Compare Glucotrol vs. Byetta
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Glipizide (Glucotrol XL) and exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise) are both used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they have several differences beween them. Glipizide is taken by mouth, usually once or twice daily, and it helps lower blood sugar by telling your pancreas to release more insulin. Exenatide, on the other hand, is an injectable medication. It helps manage your blood sugar by mimicking a hormone that tells your body to release insulin and blocks sugar release from your liver. Glipizide is available as a lower-cost generic, while exenatide is only available as a brand-name medication, making it more expensive. Glipizide can cause low blood sugar and weight gain, whereas exenatide is less likely to cause low blood sugar and might even help with weight loss. Exenatide also has a risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis, which are not associated with glipizide.
- GlipizideExenatide
- GlipizideExenatide
Summary of Glucotrol vs. Byetta
Summary for SulfonylureaPrescription onlyGlipizide is a sulfonylurea medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It lowers blood sugar levels by telling your pancreas to release more insulin. Glipizide is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. Some side effects of this medication include dizziness and diarrhea. Taking glipizide can also put you at risk for dangerously low blood sugar, so it's important to take this medication with meals.
Summary for GLP-1 agonistPrescription onlyExenatide is an injectable medication used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It should be used along with an appropriate diet and exercise plan. This medication comes in short-acting (Byetta) and long-acting (Bydureon BCise) versions.
Indications of Glucotrol vs. Byetta
Indications forIndications for•Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise (adults) - Byetta only•Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise (adults and children age 10 years and older) - Bydureon BCise onlyPros and Cons of Glucotrol vs. Byetta
Pros and Const for SulfonylureaPros•Taken by mouth•Extended-release tablets taken once daily•Available as a lower-cost generic medicationCons•Raises your risk for low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)•Need to take with meals or 30 minutes before a meal•Can cause some weight gain as a side effectPros and Const for GLP-1 agonistPros•Can lower your A1c (average blood sugar over time)•Not as likely to cause very low blood sugar as other diabetes medications•Might help some people with weight loss•Bydureon BCise (once-weekly injections) can be taken any time of day, with or without foodCons•Slows stomach emptying, which can affect how other medications are absorbed•Short-acting version (Byetta) must be used within 60 minutes before meals•Not safe for people with severe kidney problems•Brand-name only, so it can be expensiveCommon Side Effects of Glucotrol vs. Byetta
Common Side Effects for•Dizziness (7%)•Diarrhea (5%)•Nervousness (4%)•Tremor (4%)•Passing gas (3%)•Low blood sugar levels (3%)Note: Side effects were reported by people who took glipizide ER (Glucotrol XL) in clinical studies.
Common Side Effects for•Nausea (Up to 44%)•Vomiting (Up to 18%)•Diarrhea (Up to 18%)•Headache (Up to 14%)•Injection-site lump (11%)•Constipation (Up to 10%)Note: These side effects were reported by people taking either exenatide alone or with other diabetes medications. The side effects you experience might differ depending on what other diabetes medications you're taking.
Warnings of Glucotrol vs. Byetta
Common Side Effects for•Low blood sugar levels•Risk of low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)•Possible risk of serious heart problems•Risk of harm in people with certain stomach problems (extended-release tablets)Common Side Effects for•Thyroid cancer - Bydureon BCise only•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)•Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)•Kidney problems•Severe allergic reactions•Severe bleeding•Injection-site reactions•Gallbladder problemsPrices with our coupons for Glucotrol vs. Byetta
Compare other Diabetes Type 2 drugs
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.