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Compare Rybelsus vs. Glipizide

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

Key takeaways

Rybelsus (semaglutide) and Glucotrol XL (glipizide) are both oral medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they belong to different medication classes. Rybelsus is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, while Glucotrol XL is a sulfonylurea. Rybelsus is taken once daily on an empty stomach, whereas Glucotrol XL is typically taken once daily before breakfast or the largest meal. Rybelsus is only available as a brand-name medication, while Glucotrol XL is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of Rybelsus include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and it carries a risk of thyroid tumors. Glucotrol XL can cause dizziness and diarrhea, and it has a risk of low blood sugar, especially if taken without food. Rybelsus can interact with other medications by affecting their absorption. Both Rybelsus and Glucotrol XL have a higher risk of causing low blood sugar when combined with other diabetes medications.

  • Rybelsus (semaglutide)
    Glipizide
  • Rybelsus (semaglutide)
    Glipizide

  • Summary of Rybelsus vs. Glipizide

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a brand-name GLP-1 agonist that helps lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's also FDA approved to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in people with Type 2 diabetes who are at risk for these events. The medication comes as a pill that's taken by mouth once a day, at least 30 minutes before you eat, drink, or take any other medications by mouth. It’s used along with diet and exercise, and might also help with weight loss. Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

    Summary for Sulfonylurea
    Prescription only

    Glipizide is a sulfonylurea medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It lowers blood sugar levels by telling your pancreas to release more insulin. Glipizide is taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. Some side effects of this medication include dizziness and diarrhea. Taking glipizide can also put you at risk for dangerously low blood sugar, so it's important to take this medication with meals.

  • Indications of Rybelsus vs. Glipizide

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    •Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes at high risk for these events
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes

  • Pros and Cons of Rybelsus vs. Glipizide

    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Only needs to be taken once per day
    •First GLP-1 agonist in pill form
    •Helps lower blood sugar and might also support weight loss
    Cons
    •Must be taken on an empty stomach
    •Stomach side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain are common
    •Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes
    Pros and Const for Sulfonylurea
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth
    •Extended-release tablets taken once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Raises your risk for low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
    •Need to take with meals or 30 minutes before a meal
    •Can cause some weight gain as a side effect

  • Common Side Effects of Rybelsus vs. Glipizide

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (11-20%)
    •Stomach pain (10-11%)
    •Diarrhea (9-10%)
    •Lower appetite (6-9%)
    •Vomiting (6-8%)
    •Constipation (5-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (7%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    •Nervousness (4%)
    •Tremor (4%)
    •Passing gas (3%)
    •Low blood sugar levels (3%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by people who took glipizide ER (Glucotrol XL) in clinical studies.

  • Warnings of Rybelsus vs. Glipizide

    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 side effects
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar levels
    •Risk of low red blood cell count (hemolytic anemia)
    •Possible risk of serious heart problems
    •Risk of harm in people with certain stomach problems (extended-release tablets)

  • Prices with our coupons for Rybelsus vs. Glipizide

    Learn more about Rybelsus
    Learn more about Glipizide

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