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Compare Ozempic vs. Metformin

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

Key takeaways

Ozempic (semaglutide) and metformin are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they belong to different drug classes. Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist, while metformin is a biguanide. Ozempic is administered as a subcutaneous injection once a week, whereas metformin is taken orally, usually once or twice a day. Ozempic is also approved to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Metformin is used to control blood sugar and lower the risk of death in Type 2 diabetes. Common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while metformin often causes diarrhea, nausea, and gas. Ozempic can cause low blood sugar when taken with other diabetes medications, whereas metformin rarely causes low blood sugar on its own. Additionally, Ozempic is not recommended for people with a history of certain thyroid cancers, while metformin should be used cautiously in those with kidney problems due to the risk of lactic acidosis.

  • Ozempic (semaglutide)
    Metformin
  • Ozempic (semaglutide)
    Metformin

  • Summary of Ozempic vs. Metformin

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription injection used with diet and exercise to help manage Type 2 diabetes in adults. It's also FDA approved to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in those with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In addition, it can reduce the risk of worsening kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist that's injected under the skin once a week. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

    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.

  • Indications of Ozempic vs. Metformin

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    •Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
    •Lower the risk of worsening kidney problems and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD)
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in people ages 10 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Ozempic vs. Metformin

    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Only given once per week
    •Might help you lose weight
    •Helps lower the risk of heart problems and kidney problems in people with type 2 diabetes
    •Can store open and used pens at room temperature for up to 8 weeks
    Cons
    •Is an injection given under the skin
    •Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    •Risk of low blood sugar if taken with certain diabetes medications
    •Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Ozempic vs. Metformin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (16-20%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Vomiting (5-9%)
    •Stomach pain (6-7%)
    •Constipation (3-5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (53%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (26%)
    •Gas (12%)
    •Weakness (9%)

  • Warnings of Ozempic vs. Metformin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of thyroid tumors
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Eye problems
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications
    •Kidney damage
    •Severe stomach problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Lactic acidosis
    •Low vitamin B12 levels
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain other diabetes medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Ozempic vs. Metformin

    Learn more about Ozempic
    Learn more about Metformin

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