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Compare Metaglip vs. Novolog

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

Key takeaways

Glipizide / metformin and NovoLog (insulin aspart) are both medications used to manage diabetes, but they belong to different classes and have distinct uses. Glipizide / metformin is a combination of a sulfonylurea and a biguanide, used for Type 2 diabetes in adults. It is taken orally, usually once or twice a day with meals. NovoLog, on the other hand, is a fast-acting insulin used for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in adults and children. It is injected under the skin (subcutaneously), typically before meals. Both glipizide / metformin and NovoLog are available as generic medications. NovoLog comes in a vial and also as an injection pen (NovoLog FlexPen and NovoLog FlexTouch). Common side effects of glipizide / metformin include diarrhea, headache, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia); common NovoLog side effects include low blood sugar and weight gain. Both glipizide / metformin and NovoLog can interact with other diabetes medications; when taken together, the risk of low blood sugar is increased.

  • Glipizide/metformin
    Novolog (insulin aspart)
  • Glipizide/metformin
    Novolog (insulin aspart)

  • Summary of Metaglip vs. Novolog

    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

    NovoLog (insulin aspart) is a fast-acting insulin for adults and children with diabetes. It lowers your blood sugar levels by moving the sugar into your body so it can be used for energy. NovoLog (insulin aspart) is available as vials and ready-to-use prefilled pens. It's typically injected under the skin at mealtimes, but it can also be given as an infusion into the veins by a healthcare provider for people in the hospital. Side effects include headache and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

  • Indications of Metaglip vs. Novolog

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Metaglip vs. Novolog

    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
    •Starts to work within 10 minutes to lower blood sugar levels
    •Dose can be easily adjusted to make treatment tailored to your specific needs
    •Can use if you have liver or kidney problems
    •Available as a prefilled pen for easier and convenient use
    Cons
    •Given multiple times per day (before each meal)
    •Must give as an injection
    •Might be hard for some people to inject properly
    •Risk of low blood sugar and weight gain

  • Common Side Effects of Metaglip vs. Novolog

    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

    Type 1 diabetes:

    •Severely low blood sugar (17%)
    •Headache (12%)
    •Accidental injury (11%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)

    Type 2 diabetes:

    •Muscles slow to react (11%)
    •Severely low blood sugar (10%)
    •Fungal nail infection (10%)
    •Impairment of your senses (9%)
    •Urinary tract infection (8%)
    •Sinus infection (5%)
    •Chest pain (5%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •Skin problems (5%)

  • Warnings of Metaglip vs. Novolog

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lactic acidosis
    •Possible risk of serious heart problems
    •Low blood sugar levels
    •Low vitamin B12 levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Spread of infections from sharing injection supplies
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain blood sugar medications
    •Dangerously high blood sugar levels or buildup of ketones (for people who use insulin pump)

  • Prices with our coupons for Metaglip vs. Novolog

    Learn more about Glipizide/metformin
    Learn more about Novolog

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