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

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

Get free coupons

Glyburide/metformin

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 Glucovance

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 for Glucovance

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults

Pros and Cons for Glucovance

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