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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

    Immediate-release metformin is an oral diabetes medication. It's approved for people 10 years of age and older with Type 2 diabetes. The medication belongs to the drug class called biguanides. It works best to lower blood sugar levels with a diabetes-friendly diet and exercise plan. Immediate-release metformin comes as a tablet and an oral solution. You take this medication by mouth usually two to three times a day. It's recommended to take each dosage with food to help lessen side effects like diarrhea and nausea.

    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 in people ages 10 years and older
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Metformin vs. Glucovance

    Pros and Const for Biguanide
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice options for Type 2 diabetes
    •Works well at lowering blood sugar levels (can lower your A1C by up to 1.5% in a few months)
    •Unlikely to cause weight gain
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    Cons
    •Typically need to take a couple times per day
    •Can cause stomach upset, including diarrhea, nausea, gas, and stomach cramping
    •Not a good choice for people with severe kidney problems
    •Not recommended for people with liver problems
    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%)
    •Weakness (9%)
    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) when taken with certain other diabetes medications
    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

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