Januvia vs. Victoza
See how Januvia and Victoza compare on approved uses, dosing, side effects, and cost.
Key Takeaways
Januvia is a once-daily pill while Victoza is a once-daily injection, so daily routine and comfort with needles often drive the choice between them.
Victoza carries a boxed warning for thyroid tumors and is also approved to lower cardiovascular risk, while Januvia has no boxed warning but no heart-protective approval.
Januvia typically costs less per month than Victoza, though out-of-pocket costs depend heavily on insurance coverage.
Januvia vs. Victoza Drug Summary
Januvia
Januvia (sitagliptin) is a DPP-4 inhibitor used to lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is taken as a single tablet once a day, with or without food, alongside diet and exercise. Januvia does not require injections and has a weight-neutral profile.
Victoza
Victoza (liraglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to control blood sugar in adults and children 10 and older with type 2 diabetes. It is given as a once-daily injection, starting low and increasing over a few weeks. Victoza also lowers cardiovascular risk in adults with heart disease.
Januvia vs. Victoza Side Effects
Januvia
Victoza
Januvia vs. Victoza Dosage
Januvia
Victoza
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.6 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 1.8 mg once daily | Week 3 onward |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every week |
Januvia
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 25 mg once daily | At the start |
| Maximum dose | 100 mg once daily | If needed |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | As tolerated |
Victoza
| STAGE | DOSE | WHEN |
| Starting dose | 0.6 mg once daily | Week 1 |
| Maximum dose | 1.8 mg once daily | Week 3 onward |
| Dose changes | 2 increases | Every week |
Januvia vs. Victoza Indications
Januvia
Januvia is FDA-approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes when combined with diet and exercise. It works by raising incretin hormone levels, which helps the pancreas release insulin after meals. It is not approved for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Improves blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes
Used alongside diet and exercise
Can be combined with metformin, sulfonylureas, or insulin
Not approved for type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis
Victoza
Victoza is FDA-approved to improve blood sugar control in adults and children 10 and older with type 2 diabetes, used alongside diet and exercise. It also carries an approval to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease. Victoza is not approved for type 1 diabetes.
Improves blood sugar control in adults and children 10+
Used alongside diet and exercise
Reduces risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with heart disease
Not approved for type 1 diabetes
Januvia vs. Victoza Pros and Cons
Januvia
Januvia offers a simple oral option for blood sugar control without injections, and it has no boxed warning, unlike Victoza. It is generally weight-neutral and usually costs less per month than Victoza. Dose adjustments are needed for people with reduced kidney function.
Pros
Oral tablet, no injections required
No boxed warning
Weight-neutral, does not typically cause weight gain
Cons
Not approved to reduce cardiovascular risk
Requires dose adjustment based on kidney function
Generally produces smaller A1C reductions than GLP-1 drugs like Victoza
Victoza
Victoza is injected once daily and carries a boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors seen in animal studies. It is FDA-approved to lower cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, a benefit Januvia does not have. Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea are more common with Victoza than with Januvia.
Pros
Approved to reduce major cardiovascular events
Approved for children 10 and older with type 2 diabetes
May produce greater A1C and weight reduction than Januvia
Cons
Boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors
Requires a daily injection
Higher rates of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Common Symptoms and Related Diseases You Can Explore
Explore a range of common symptoms the Doctronic Symptom Checker can help you understand.