Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Glipizide/metformin (generic) and Novolin N (insulin NPH) are both used to manage diabetes, but they have several differences between them. Glipizide/metformin is a combination medication, used to treat people with type 2 diabetes, that includes glipizide and metformin. It helps lower blood sugar by telling your pancreas to release insulin and reducing sugar production and absorption in the body. Novolin N is an intermediate-acting insulin used to treat both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. It helps your body absorb and store sugar and fat from your bloodstream after meals. While glipizide/metformin must be taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar, Novolin N requires careful blood sugar monitoring and can be used with or without other insulins. Novolin N is available over the counter, whereas glipizide/metformin requires a prescription. Additionally, Novolin N can be used in people with liver or kidney problems, unlike glipizide/metformin, which may not be safe for those with severe kidney issues.
Glipizide/metformin
Novolin n
Glipizide/metformin
Novolin n
Summary of Metaglip vs. Novolin N
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 Insulin
Novolin 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.