Metaglip vs. Novolin N for Diabetes Type 2: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Glipizide/metformin

Novolin N

Summary for Metaglip

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.

Indications for Metaglip

Type 2 diabetes

Pros and Cons for Metaglip

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

Common Side Effects for Metaglip

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%)

Warnings for Metaglip

Lactic acidosis
Possible risk of serious heart problems
Low blood sugar levels
Low vitamin B12 levels

Summary for Novolin N

Prescription or over-the-counter

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.

Indications for Novolin N

Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
Type 2 diabetes in adults

Pros and Cons for Novolin N

Pros

Available over the counter without a prescription
Can help manage both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes
Available as a pen and vial
Pens are small enough to fit in your purse or pocket

Cons

Might need to inject twice daily
Must give as an injection under the skin
Risk of low blood sugar and weight gain
Only available as a brand-name medication

Common Side Effects for Novolin N

Low blood sugar
Reactions where the medication is injected (e.g., redness, swelling, itching)

Warnings for Novolin N

Risk of infections from sharing injection supplies
Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin regimen
Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
Low blood potassium levels
Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain diabetes medications