Key takeaways
Glipizide/metformin (generic) and Alogliptin (Nesina) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they have some differences between them. Glipizide/metformin is a combination of two medications: glipizide, which stimulates insulin release, and metformin, which reduces sugar production and absorption. Alogliptin helps insulin stay in your body longer and reduces sugar production. Glipizide/metformin must be taken with meals to avoid low blood sugar, while alogliptin can be taken with or without food. Both are available as lower-cost generic medications. Alogliptin is not a first-choice treatment for Type 2 diabetes and is typically added to other medications, while metformin, part of the glipizide/metformin combination, is a first-choice treatment. Both medications can cause side effects, but glipizide/metformin can cause diarrhea and low blood sugar, while taking alogliptin can cause upper respiratory infections and headaches.
