Glyxambi alternatives: What can I take instead of Glyxambi?

Compare Glyxambi alternatives | Xigduo XR | Janumet | Oseni | Qtern | Rybelsus | Natural alternatives | How to switch meds

Glyxambi is a brand name medication that is a combination of two drugs, empagliflozin and linagliptin, used to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Glyxambi is the first FDA-approved combination of a sodium glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, empagliflozin, and a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, linagliptin, in a once-daily tablet taken in the morning. This prescription drug works to lower blood sugar (glucose). SGLT2 inhibitors remove glucose through the urine by blocking blood glucose reabsorption in the kidney, while DPP-4 inhibitors work by increasing hormones that cause the pancreas to make more insulin and cause the liver to produce less glucose. Additionally, Glyxambi has the additional benefit of reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.

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While an effective treatment option for some people, Glyxambi may not be the best and safest option for all people treating Type 2 diabetes. Some of the common side effects of Glyxambi include urinary tract infections, nasopharyngitis (inflammation of the nasal passages and the pharynx, or throat), and upper respiratory tract infections. People may not tolerate or need to avoid these side effects. While there are a variety of diabetes drugs that act in different ways to lower blood glucose levels, many may be used together and some medications have the convenience of being available in combination tablets. However, not all people will need to take more than one type of medication, like Glyxambi, to manage blood sugar levels.

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What can I take in place of Glyxambi?

There are other options available to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus that do not improve with Glyxambi. These alternative prescription medications include other combination tablets, SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, biguanides, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, bile acid sequestrants, meglitinides, and sulfonylureas. Additionally, combination medications are available as separate tablets that may be a more cost effective treatment option. For example, Glyxambi is available as separate medications Tradjenta (linagliptin) and Jardiance (empagliflozin). These options may be more suitable for certain individuals due to their different uses, side effect profiles, and dosages.

Other alternatives to Glyxambi

For people seeking other prescription drug options to treat type 2 diabetes, there are a variety of oral and injectable options.

Alpha-glucosidase Inhibitors

• Glyset (miglitol)
• Precose (acarbose)

Bile Acid Sequestrants

• Welchol (colesevelam)

DPP-4 Inhibitors

• Januvia (sitagliptin)
• Nesina (alogliptin)
• Onglyza (saxagliptin)
• Tradjenta (linagliptin)

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Injectables

• Adlyxin (lixisenatide)
• Bydureon (exenatide extended-release)
• Byetta (exenatide)
• Ozempic (semaglutide)
• Trulicity (dulaglutide)
• Victoza (liraglutide)

Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1) Receptor Agonist

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Meglitinides

• Prandin (repaglinide)
• Starlix (nateglinide)

SGLT2 Inhibitors

• Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
• Invokana 
• Jardiance (empagliflozin)
• Steglatro (ertugliflozin)

Sulfonylureas

• Amaryl (glimepiride)
• Glucotrol XL (glipizide extended-release)
• Glynase (glyburide)

Thiazolidinediones

• Actos (pioglitazone)

Top 5 Glyxambi alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to Glyxambi.

1. Xigduo XR

Xigduo XR is a brand name combination tablet containing dapagliflozin and extended-release metformin. This medication is made up of a SGLT2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin) and a biguanide (metformin). Xigduo XR contains one of the two types of medications in Glyxambi. In addition to being used as Type 2 diabetes treatment, Xigduo XR can be used for reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death (in those with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease) and lowering the risks of end-stage kidney disease and hospitalization for heart failure (in those with Type 2 diabetes and diabetic kidney disease). According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), metformin is the preferred first-line treatment option. Xigduo XR may be a suitable option for people who also have cardiovascular disease or kidney disease. Xigduo XR has a convenient dosing schedule as it is dosed as one tablet by mouth once daily in the morning with food.

2. Janumet

Janumet is a brand name combination tablet containing sitagliptin and metformin. This medication is made up of a DPP-4 inhibitor (sitagliptin) and a biguanide (metformin). Janumet is used to treat Type 2 diabetes and contains one of the two types of medications in Glyxambi. The other medication included, metformin, is the preferred first-line treatment option according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Janumet may be a suitable combination tablet option for people who are unable to tolerate the side effects of a SGLT2 inhibitor such as severe urinary tract infections. Janumet is dosed as one tablet by mouth twice daily with meals.

