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Compare Metformin vs. Victoza

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

Key takeaways

Metformin (Glucophage) and Victoza (liraglutide) are both prescription medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and have different forms of administration. Metformin is an oral medication that helps lower blood sugar by reducing the amount of sugar your body makes or absorbs. It’s usually taken once or twice daily with food to minimize stomach side effects like diarrhea and nausea. On the other hand, Victoza is a GLP-1 agonist that is injected once daily and works by telling your body to release more insulin, stopping the release of more sugar, and slowing down digestion. While both medications can help lower blood sugar levels, Victoza also has the added benefit of potentially reducing the risk of major heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Victoza can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and injection site reactions, while metformin can cause diarrhea and nausea. While metformin is safe for use during pregnancy, Victoza should be avoided.

  • Metformin
    Victoza (liraglutide)
  • Metformin
    Victoza (liraglutide)

  • Summary of Metformin vs. Victoza

    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 GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Victoza (liraglutide) is a medication that's injected once a day. It helps lower blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes when used with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. It can also help lower the risk of heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Victoza (liraglutide) belongs to the drug class called GLP-1 agonists. The medication comes as single-dose prefilled pens and is injected under the skin. It can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Victoza (liraglutide) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Metformin vs. Victoza

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in people age 10 and older, together with a balanced diet and exercise
    •Lowering the risk of serious heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

  • Pros and Cons of Metformin vs. Victoza

    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 GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Lowers A1C by up to 1% over a year
    •Can take with or without food at any time of day
    •Available as an injectable pen
    Cons
    •Must inject once a day
    •Might have uncomfortable side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, and headache
    •Can slow down gut movement, which can affect how other medications get absorbed into the body

  • Common Side Effects of Metformin vs. Victoza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (53%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (26%)
    •Gas (12%)
    •Indigestion (7%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Headache (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 20%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 12%)
    •Headache (up to 11%)
    •Common cold symptoms (up to 10%)
    •Lower appetite (up to 10%)
    •Vomiting (up to 9%)
    •Indigestion (up to 7%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 7%)
    •Constipation (5%)

  • Warnings of Metformin vs. Victoza

    Common Side Effects for
    •LACTIC ACIDOSIS
    •LOW VITAMIN B12 LEVELS
    •LOW BLOOD SUGAR (HYPOGLYCEMIA)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible risk of thyroid cancer
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Kidney damage
    •Allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation

  • Prices with our coupons for Metformin vs. Victoza

    Learn more about Metformin
    Learn more about Victoza

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