Key takeaways
Glyxambi (empagliflozin/linagliptin) and glipizide/metformin are both combination medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and have distinct characteristics. Glyxambi combines an SGLT2 inhibitor and a DPP-4 inhibitor, which help lower blood sugar by preventing sugar reabsorption in the kidneys and by increasing insulin production, respectively. On the other hand, glipizide/metformin combines a sulfonylurea and a biguanide, which work by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas and reducing sugar production and absorption in the body. Glyxambi is taken once daily, while glipizide/metformin is usually taken once or twice per day. Glyxambi can lower the risk of death from heart disease in people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, whereas glipizide/metformin has a warning about potential heart-related risks. Additionally, neither medication is recommended for use during pregnancy. Both medications can cause low blood sugar and urinary tract infections. Glipizide/metformin can lead to lactic acidosis and low vitamin B12 levels, while Glyxambi can cause inflammation in your pancreas.