3. Oseni

Oseni is a brand name combination tablet containing alogliptin and pioglitazone. This medication is made up of a DPP-4 inhibitor (alogliptin) and a thiazolidinedione (pioglitazone). Oseni is used to treat Type 2 diabetes and contains one of the two types of medications in Glyxambi. The second medication, pioglitazone, is a recommended add-on medication by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) for people who need additional blood sugar control that has a low risk of causing additional hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Since Oseni is dosed as one tablet by mouth once daily with or without meals, it may be a more convenient option for people.

4. Qtern

Qtern is a brand name combination tablet containing dapagliflozin and saxagliptin. This medication is made up of the same two types of medicine in Glyxambi, a SGLT-2 inhibitor (dapagliflozin) and a DPP-4 inhibitor (saxagliptin). The individual medications are also available separately as Farxiga and Onglyza. Qtern works similarly as Glyxambi and is also only taken once daily with or without food. Combination medications like Qtern may be a suitable option for people who have not achieved blood sugar control with medications like metformin or sulfonylureas.

5. Rybelsus

Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a brand name medication that is the first and only oral tablet medication belonging to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. All other currently available GLP-1 receptor agonists are administered as injections. As a newer diabetes medication, Rybelsus may be a suitable option for people who have not achieved blood sugar control with other prescription therapies. Additionally, Rybelsus has been shown to help people lose weight which can benefit people with Type 2 diabetes.

Natural alternatives to Glyxambi

Alternative remedies for Glyxambi include supplements, lifestyle changes, and diet modifications to manage Type 2 diabetes.

One of the most important alternative remedies for managing Type 2 diabetes is losing weight with healthy eating and exercise. People can quickly start to feel better and have more energy. Often, weight loss will make it easier for people to manage Type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of developing other related problems. Healthy eating tips and recommendations are available through The American Diabetes Association (ADA)’s website.

Many studies have investigated supplements for preventing or treating Type 2 diabetes or its complications. While some supplements have shown limited potential benefit, there isn’t evidence to support a beneficial effect on diabetes or related complications. Two supplements with potential use in Type 2 diabetes include chromium and alpha-lipoid acid. Chromium might help with blood sugar control, and alpha-lipoic acid might be helpful for diabetic neuropathy (nerve problems).

Chromium is an essential trace mineral found in a variety of foods and available as an over-the-counter supplement in forms such as tablets and capsules. In a 2014 review, chromium supplements, along with conventional care, slightly improved blood sugar control in people with diabetes (primarily Type 2) who had poor blood sugar control. Chromium supplements may cause stomach pain and bloating, muscular problems, and skin reactions following large doses. Alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant found in food and made naturally in the body. This antioxidant has been studied for its effect on complications of diabetes, including diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage caused by diabetes). High doses of alpha-lipoic acid supplements can cause stomach problems.

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How to switch to a Glyxambi alternative

1.Discuss all health conditions with a healthcare provider

Before switching from Glyxambi to an alternative, it’s important the prescribing doctor has reviewed all health conditions. Alternatives may have serious side effects or precautions that need to be avoided. Other prescription drugs like metformin, sulfonylureas, and alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are more likely to cause gastrointestinal upset like diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and increased flatulence. It’s best to seek medical advice prior to changing medication therapy.

2. Do not suddenly stop taking Glyxambi

Before stopping Glyxambi, make a care plan with the prescribing doctor to avoid sudden increases in blood sugar. Stopping diabetes treatment could lead to worsening of diabetes associated effects like heart disease, chronic kidney disease, nerve damage, and other problems with feet, oral health, vision, and hearing. Once a plan has been made, Glyxambi can be safely discontinued and replaced with the new diabetes treatment. If cost is a concern, using a SingleCare discount card at a local pharmacy may help with the affordability of Glyxambi. 

3. Continue to manage blood sugar levels

It’s important to continue eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly. Additionally, the CDC recommends the following:

• Eat at regular times and don’t skip meals
• Read food package labeling and choose foods lower in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and salt
• Track your food, drink, and physical activity
• Count carbohydrates
• Drink water instead of juice or soda
• Limit alcoholic drinks
• For a sweet treat, choose fruit