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Glyburide vs. Janumet

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

Key takeaways

Glyburide (Glynase) and Janumet (sitagliptin/metformin) are medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes. Both medications work in different ways to lower blood sugar, and have other differences between them. Glyburide helps your pancreas release more insulin, while Janumet combines sitagliptin and metformin to lower blood sugar by reducing sugar production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity. Glyburide is typically taken once or twice daily with meals, whereas Janumet's immediate-release form is taken twice daily, and its extended-release form is taken once daily. Glyburide can cause low blood sugar and weight gain, while Janumet is less likely to cause these issues but can lead to gastrointestinal (gi) side effects like diarrhea. Janumet is not yet available as a generic, whereas glyburide is available as a lower-cost generic. Both medications require a prescription and should be used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Glyburide

 

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Janumet

(sitagliptin / metformin)

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Summary for Glyburide

Prescription only

Glyburide is taken by mouth to lower blood sugar levels for people who have Type 2 diabetes. This medication isn't meant to be taken alone, but in addition to eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise. Glyburide is typically taken once or twice daily, depending on your dose.

Indications for Glyburide

  • Type 2 diabetes

Pros and Cons for Glyburide

Pros

  • Usually taken only once daily with largest meal
  • Can lower A1C levels by 1.5%
  • Taken by mouth, so good option for people who don't like injections
  • Can be taken with some other blood sugar medications, such as metformin

Cons

  • Risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if you have kidney or liver problems
  • More likely to cause low blood sugar than other blood sugar medications, such as metformin
  • Can cause some weight gain
  • Not approved for Type 1 diabetes

Common Side Effects for Glyburide

  • Feeling bloated
  • Nausea
  • Heartburn

Warnings for Glyburide

  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Possible risk of heart problems
  • Breakdown of red blood cells

Summary for Janumet

Prescription only

Janumet (sitagliptin / metformin) is a medication for adults with Type 2 diabetes. It contains two different diabetes medications that work together to help control blood sugar. One is sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, and the other is metformin, a biguanide. The Janumet immediate-release tablets are taken by mouth twice a day. It works best when used with a balanced meal plan and exercise routine. Some side effects are diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection, and headache. There's only a brand-name version of Janumet; there's no generic version yet.

Indications for Janumet

Pros and Cons for Janumet

Pros

Cons

  • Must take twice a day with meals
  • Only available as a fixed dose, so can be hard to make dose adjustments
  • Not a good option for people with severe kidney problems
  • Not approved for people with Type 1 diabetes

Common Side Effects for Janumet

Warnings for Janumet

  • Lactic acidosis
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Risk of heart failure
  • Sudden kidney problems
  • Low vitamin B12 levels
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications
  • Joint pain
  • Severe skin reaction
  • Serious allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Glyburide vs. Janumet

Price Card Drug Icon
Glyburide180 tablets / 5mg
$25.93$30.71
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Price Card Drug Icon
Janumet60 tablets / 50mg/1000mg
$331.56$428.99
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