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Compare Precose vs. Victoza

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

Key takeaways

Acarbose (Precose) and Victoza (liraglutide) are both used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they work in different ways and have different forms of administration. Acarbose is an oral medication that slows down the digestion of carbohydrates in your gut, which helps lower blood sugar levels after meals. It is taken three times a day with each main meal. On the other hand, Victoza is an injectable medication that you use once a day. It works by telling your body to release more insulin, stopping the release of more sugar, and slowing down digestion. Both medications are more likely to cause hypoglycemia if taken with other medicaitons to treat diabetes. Victoza can lower the risk of heart-related problems in certain adults with Type 2 diabetes. Acarbose can cause side effects like gas and diarrhea, whereas Victoza might cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, Victoza has a risk of serious side effects like pancreatitis and thyroid cancer, which are not associated with acarbose.

  • Acarbose
    Victoza (liraglutide)
  • Acarbose
    Victoza (liraglutide)

  • Summary of Precose vs. Victoza

    Summary for Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Acarbose is a medication that's used together with a healthy diet and exercise to help control blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It isn't as commonly used as other diabetes medications since it can lead to some unpleasant side effects like gas and diarrhea. But acarbose is less likely to cause hypoglycemia compared to other diabetes medications when used on its own. This medication is only available as the generic name acarbose since the brand name Precose has been discontinued.

    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 Precose 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 Precose vs. Victoza

    Pros and Const for Alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Not likely to cause weight gain, instead it might cause weight loss
    •Helps control blood sugar levels after you're eating
    •Low risk of low blood sugar when used alone
    •Can be used with other diabetes medications
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Must be taken multiple times a day
    •Needs to be taken with meals
    •Side effects include excessive gas and diarrhea
    •Not recommended for people with severe kidney problems
    •Typically not considered a first-choice treatment option
    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 Precose vs. Victoza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Excessive gas (74%)
    •Diarrhea (31%)
    •Stomach pain (19%)
    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 Precose vs. Victoza

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar when taken together with other diabetes medications
    •Changes in liver labs
    •Losing control of blood sugar
    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 Precose vs. Victoza

    Learn more about Acarbose
    Learn more about Victoza

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