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Compare Glucotrol vs. Janumet

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

Key takeaways

Glipizide (Glucotrol XL) and Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) are both used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they have several differences between them. Glipizide helps lower blood sugar by prompting your pancreas to release more insulin. It is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, with the extended-release version taken once daily. On the other hand, Janumet combines two medications: sitagliptin and metformin. Sitagliptin helps insulin stay in your body longer, while metformin reduces the amount of sugar your liver releases and helps your body respond better to insulin. Janumet is taken either twice daily in its immediate-release form or once daily in its extended-release form. While glipizide can cause low blood sugar and weight gain, Janumet is less likely to cause these issues but carries risks like lactic acidosis and kidney problems. Additionally, glipizide is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas Janumet is not yet available in a generic form.

  • Glipizide
    Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin)
  • Glipizide
    Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin)

  • Summary of Glucotrol vs. Janumet

    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 DPP-4 inhibitor / Biguanide
    Prescription only

    Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin) is a combination prescription medication that helps improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It contains two diabetes medications from different drug classes: sitagliptin (a DPP-4 inhibitor) and metformin (a biguanide). Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin) is used as an add-on to diet and exercise. Immediate-release tablets (Janumet) are taken by mouth twice daily, and extended-release tablets (Janumet XR) are taken just once daily. Side effects include diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache.

  • Indications of Glucotrol vs. Janumet

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes

  • Pros and Cons of Glucotrol vs. Janumet

    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 DPP-4 inhibitor / Biguanide
    Pros
    •Combines the effects of two medications into one tablet
    •Lowered A1C by up to 2% in a 6-month clinical study
    •Might be a good option for additional blood sugar control for people who don't like injections (such as with insulin)
    •Less likely to cause weight gain and low blood sugar compared to other diabetes medications
    Cons
    •Not yet available as a lower-cost generic
    •Must take with meals
    •Only available as a fixed dose, so can be hard to make dose adjustments
    •Side effects more likely if you're 65 years or older
    •Not a good option for people with severe kidney problems

  • Common Side Effects of Glucotrol vs. Janumet

    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
    •Diarrhea (8%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (6%)
    •Headache (6%)

  • Warnings of Glucotrol vs. Janumet

    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
    •Pancreas problems
    •Heart failure
    •Sudden kidney problems
    •Low vitamin B12 levels
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Joint pain
    •Severe skin reaction
    •Severe allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Glucotrol vs. Janumet

    Learn more about Glipizide
    Learn more about Janumet

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