Glyxambi vs. Metformin for Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Glyxambi

(empagliflozin / linagliptin)

Metformin

Summary for Glyxambi

Prescription only

Glyxambi (empagliflozin / linagliptin) is a medication that helps manage blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It works best when used with a balanced diet and exercise. It can also help lower the risk of heart-related death in adults with both Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Glyxambi combines two diabetes medications into one tablet. They belong to the sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor and a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor drug classes. Glyxambi is taken by mouth once every morning. Side effects can include urinary tract infections and upper respiratory tract infections.

Indications for Glyxambi

Type 2 diabetes in adults
Lowering the risk of death due to heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

Pros and Cons for Glyxambi

Pros

Combines two diabetes medications into one pill
Taken once a day in the morning, with or without food
Less likely to cause low blood sugar when taken by itself

Cons

Might cause more urination
Can raise the risk of urinary tract infections or genital yeast infections
Not approved for people with Type 1 diabetes

Common Side Effects for Glyxambi

Urinary tract infection (11-13%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (7%)
Cold symptoms (6-7%)

Warnings for Glyxambi

Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
Ketoacidosis (too much acid in the blood)
Low fluids in the body (leading to low blood pressure or dehydration)
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with certain other diabetes medications
Genital and urinary tract infections
Leg and foot amputations
Serious allergic reactions
Severe skin reaction
Severe joint pain
Risk of heart failure

Summary for Metformin

Prescription only

Immediate-release metformin is an oral diabetes medication. It's approved for people 10 years of age and older with Type 2 diabetes. The medication belongs to the drug class called biguanides. It works best to lower blood sugar levels with a diabetes-friendly diet and exercise plan. Immediate-release metformin comes as a tablet and an oral solution. You take this medication by mouth usually two to three times a day. It's recommended to take each dosage with food to help lessen side effects like diarrhea and nausea.

Indications for Metformin

Type 2 diabetes in people ages 10 years and older

Pros and Cons for Metformin

Pros

One of the first-choice options for Type 2 diabetes
Works well at lowering blood sugar levels (can lower your A1C by up to 1.5% in a few months)
Unlikely to cause weight gain
Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing tablets

Cons

Typically need to take a couple times per day
Can cause stomach upset, including diarrhea, nausea, gas, and stomach cramping
Not a good choice for people with severe kidney problems
Not recommended for people with liver problems

Common Side Effects for Metformin

Diarrhea (53%)
Nausea or vomiting (26%)
Gas (12%)
Weakness (9%)

Warnings for Metformin

Lactic acidosis
Low vitamin B12 levels
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain other diabetes medications

Prices with our coupons for Glyxambi vs. Metformin

Glyxambi30 tablets / 25mg/5mg

$352.68$426.99

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Metformin60 tablets / 500mg

$9.00$9.00

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Glyxambi vs. Metformin

Glyxambi

Metformin

Summary for Glyxambi

Indications for Glyxambi

Pros and Cons for Glyxambi

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Glyxambi

Warnings for Glyxambi

Summary for Metformin

Indications for Metformin

Pros and Cons for Metformin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Metformin

Warnings for Metformin

Prices with our coupons for Glyxambi vs. Metformin

Compare other Diabetes Type 2 drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Glyxambi

Metformin

Summary for Glyxambi

Indications for Glyxambi

Pros and Cons for Glyxambi

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Glyxambi

Warnings for Glyxambi

Summary for Metformin

Indications for Metformin

Pros and Cons for Metformin

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Metformin

Warnings for Metformin