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Compare Glucovance vs. Onglyza

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

Key takeaways

Glyburide / metformin and saxagliptin are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. Glyburide / metformin is a combination of a sulfonylurea and a biguanide, while saxagliptin is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. Glyburide / metformin is taken once or twice daily with meals, whereas saxagliptin is taken once daily, with or without food. Glyburide / metformin can cause low blood sugar, weight gain, and digestive issues like diarrhea and nausea as side effects. Saxagliptin, on the other hand, has a lower risk of causing low blood sugar and weight gain but may lead to mild infections and headaches. Glyburide / metformin is not recommended for people with moderate-to-severe kidney disease, while saxagliptin may increase the risk of heart failure in some individuals. Both medications are available in generic forms, as their brand names, Glucovance (glyburide / metformin) and Onglyza (saxagliptin), are no longer available.

  • Glyburide/metformin
    Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
  • Glyburide/metformin
    Saxagliptin (Onglyza)

  • Summary of Glucovance vs. Onglyza

    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 DPP-4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Saxagliptin (Onglyza) is an add-on medication to exercise and a balanced, nutritious diet to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the drug class called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. The saxagliptin (Onglyza) dosage is taken by mouth once daily. Possible side effects include certain infections and headaches. The brand name, Onglyza, is no longer available. But the lower-cost generic version is still available.

  • Indications of Glucovance vs. Onglyza

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

  • Pros and Cons of Glucovance vs. Onglyza

    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 DPP-4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken once daily (with or without food)
    •Less likely to cause weight gain (compared to some other diabetes medications)
    •Very low risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when it's taken by itself
    Cons
    •Doesn't lower A1C and blood sugar levels as well as other diabetes medications
    •Might raise risk of hospitalization due to heart failure in certain people
    •Not for treating Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis

  • Common Side Effects of Glucovance vs. Onglyza

    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
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (8%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI; 7%)
    •Headache (7%)

  • Warnings of Glucovance vs. Onglyza

    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
    •Pancreas problems
    •Heart failure
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Joint pain
    •Large blisters
    •Risk of allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Glucovance vs. Onglyza

    Learn more about Glyburide/metformin
    Learn more about Saxagliptin

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