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Compare Glucophage vs. Baqsimi

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Metformin (Glumetza, Riomet) and Baqsimi (glucagon) are both medications used in managing diabetes, but they serve different purposes and belong to different medication classes. Metformin is a biguanide used to lower blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes by reducing sugar production and improving insulin use in the body. It is taken orally, usually once or twice a day, and is available in both short-acting and long-acting forms. Common side effects include stomach issues like diarrhea and nausea. On the other hand, Baqsimi is a medication used in an emergency to raise severely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes. It is administered as a nasal spray and works by stimulating the liver to release stored sugar into the bloodstream. Baqsimi can cause side effects like watery eyes and a stuffy nose. Unlike metformin, Baqsimi is not for regular blood sugar management but only for low blood sugar emergencies.

  • Metformin
    Baqsimi (glucagon)
  • Metformin
    Baqsimi (glucagon)

  • Summary of Glucophage vs. Baqsimi

    Summary for Biguanide
    Prescription only

    Immediate-release metformin is an oral diabetes medication. It's approved for people 10 years of age and older with Type 2 diabetes. The medication belongs to the drug class called biguanides. It works best to lower blood sugar levels with a diabetes-friendly diet and exercise plan. Immediate-release metformin comes as a tablet and an oral solution. You take this medication by mouth usually two to three times a day. It's recommended to take each dosage with food to help lessen side effects like diarrhea and nausea.

    Summary for Anti-hypoglycemic
    Prescription only

    Baqsimi (glucagon) is a dry nasal spray used in an emergency to raise blood sugar in people with diabetes who are experiencing dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You spray it into one nostril, but you don't need to inhale it. Like other emergency glucagon medications, you and your caregivers should know when and how to use Baqsimi (glucagon) before you need help.

  • Indications of Glucophage vs. Baqsimi

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in people ages 10 years and older
    Indications for
    •Severely low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in adults and children age 4 years and older with diabetes

  • Pros and Cons of Glucophage vs. Baqsimi

    Pros and Const for Biguanide
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice options for Type 2 diabetes
    •Works well at lowering blood sugar levels (can lower your A1C by up to 1.5% in a few months)
    •Unlikely to cause weight gain
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    Cons
    •Typically need to take a couple times per day
    •Can cause stomach upset, including diarrhea, nausea, gas, and stomach cramping
    •Not a good choice for people with severe kidney problems
    •Not recommended for people with liver problems
    Pros and Const for Anti-hypoglycemic
    Pros
    •Works very well to quickly raise blood sugar levels
    •Given as a puff in the nose rather than an injection like other glucagon products
    •Kept at room temperature, so you can carry it around with you
    •Still gets absorbed even if you have a cold or are taking medications for a cold
    Cons
    •Can commonly cause watery eyes and itchy, stuffy, or runny nose
    •Could be difficult for some people to use correctly
    •Not known if it's safe for children younger than 4 years old
    •Might not work well if you haven't had anything to eat for a while (see Risks and Warnings)

  • Common Side Effects of Glucophage vs. Baqsimi

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (53%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (26%)
    •Gas (12%)
    •Weakness (9%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Watery eyes (59%)
    •Stuffy nose (43%)
    •Itchy nose (39%)
    •Runny nose (35%)
    •Nausea (26%)
    •Eye redness (25%)
    •Sneezing (20%)

    Children:

    •Watery eyes (47%)
    •Stuffy nose (42%)
    •Vomiting (30%)
    •Itchy nose (28%)
    •Runny nose (25%)
    •Headache (25%)

  • Warnings of Glucophage vs. Baqsimi

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lactic acidosis
    •Low vitamin B12 levels
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain other diabetes medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood pressure in people with pheochromocytoma
    •Low blood sugar in people with insulinoma
    •Baqsimi (glucagon) not working well
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Glucophage vs. Baqsimi

    Learn more about Metformin
    Learn more about Baqsimi

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