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Compare Metaglip vs. Byetta

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

Key takeaways

Glipizide / metformin and exenatide (Byetta) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they belong to different medication classes. Glipizide / metformin is a combination of a sulfonylurea and a biguanide, while exenatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Glipizide / metformin is taken orally, typically once or twice a day with meals, and is available as a generic, making it a more cost-effective option. Exenatide is an injectable medication available that also has a lower-cost generic available. Byetta is the short-acting form of exenatide (injected twice daily) and Bydureon BCise is the long-acting form (injected once weekly). Common side effects of glipizide / metformin include diarrhea, headache, and low blood sugar, while exenatide can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both medications can lead to low blood sugar, especially when combined with other diabetes medications. However, exenatide has additional risks, such as potential thyroid cancer and pancreatitis.

  • Glipizide/metformin
    Exenatide
  • Glipizide/metformin
    Exenatide

  • Summary of Metaglip vs. Byetta

    Summary for Sulfonylurea / Biguanide
    Prescription only

    Glipizide/metformin combines two diabetes medications into one tablet: glipizide (a sulfonylurea) and metformin (a biguanide). It's approved to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults along with diet and exercise. This medication is typically taken by mouth once or twice a day. Some common side effects of glipizide/metformin can include diarrhea and headache; it isn't likely to cause weight gain or weight loss.

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Exenatide is an injectable medication used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It should be used along with an appropriate diet and exercise plan. This medication comes in short-acting (Byetta) and long-acting (Bydureon BCise) versions.

  • Indications of Metaglip vs. Byetta

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise (adults) - Byetta only
    •Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise (adults and children age 10 years and older) - Bydureon BCise only

  • Pros and Cons of Metaglip vs. Byetta

    Pros and Const for Sulfonylurea / Biguanide
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Combination medication, so more convenient to take
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Need to take with meals
    •Can't take during pregnancy
    •Not an option for children
    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Can lower your A1c (average blood sugar over time)
    •Not as likely to cause very low blood sugar as other diabetes medications
    •Might help some people with weight loss
    •Bydureon BCise (once-weekly injections) can be taken any time of day, with or without food
    Cons
    •Slows stomach emptying, which can affect how other medications are absorbed
    •Short-acting version (Byetta) must be used within 60 minutes before meals
    •Not safe for people with severe kidney problems
    •Brand-name only, so it can be expensive

  • Common Side Effects of Metaglip vs. Byetta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (18%)
    •Headache (13%)
    •Cold or flu infection (10%)
    •Low blood sugar levels (9%)
    •Muscle pain (8%)
    •Nausea, vomiting (8%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Dizziness (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (Up to 44%)
    •Vomiting (Up to 18%)
    •Diarrhea (Up to 18%)
    •Headache (Up to 14%)
    •Injection-site lump (11%)
    •Constipation (Up to 10%)

    Note: These side effects were reported by people taking either exenatide alone or with other diabetes medications. The side effects you experience might differ depending on what other diabetes medications you're taking.

  • Warnings of Metaglip vs. Byetta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lactic acidosis
    •Possible risk of serious heart problems
    •Low blood sugar levels
    •Low vitamin B12 levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Thyroid cancer - Bydureon BCise only
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Kidney problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe bleeding
    •Injection-site reactions
    •Gallbladder problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Metaglip vs. Byetta

    Learn more about Glipizide/metformin
    Learn more about Exenatide

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