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Compare Metaglip vs. Onglyza

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

Key takeaways

Glipizide/metformin (Metaglip) and saxagliptin (Onglyza) are both used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they a few differences between them. Glipizide/metformin is a combination of two medications: glipizide, which helps your pancreas release insulin, and metformin, which lowers the amount of sugar your body makes and absorbs. It's best take it with meals to avoid low blood sugar. Saxagliptin helps insulin stay in your body longer by blocking a protein that breaks it down. You can take it once daily, with or without food. While glipizide/metformin can cause side effects like diarrhea and low blood sugar, saxagliptin is less likely to cause low blood sugar but may increase your risk of heart failure and pancreatitis. Both medications are available in generic forms, making them more affordable options.

  • Glipizide/metformin
    Saxagliptin (Onglyza)
  • Glipizide/metformin
    Saxagliptin (Onglyza)

  • Summary of Metaglip vs. Onglyza

    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 DPP-4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Saxagliptin (Onglyza) is an add-on medication to exercise and a balanced, nutritious diet to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the drug class called dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. The saxagliptin (Onglyza) dosage is taken by mouth once daily. Possible side effects include certain infections and headaches. The brand name, Onglyza, is no longer available. But the lower-cost generic version is still available.

  • Indications of Metaglip vs. Onglyza

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Metaglip vs. Onglyza

    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 DPP-4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken once daily (with or without food)
    •Less likely to cause weight gain (compared to some other diabetes medications)
    •Very low risk of causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when it's taken by itself
    Cons
    •Doesn't lower A1C and blood sugar levels as well as other diabetes medications
    •Might raise risk of hospitalization due to heart failure in certain people
    •Not for treating Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis

  • Common Side Effects of Metaglip vs. Onglyza

    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
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (8%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI; 7%)
    •Headache (7%)

  • Warnings of Metaglip vs. Onglyza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Lactic acidosis
    •Possible risk of serious heart problems
    •Low blood sugar levels
    •Low vitamin B12 levels
    Common Side Effects for
    •Pancreas problems
    •Heart failure
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Joint pain
    •Large blisters
    •Risk of allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Metaglip vs. Onglyza

    Learn more about Glipizide/metformin
    Learn more about Saxagliptin

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