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Glucovance vs. Lantus

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

Key takeaways

Glucovance (glyburide/metformin) and Lantus (insulin glargine) are both used to manage diabetes, but they have several differences between them. Glucovance is a combination of two medications, glyburide and metformin, taken to help manage blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Glyburide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, while metformin reduces sugar production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. On the other hand, Lantus is a long-acting insulin injected under the skin, used for type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It helps your body absorb and store sugar from the bloodstream and stops the liver from making glucose. Glucovance must be taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar and stomach upset, while Lantus can cause weight gain and low blood sugar.

Glyburide/metformin

 

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Lantus

(insulin glargine)

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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 Lantus

Prescription only

Lantus (insulin glargine) is a type of long-acting insulin. It's used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Lantus (insulin glargine) is injected under the skin once daily. Your dose will depend on a few things, such as the type of diabetes you have and your blood sugar levels. This medication comes in a vial (Lantus) as well as in a prefilled insulin pen (Lantus Solostar). Some side effects include upper respiratory tract infections. It can also cause redness and swelling at the injection site.

Indications for Lantus

Pros and Cons for Lantus

Pros

  • Helps keep your blood sugar controlled for about 24 hours
  • Injected once daily
  • Approved for both adults and children
  • Available as a vial and prefilled pen

Cons

  • Given as an injection under the skin
  • Has a risk of causing dangerously low blood sugar
  • Might cause weight gain
  • Can't be mixed with other insulins within the same syringe

Common Side Effects for Lantus

Type 1 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes

  • Upper respiratory tract infection (11%)
  • Other infection (10%)
  • Eye problem (6%)

Warnings for Lantus

  • Risk of infection from sharing pens and needles
  • Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin routine
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Low potassium levels
  • Swelling and risk of heart failure when using with certain diabetes medications
  • Severe allergic reaction

Prices with our coupons for Glucovance vs. Lantus

Price Card Drug Icon
Glyburide/Metformin180 tablets / 5mg/500mg
$24.00$24.00
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Lantus1 carton / 5 solostar pens of 3ml
$35.00-
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