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Compare Glucovance vs. Levemir

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

Key takeaways

Glucovance (glyburide/metformin) and Levemir (insulin detemir) are both used to manage diabetes, but they have several differences between them. Glucovance is a combination of two medications, glyburide and metformin, and is used for type 2 diabetes. Glyburide stimulates the pancreas to release insulin, while metformin reduces sugar production in the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. Levemir, on the other hand, is a long-acting insulin injected under the skin and is used for both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It helps control blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours. Glucovance must be taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar and stomach upset, while Levemir can be injected once or twice daily, depending on your needs. Unlike Glucovance, Levemir does not have a generic form available. Both medications can cause low blood sugar, but Levemir also carries risks of severe allergic reactions and low potassium levels.

  • Glyburide/metformin
    Levemir (insulin detemir)
  • Glyburide/metformin
    Levemir (insulin detemir)

  • Summary of Glucovance vs. Levemir

    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
    Prescription only

    Levemir (insulin detemir) is a long-acting insulin that helps control high blood sugar levels in children and adults. It's injected under the skin, typically once or twice daily. Like all insulins, Levemir (insulin detemir) can raise your risk for low blood sugar, so make sure to keep fast-acting sugars with you in case your blood sugar level drops too low. This medication comes in vials. But it's also available as a Flexpen for people who have trouble drawing up insulin from the vial.

  • Indications of Glucovance vs. Levemir

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

  • Pros and Cons of Glucovance vs. Levemir

    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
    •Lower risk of weight gain compared to some other types of insulin
    •Doses can be adjusted to meet your body's needs
    •Insulin pens available for people who've trouble using insulin vials
    •Provides blood sugar control for up to 24 hours
    Cons
    •Must be injected
    •Might need to inject it twice daily
    •Can cause low blood sugar
    •No generic option available

  • Common Side Effects of Glucovance vs. Levemir

    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
    •Shakiness, hunger, and other symptoms of low blood sugar (up to 93%, depending on what other blood sugar medications you're taking)
    •Common cold involving the nose, throat, and lungs (up to 27%)
    •Headache (up to 23%)
    •Pain or irritation of the throat (10%)
    •Back pain (8%)
    •Fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms (up to 8%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)

    Please note: These side effects were reported by people who took Levemir (insulin detemir) for type 1 diabetes. Your risk for side effects might be different if you have type 2 diabetes.

  • Warnings of Glucovance vs. Levemir

    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
    •Infections
    •Low blood sugar
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling from fluids and risk of heart failure

  • Prices with our coupons for Glucovance vs. Levemir

    Learn more about Glyburide/metformin
    Learn more about Levemir

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