Glucotrol vs. Byetta for Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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.

Glipizide

Get free coupons

Exenatide

Get free coupons

Summary for Glucotrol

Prescription only

Glipizide 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.

Indications for Glucotrol

Type 2 diabetes

Pros and Cons for Glucotrol

Pros

Taken by mouth
Extended-release tablets taken once daily
Available as a lower-cost generic medication

Cons

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 effect

Common Side Effects for Glucotrol

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.

Warnings for Glucotrol

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)

Summary for Byetta

Prescription only

Exenatide 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 for Byetta

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 only

Pros and Cons for Byetta

Pros

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 food

Cons

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 expensive

Common Side Effects for Byetta

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.