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Compare Glucovance vs. Novolin N

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

Key takeaways

Glyburide / metformin and insulin regular (Humulin R) are both used to manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Glyburide / metformin is a combination of a sulfonylurea and a biguanide, taken orally, and is specifically for Type 2 diabetes. It works by increasing insulin release and reducing sugar production and absorption and used to be available as brand-name Glucovance. Humulin R, on the other hand, is a short-acting insulin injected under the skin, used for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Glyburide / metformin is typically taken once or twice daily with meals, while Humulin R is injected 2 to 3 times daily, 30 minutes before meals. Glyburide / metformin can cause side effects like low blood sugar, diarrhea, and nausea, while Humulin R may lead to low blood sugar and injection site reactions. Glyburide / metformin is prescription-only, whereas Humulin R U-100 is available over-the-counter and by prescription. Additionally, Humulin R comes in different strengths and forms, such as vials and prefilled pens, while glyburide/metformin is available in generic form only.

  • Glyburide/metformin
    Novolin n
  • Glyburide/metformin
    Novolin n

  • Summary of Glucovance vs. Novolin N

    Summary for Sulfonylurea / Biguanide
    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.

    Summary for Insulin

    Novolin N, a brand name of insulin NPH, is an intermediate-acting insulin. It helps control blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. This type of insulin comes in a vial (Novolin N) and a pen (Novolin N Flexpen). There's also a Novolin N ReliOn brand name. Novolin N is injected under the skin once or twice daily to regulate blood sugar levels. Side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and reactions at the injection site.

  • Indications of Glucovance vs. Novolin N

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults
    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Glucovance vs. Novolin N

    Pros and Const for Sulfonylurea / Biguanide
    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
    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Available over the counter without a prescription
    •Can help manage both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
    •Available as a pen and vial
    •Pens are small enough to fit in your purse or pocket
    Cons
    •Might need to inject twice daily
    •Must give as an injection under the skin
    •Risk of low blood sugar and weight gain
    •Only available as a brand-name medication

  • Common Side Effects of Glucovance vs. Novolin N

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar levels (up to 38%)
    •Diarrhea (17%)
    •Headache (9%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (8%)
    •Belly pain (7%)
    •Dizziness (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar
    •Reactions where the medication is injected (e.g., redness, swelling, itching)

  • Warnings of Glucovance vs. Novolin N

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of infections from sharing injection supplies
    •Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin regimen
    •Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain diabetes medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Glucovance vs. Novolin N

    Learn more about Glyburide/metformin
    Learn more about Novolin n

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