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Compare Metaglip vs. Levemir

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

Key takeaways

Glipizide/metformin (generic) and Levemir (insulin detemir) are both used to manage diabetes, but they have a few differences between them. Glipizide/metformin combines two drugs: glipizide, which helps your pancreas release insulin, and metformin, which lowers the amount of sugar your body makes and absorbs. Levemir, on the other hand, is a long-acting insulin that you inject under your skin, and it helps control blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours. While glipizide/metformin must be taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar, Levemir can be taken once or twice daily, depending on your needs. Glipizide/metformin is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas Levemir does not have a generic option. Both medications can cause low blood sugar, but Levemir also carries risks of severe allergic reactions and low potassium levels. Additionally, Levemir might be more suitable during pregnancy, whereas glipizide/metformin is not recommended for children or during pregnancy.

  • Glipizide/metformin
    Levemir (insulin detemir)
  • Glipizide/metformin
    Levemir (insulin detemir)

  • Summary of Metaglip vs. Levemir

    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
    Prescription only

    Levemir (insulin detemir) is a long-acting insulin that helps control high blood sugar levels in children and adults. It's injected under the skin, typically once or twice daily. Like all insulins, Levemir (insulin detemir) can raise your risk for low blood sugar, so make sure to keep fast-acting sugars with you in case your blood sugar level drops too low. This medication comes in vials. But it's also available as a Flexpen for people who have trouble drawing up insulin from the vial.

  • Indications of Metaglip vs. Levemir

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes
    •Type 2 diabetes

  • Pros and Cons of Metaglip vs. Levemir

    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 Insulin
    Pros
    •Lower risk of weight gain compared to some other types of insulin
    •Doses can be adjusted to meet your body's needs
    •Insulin pens available for people who've trouble using insulin vials
    •Provides blood sugar control for up to 24 hours
    Cons
    •Must be injected
    •Might need to inject it twice daily
    •Can cause low blood sugar
    •No generic option available

  • Common Side Effects of Metaglip vs. Levemir

    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
    •Shakiness, hunger, and other symptoms of low blood sugar (up to 93%, depending on what other blood sugar medications you're taking)
    •Common cold involving the nose, throat, and lungs (up to 27%)
    •Headache (up to 23%)
    •Pain or irritation of the throat (10%)
    •Back pain (8%)
    •Fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms (up to 8%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)

    Please note: These side effects were reported by people who took Levemir (insulin detemir) for type 1 diabetes. Your risk for side effects might be different if you have type 2 diabetes.

  • Warnings of Metaglip vs. Levemir

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lactic acidosis
    •Possible risk of serious heart problems
    •Low blood sugar levels
    •Low vitamin B12 levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Infections
    •Low blood sugar
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling from fluids and risk of heart failure

  • Prices with our coupons for Metaglip vs. Levemir

    Learn more about Glipizide/metformin
    Learn more about Levemir

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