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Compare Glucotrol vs. Glucovance

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

Key takeaways

Glipizide (Glucotrol XL) and Glyburide/Metformin (Glucovance) are used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but there are several differences between the two medications. Glipizide helps lower blood sugar by telling your pancreas to release more insulin. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms and must be taken with meals to avoid dangerously low blood sugar levels. On the other hand, glyburide/metformin is a combination of two medications: glyburide and metformin. Glyburide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, while metformin lowers the amount of sugar your liver makes and helps your body respond better to insulin. This combination can also cause low blood sugar and should be taken with meals to prevent stomach upset. While both medications can cause low blood sugar, glyburide/metformin has a higher risk of causing lactic acidosis, a rare but serious condition. Additionally, glipizide can cause weight gain, whereas glyburide/metformin can lead to low vitamin B12 levels. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Glipizide
    Glyburide/metformin
  • Glipizide
    Glyburide/metformin

  • Summary of Glucotrol vs. Glucovance

    Summary for Sulfonylurea
    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.

    Summary for Sulfonylurea / Biguanide
    Prescription only

    Glyburide/metformin is used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It works best when taken with a healthy diet and regular exercise. This medication combines a sulfonylurea (glyburide) and a biguanide (metformin). You take it by mouth, typically once or twice daily with meals. Since glyburide/metformin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it's important to carry fast-acting sugars like gummy candy or fruit juice to quickly raise your blood sugar if needed. Other common side effects include diarrhea, headache, and nausea. Brand name Glucovance has been discontinued.

  • Indications of Glucotrol vs. Glucovance

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Glucotrol vs. Glucovance

    Pros and Const for Sulfonylurea
    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
    Pros and Const for Sulfonylurea / Biguanide
    Pros
    •Combines two medications into one pill for convenience
    •Dose can be adjusted if needed
    •Taken by mouth instead of an injection
    Cons
    •Need to take with meals
    •Not safe for use in people with moderate-to-severe kidney disease
    •More likely to cause weight gain compared to some other medications for diabetes

  • Common Side Effects of Glucotrol vs. Glucovance

    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
    •Low blood sugar levels (up to 38%)
    •Diarrhea (17%)
    •Headache (9%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (8%)
    •Belly pain (7%)
    •Dizziness (6%)

  • Warnings of Glucotrol vs. Glucovance

    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
    •Lactic acidosis (too much acid in your body)
    •Low blood sugar
    •Possible risk of serious heart problems
    •Risk of low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)
    •Low vitamin B12 levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Glucotrol vs. Glucovance

    Learn more about Glipizide
    Learn more about Glyburide/metformin

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