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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 medication for adults with Type 2 diabetes. It contains two different diabetes medications that work together to help control blood sugar. One is sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, and the other is metformin, a biguanide. The Janumet immediate-release tablets are taken by mouth twice a day. It works best when used with a balanced meal plan and exercise routine. Some side effects are diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache. There's only a brand-name version of Janumet; there's no generic version yet.

  • 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 diabetes medications into one tablet
    •Less likely to cause weight gain and low blood sugar compared to other diabetes medications
    •Can lower A1C by up to 2% in 6 months
    Cons
    •Must take twice a day with meals
    •Only available as a fixed dose, so can be hard to make dose adjustments
    •Not a good option for people with severe kidney problems
    •Not approved for people with Type 1 diabetes

  • 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
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Risk of heart failure
    •Sudden kidney problems
    •Low vitamin B12 levels
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications
    •Joint pain
    •Severe skin reaction
    •Serious allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Glucotrol vs. Janumet

    Learn more about Glipizide
    Learn more about Janumet

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