Compare Novolin N vs. Glyburide
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Novolin N (insulin NPH) and glyburide (Glynase) are both used to manage diabetes, but they work in different ways and have different uses. Novolin N is an intermediate-acting insulin that you inject under the skin to help control blood sugar levels throughout the day. It can be used for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and is available by prescription or over the counter. On the other hand, glyburide is a prescription oral medication that is only used for Type 2 diabetes and is taken once or twice daily with meals. It works by stimulating your pancreas to release more insulin. While both medications can cause low blood sugar, Novolin N has a higher risk compared to glyburide. The risk of low blood sugar is higher in people with liver or kidney problems. Novolin N is only available as a brand medication, while glyburide is available as a lower-cost generic.
- Novolin nGlyburide
- Novolin nGlyburide
Summary of Novolin N vs. Glyburide
Summary for InsulinNovolin N, a brand name of insulin NPH, is an intermediate-acting insulin. It helps control blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. This type of insulin comes in a vial (Novolin N) and a pen (Novolin N Flexpen). There's also a Novolin N ReliOn brand name. Novolin N is injected under the skin once or twice daily to regulate blood sugar levels. Side effects include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and reactions at the injection site.
Summary for SulfonylureaPrescription onlyGlyburide 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 of Novolin N vs. Glyburide
Indications for•Type 1 diabetes in adults and children•Type 2 diabetes in adultsIndications for•Type 2 diabetesPros and Cons of Novolin N vs. Glyburide
Pros and Const for InsulinPros•Available over the counter without a prescription•Can help manage both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes•Available as a pen and vial•Pens are small enough to fit in your purse or pocketCons•Might need to inject twice daily•Must give as an injection under the skin•Risk of low blood sugar and weight gain•Only available as a brand-name medicationPros and Const for SulfonylureaPros•Usually taken only once daily with largest meal•Taken by mouth, so good option for people who don't like injections•Can be taken with some other blood sugar medications, such as metforminCons•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 diabetesCommon Side Effects of Novolin N vs. Glyburide
Common Side Effects for•Low blood sugar•Reactions where the medication is injected (e.g., redness, swelling, itching)Common Side Effects for•Feeling bloated•Nausea•HeartburnWarnings of Novolin N vs. Glyburide
Common Side Effects for•Risk of infections from sharing injection supplies•Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin regimen•Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)•Low blood potassium levels•Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain diabetes medicationsCommon Side Effects for•Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)•Possible risk of heart problems•Breakdown of red blood cellsPrices with our coupons for Novolin N vs. Glyburide
Browse medications
View AllResearch prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.