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.
