Glucovance vs. Onglyza for Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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

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Saxagliptin

(Onglyza)

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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

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults

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 Onglyza

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 for Onglyza

Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Onglyza

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