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Compare Metformin vs. Afrezza

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

Key takeaways

Metformin (Glucophage) and Afrezza (inhaled insulin) are both medications used to manage diabetes, but they work in different ways. Metformin is taken orally and is primarily used for Type 2 diabetes. It helps lower the amount of sugar your body makes or absorbs and improves your body's use of insulin. Afrezza, on the other hand, is a fast-acting insulin inhaled through the mouth and is used for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It helps your body absorb and store sugar from your bloodstream after meals. Metformin rarely causes weight gain or low blood sugar, but it can cause stomach issues like diarrhea and nausea. Afrezza is a good option for those who dislike injections, but it can cause low blood sugar, cough, and throat irritation, and isn’t suitable for people with breathing problems like asthma or COPD. Additionally, Afrezza is not recommended for smokers or those who have recently quit smoking.

  • Metformin
    Afrezza (insulin)
  • Metformin
    Afrezza (insulin)

  • Summary of Metformin vs. Afrezza

    Summary for Biguanide
    Prescription only

    Metformin is a first-choice medication to control your blood sugar and lower your risk of death from diabetes, although some people cannot tolerate the stomach side effects.

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    Afrezza is an ultra rapid-acting inhaled insulin for adults with diabetes. It helps manage blood sugar levels from meals. You breathe in the medication through the mouth using the Afrezza inhaler usually at the start of meals. Common side effects are low blood sugar and cough. There's also a risk of bronchospasm (sudden narrowing of the airways), which can make it hard to breathe. So Afrezza (insulin) isn't for people with breathing problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

  • Indications of Metformin vs. Afrezza

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in adults
    •Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Metformin vs. Afrezza

    Pros and Const for Biguanide
    Pros
    •Very good at lowering blood sugar and A1c levels
    •One of the few diabetes medications that lowers the risk of death from diabetes-related complications
    •Doesn't cause weight gain
    •Rarely causes low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Available as a liquid (for those with trouble swallowing) and a long-acting tablet (to help with stomach side effects)
    •The short-acting tablet is cheaper than the long-acting tablet.
    Cons
    •Can cause stomach side effects like diarrhea, nausea, gas, or stomach cramping
    •Usually not a good choice for people with more severe kidney problems
    •Excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of a dangerous side effect.
    •The liquid and long-acting tablet can be expensive even though they have generics.
    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •A good choice for people who don't want to use injectable insulin
    •Can help people with either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar
    •Starts to work in about 12 minutes and lasts between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on your dose
    Cons
    •Might need to use more than one cartridge of insulin for your dose (if you need more than 12 units of insulin)
    •Not for people who smoke or for people with breathing problems (e.g., asthma, COPD)
    •Not approved for children

  • Common Side Effects of Metformin vs. Afrezza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (53%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (26%)
    •Gas (12%)
    •Indigestion (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Headache (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar (up to 67%)
    •Cough (up to 29%)
    •Throat pain or irritation (up to 6%)
    •Headache (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Metformin vs. Afrezza

    Common Side Effects for
    •LACTIC ACIDOSIS
    •LOW VITAMIN B12 LEVELS
    •LOW BLOOD SUGAR (HYPOGLYCEMIA)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Breathing problems
    •Low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
    •Changes in blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin routine
    •Diabetic ketoacidosis
    •Low potassium levels
    •Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain diabetes medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Metformin vs. Afrezza

    Learn more about Metformin
    Learn more about Afrezza

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