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Compare Glucovance vs. Novolog

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

Key takeaways

Glucovance (glyburide/metformin) and NovoLog (insulin aspart) 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. NovoLog, on the other hand, is a fast-acting insulin injected under the skin to help manage blood sugar in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It works by helping your body absorb sugar from the bloodstream after meals. Glucovance must be taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar and stomach upset, while NovoLog is injected right before meals to prevent blood sugar spikes. Glucovance is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas NovoLog is available in various prefilled pens and vials. Both medications can cause low blood sugar, but NovoLog also carries a risk of weight gain and requires multiple daily injections.

  • Glyburide/metformin
    Novolog (insulin aspart)
  • Glyburide/metformin
    Novolog (insulin aspart)

  • Summary of Glucovance vs. Novolog

    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

    NovoLog (insulin aspart) is a fast-acting insulin for adults and children with diabetes. It lowers your blood sugar levels by moving the sugar into your body so it can be used for energy. NovoLog (insulin aspart) is available as vials and ready-to-use prefilled pens. It's typically injected under the skin at mealtimes, but it can also be given as an infusion into the veins by a healthcare provider for people in the hospital. Side effects include headache and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

  • Indications of Glucovance vs. Novolog

    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. Novolog

    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
    •Starts to work within 10 minutes to lower blood sugar levels
    •Dose can be easily adjusted to make treatment tailored to your specific needs
    •Can use if you have liver or kidney problems
    •Available as a prefilled pen for easier and convenient use
    Cons
    •Given multiple times per day (before each meal)
    •Must give as an injection
    •Might be hard for some people to inject properly
    •Risk of low blood sugar and weight gain

  • Common Side Effects of Glucovance vs. Novolog

    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

    Type 1 diabetes:

    •Severely low blood sugar (17%)
    •Headache (12%)
    •Accidental injury (11%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)

    Type 2 diabetes:

    •Muscles slow to react (11%)
    •Severely low blood sugar (10%)
    •Fungal nail infection (10%)
    •Impairment of your senses (9%)
    •Urinary tract infection (8%)
    •Sinus infection (5%)
    •Chest pain (5%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •Skin problems (5%)

  • Warnings of Glucovance vs. Novolog

    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
    •Spread of infections from sharing injection supplies
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain blood sugar medications
    •Dangerously high blood sugar levels or buildup of ketones (for people who use insulin pump)

  • Prices with our coupons for Glucovance vs. Novolog

    Learn more about Glyburide/metformin
    Learn more about Novolog

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