 for 30, 5 mg tablets of brand-name Tradjenta See latest prices
Trulicity (dulaglutide) $1,405 for 4, 0.5 mL of 1.5 mg/0.5 mL pens $774 for 4, 0.5 mL of 1.5 mg/0.5 mL pens of brand-name Trulicity See latest prices
Victoza (liraglutide) $1,440 for 3, 3 mL of 18 mg/3mL pens $139 for 3, 3 mL of 18 mg/3 mL pens of generic liraglutide See latest prices

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the “Savings options” link to see the latest drug prices.

Top 5 Januvia alternatives

1. Tradjenta

Like Januvia, Tradjenta (linagliptin) is in the DPP-4 inhibitor class of diabetes drugs. If the reason you are looking for a Januvia alternative is due to side effects or an allergic reaction, then Tradjenta would not be a good alternative, because it is very similar to Januvia, and you would likely have the same reaction. Tradjenta is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It is not approved for use in children. The typical dose of Tradjenta is 5 mg by mouth daily. 

The most common side effects are cough, cold, low blood sugar, and diarrhea. Serious side effects can include heart or kidney failure, pancreatitis, joint pain (which may be severe), or a severe skin or allergic reaction. Tradjenta should be used with caution in patients at risk of heart failure or pancreatitis

2. Metformin

Metformin is in a class of drugs called biguanides. Metformin is a generic drug. The brand name is called Glucophage, but Glucophage is no longer available in the U.S. Metformin works by decreasing the amount of sugar you absorb from food. It also decreases glucose (sugar) production in the liver and increases the body’s response to insulin (insulin helps control blood sugar). Metformin is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults and children 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. After slowly increasing the dose over several weeks, a typical daily dosage of metformin for adults is 850 mg or 1,000 mg twice daily with meals. Metformin is inexpensive, effective, and is often a first choice for blood sugar control.

The most common side effects of metformin are stomach-related and can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, gas, stomach discomfort, and indigestion. Patients taking metformin should be aware of a rare but serious side effect called lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is an emergency, and patients having symptoms should seek emergency treatment in the hospital right away. Symptoms may include feeling unwell, muscle pain, difficulty breathing, stomach pain, and sleepiness.

3. Jardiance

Jardiance (empagliflozin) is in a drug class called sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. SGLT2 inhibitors work by helping the kidneys remove sugar from the body through the urine. Jardiance is approved for the following indications:

  • To improve blood sugar control (along with diet and exercise) in adults and children 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes
  • To lower the risk of cardiovascular death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
  • To lower the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure in adults with heart failure
  • To lower the risk of worsening kidney problems, cardiovascular death, and hospitalization in adults with chronic kidney disease

The typical dose of Jardiance is 10 mg or 25 mg by mouth daily in the morning.

Common side effects of Jardiance include upper respiratory infection, urinary tract infection (UTI)/increased urination, genital fungal infection, high cholesterol, joint pain, and nausea. Severe side effects can include an allergic reaction, kidney injury, serious UTI, and ketoacidosis. Orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure when standing up, is also a potentially serious side effect. Another serious side effect is called Fournier gangrene, which can be life-threatening. Diabetes patients taking an SGLT2 inhibitor with symptoms of pain or tenderness, redness, or swelling in the genital or perianal area, as well as fever and feeling unwell, should seek emergency medical treatment. 

RELATED: Is it safe to take Januvia and Jardiance together?

4. Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable drug in the glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP-1 agonists) class of drugs. It is not insulin. Ozempic works by helping prevent the liver from making too much sugar, helping the pancreas make more insulin when blood sugar is high, and slowing food from leaving the stomach, which helps control blood sugar after eating. 

Ozempic is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes and can also be used to lower the risk of major heart events in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Ozempic is also FDA-approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular death and worsening kidney disease in adults with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Sometimes, it is prescribed off-label for weight loss. Healthcare providers prescribe Ozempic to start at the lowest dose and gradually increase the dose to an effective dose. 

Common Ozempic side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain. Serious side effects can include allergic reactions, pancreatitis, low blood sugar, gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, severe stomach problems, and dehydration, leading to kidney problems. 

The ingredient in Ozempic, semaglutide, has caused thyroid C-cell tumors in animal studies. It is not known if Ozempic causes thyroid cancer in humans. Ozempic has a black box warning, which is the most serious warning required by the FDA. This drug should not be used in patients with a history or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

5. Mounjaro 

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is similar to Ozempic, but not exactly the same. Mounjaro is classified as a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, or dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. On the other hand, Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, so Mounjaro works on an additional pathway. 

Mounjaro is FDA-approved to help control blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. Mounjaro treatment is started at the lowest dose and gradually increased to an effective dose. 

Common side effects of Mounjaro include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, stomach pain, indigestion, and decreased appetite. As with Ozempic, serious side effects of Mounjaro can include allergic reactions, inflammation of the pancreas, low blood sugar, gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, severe stomach problems, and dehydration leading to kidney problems. Mounjaro has the same black box warning as Ozempic and should not be used in people with a history or family history of MTC or people with MEN 2. 

RELATED: Ozempic vs. Victoza

Natural alternatives to Januvia

It may be tempting to look at over-the-counter drugs or check the vitamin aisle for a solution to help your blood sugar. However, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), when considering a vitamin or supplement, it is important to consider drug interactions and potential effects on your blood sugar. Certain supplements can cause bothersome side effects or can have drug interactions. What’s more, the ADA notes that “supplements are not proven as an effective option for lowering your blood glucose (blood sugar) or supporting diabetes management,” although some people may benefit from a multivitamin. 

Talk to your provider before adding any vitamins or supplements to your regimen.

Changing your diet and lifestyle can help control blood sugar. However, it is not a replacement for prescription medications. Discuss with your healthcare provider what diet plan is best for you. Be sure to include plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. You may also want to consult a registered dietician for help with your daily diet. 

Exercise also helps control blood sugar. Talk to your provider to determine what exercise will be safe and effective for you. Also, be sure to discuss when to test blood sugar in relation to exercise and how to avoid and treat hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). You can use this chart as a guideline, but show it to your healthcare provider to make sure it is appropriate for you. 

Other lifestyle modifications, such as managing weight, reducing stress, and getting enough quality sleep, can help control your blood sugar. All of these can be helpful, but they do not replace the medication your healthcare provider ordered for you. Always consult your provider for medical advice, questions, or concerns about your health.

How to switch to a Januvia alternative

If you are interested in switching to a Januvia alternative, you can:

  • Contact your insurance provider if the price is a concern. Ask which Januvia alternatives are covered, and what the copay would be. Consider the deductible as a factor as well. 
  • Contact your healthcare provider. Your provider may want you to make an appointment before switching your medication. Discuss your medical conditions and history, alternative medications, potential drug interactions, and side effects with your provider. If your healthcare provider decides to prescribe a Januvia alternative, have them send the prescription to your pharmacy. Let the pharmacist know that you are switching from Januvia to the new medication so your file can be updated properly.
  • Search SingleCare for discount coupons. Our customers save up to 80% on drug prices at participating pharmacies in your area. 

Choosing the right path for diabetes treatment

If you are interested in changing your medicine because Januvia is not the best drug for you, there are many different diabetes medications to consider. In addition to drugs in the same class as Januvia, there are medicines in other classes that work in different ways to control blood sugar. Many people need more than one medicine to manage blood sugar effectively, which may require taking a combination medicine or more than one single-ingredient medicine. There are both oral and injectable options for diabetes treatment, with injectable options that are dosed either once daily or once weekly. Consult your healthcare provider, who can consider your medical history and other individual considerations, to find the best treatment.