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

Key takeaways

Glucovance (glyburide/metformin) and Glyxambi (empagliflozin/linagliptin) are medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Both are combination medications, but they several differences between them. Glucovance combines glyburide and metformin to lower blood sugar by stimulating insulin release and reducing sugar production and absorption. It's best taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar and stomach upset. Glyxambi, on the other hand, combines empagliflozin and linagliptin to lower blood sugar by preventing sugar reabsorption in the kidneys and increasing insulin production. Glyxambi is taken once daily and can also reduce the risk of death from heart disease in people with Type 2 diabetes. Unlike Glyxambi, Glucovance is available as a lower-cost generic. Both medications have serious side effects, but Glucovance has a higher risk of causing low blood sugar, whereas Glyxambi can lead to urinary tract infections and dehydration.

Glyburide/metformin

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Glyxambi

(empagliflozin / linagliptin)

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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

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

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 Glyxambi

Prescription only

Glyxambi (empagliflozin / linagliptin) is used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's a combination of 2 medications: empagliflozin (a sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor) and linagliptin (a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor). It lowers blood sugar by getting rid of extra sugar through your urine and helping your body make more insulin. Glyxambi (empagliflozin / linagliptin) is taken by mouth once daily. Some common side effects include urinary tract infections and upper respiratory tract infections.

Indications for Glyxambi

Type 2 diabetes in adults (when taken along with nutritious diet and regular exercise)
Lowers risk of death from heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

Pros and Cons for Glyxambi

Pros

Combines two medications into one pill for convenience
Can lower the risk of death from heart attack or stroke in people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Only taken once a day in the morning with or without food
Not likely to cause weight gain

Cons

Not safe for use in people on dialysis
Not approved for people with Type 1 diabetes
Might cause you to urinate more often
Might cause urinary tract infections or genital yeast infections

Common Side Effects for Glyxambi

Urinary tract infection (11-13%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)

Warnings for Glyxambi

Pancreas problems
Ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood)
Low fluids in the body (leading to low blood pressure or dehydration, or kidney problems)
Low blood sugar with other diabetes medications
Genital and urinary tract infections
Serious allergic or skin reactions
Joint pain
Leg and foot amputations
Heart failure