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Glucovance vs. Glyburide

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

Key takeaways

Glucovance (glyburide/metformin) and Glyburide (Glynase) are both used to manage type 2 diabetes, but they have some differences between them. Glucovance is a combination of two medications: glyburide and metformin. Glyburide works by stimulating your pancreas to release insulin, while metformin reduces the amount of sugar your liver makes and helps your body respond better to insulin. Glucovance must be taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar and stomach upset, while glyburide is typically taken with your first big meal of the day. Both medications can cause low blood sugar, but Glucovance has the added risk of lactic acidosis due to the metformin component. Both medications are also available as a lower-cost generics.

Glyburide/metformin

 

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Glyburide

 

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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

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

Common Side Effects for Glucovance

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

Warnings for Glucovance

  • 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

Summary for Glyburide

Prescription only

Glyburide is taken by mouth to lower blood sugar levels for people who have Type 2 diabetes. This medication isn't meant to be taken alone, but in addition to eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. Glyburide is typically taken once or twice daily, depending on your dose.

Indications for Glyburide

  • Type 2 diabetes

Pros and Cons for Glyburide

Pros

  • Usually taken only once daily with largest meal
  • Can lower A1C levels by 1.5%
  • Taken by mouth, so good option for people who don't like injections
  • Can be taken with some other blood sugar medications, such as metformin

Cons

  • Risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if you have kidney or liver problems
  • More likely to cause low blood sugar than other blood sugar medications, such as metformin
  • Can cause some weight gain
  • Not approved for Type 1 diabetes

Common Side Effects for Glyburide

  • Feeling bloated
  • Nausea
  • Heartburn

Warnings for Glyburide

  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Possible risk of heart problems
  • Breakdown of red blood cells

Prices with our coupons for Glucovance vs. Glyburide

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Glyburide/Metformin180 tablets / 5mg/500mg
$24.00$24.00
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Price Card Drug Icon
Glyburide180 tablets / 5mg
$25.93$69.63
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