Key takeaways
Glipizide/metformin (Metaglip) and Januvia (sitagliptin) are medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they have some differences between them. Glipizide/metformin is a combination of two drugs: glipizide, which helps your pancreas release insulin, and metformin, which lowers the amount of sugar your body makes and absorbs. Januvia, on the other hand, helps insulin stay in your body longer and reduces the amount of sugar your body produces. Glipizide/metformin must be taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar, while Januvia can be taken with or without food. Glipizide/metformin is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas Januvia does not have a generic form. Common side effects of glipizide/metformin include diarrhea and low blood sugar, while Januvia can cause runny nose and sore throat. Both medications have serious risks, such as lactic acidosis for glipizide/metformin and pancreatitis for Januvia.
