Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Metformin vs. Glucovance

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

Key takeaways

Metformin and glyburide/metformin are both used to manage type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Metformin lowers blood sugar by reducing the amount of sugar your body makes and absorbs, and by helping your body use insulin better. Glyburide/metformin combines metformin with glyburide, which stimulates your pancreas to release more insulin. This combination can be more effective at lowering blood sugar than metformin by itself, but it has a higher risk of making blood sugar too low (hypoglycemia). On the other hand, metformin alone rarely causes low blood sugar. Both medications can cause stomach side effects and should be taken with meals to avoid stomach upset. Additionally, excessive alcohol use can increase the risk of a serious side effect called lactic acidosis for both medications. Glyburide/metformin isn’t recommended for people with severe kidney or liver problems, and has a higher risk of causing heart problems compared to metformin alone.

  • Metformin
    Glyburide/metformin
  • Metformin
    Glyburide/metformin

  • Summary of Metformin vs. Glucovance

    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 Sulfonylurea / Biguanide
    Prescription only

    Glyburide/metformin is used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It works best when taken with a healthy diet and regular exercise. This medication combines a sulfonylurea (glyburide) and a biguanide (metformin). You take it by mouth, typically once or twice daily with meals. Since glyburide/metformin can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it's important to carry fast-acting sugars like gummy candy or fruit juice to quickly raise your blood sugar if needed. Other common side effects include diarrhea, headache, and nausea. Brand name Glucovance has been discontinued.

  • Indications of Metformin vs. Glucovance

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

  • Pros and Cons of Metformin vs. Glucovance

    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 Sulfonylurea / Biguanide
    Pros
    •Combines two medications into one pill for convenience
    •Dose can be adjusted if needed
    •Taken by mouth instead of an injection
    Cons
    •Need to take with meals
    •Not safe for use in people with moderate-to-severe kidney disease
    •More likely to cause weight gain compared to some other medications for diabetes

  • Common Side Effects of Metformin vs. Glucovance

    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 levels (up to 38%)
    •Diarrhea (17%)
    •Headache (9%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (8%)
    •Belly pain (7%)
    •Dizziness (6%)

  • Warnings of Metformin vs. Glucovance

    Common Side Effects for
    •LACTIC ACIDOSIS
    •LOW VITAMIN B12 LEVELS
    •LOW BLOOD SUGAR (HYPOGLYCEMIA)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Lactic acidosis (too much acid in your body)
    •Low blood sugar
    •Possible risk of serious heart problems
    •Risk of low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)
    •Low vitamin B12 levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Metformin vs. Glucovance

    Learn more about Metformin
    Learn more about Glyburide/metformin

Compare other Diabetes Type 2 drugs

Clomid vs MetforminFarxiga vs MetforminGlyset vs MetforminInvokana vs MetforminJardiance vs MetforminMetaglip vs MetforminMetformin vs ActosMetformin vs AfrezzaMetformin vs AvandiaMetformin vs GlucovanceMetformin vs JanuviaMetformin vs MounjaroMetformin vs PhentermineMetformin vs TradjentaMetformin vs VictozaMetformin vs WegovyNesina vs MetforminOzempic vs MetforminPrandimet vs MetforminRybelsus vs MetforminToujeo vs MetforminZepbound vs MetforminLantus vs ToujeoLevemir vs ToujeoToujeo vs ActosToujeo vs ApidraToujeo vs GlucotrolToujeo vs GlyburideToujeo vs HumalogToujeo vs Human Insulin
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.