Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Rybelsus vs. Metformin

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

Key takeaways

Rybelsus (semaglutide) and metformin (Glumetza) 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 metformin is a biguanide. Rybelsus is taken once daily on an empty stomach, whereas metformin is typically taken once or twice daily with food to minimize stomach upset. Rybelsus is only available as a brand-name medication, while metformin is available in both generic and brand-name forms. Common side effects of Rybelsus include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and it carries a risk of thyroid cancer. Metformin can cause diarrhea, nausea, and gas, and it has a rare but serious risk of lactic acidosis (excess acid in the blood). Rybelsus can interact with other medications by affecting their absorption, while metformin's interactions are more related to its potential to cause low blood sugar when combined with other diabetes medications.

  • Rybelsus (semaglutide)
    Metformin
  • Rybelsus (semaglutide)
    Metformin

  • Summary of Rybelsus vs. Metformin

    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 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 Rybelsus vs. Metformin

    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 in people ages 10 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Rybelsus vs. Metformin

    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 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 Rybelsus vs. Metformin

    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
    •Diarrhea (53%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (26%)
    •Gas (12%)
    •Weakness (9%)

  • Warnings of Rybelsus 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 side effects
    •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 Rybelsus vs. Metformin

    Learn more about Rybelsus
    Learn more about Metformin

Compare other Diabetes Type 2 drugs

Farxiga vs RybelsusJanuvia vs RybelsusRybelsus vs GlipizideRybelsus vs JardianceRybelsus vs MetforminRybelsus vs MounjaroRybelsus vs OzempicRybelsus vs PhentermineRybelsus vs SaxendaRybelsus vs TrulicityRybelsus vs WegovyZepbound vs RybelsusAlli vs PhentermineBenzphetamine vs PhentermineContrave vs PhentermineDiethylpropion vs PhentermineLomaira vs PhentermineMetformin vs PhentermineOrlistat vs PhenterminePhendimetrazine vs PhenterminePhentermine vs AdderallPhentermine vs BenzphetaminePhentermine vs MounjaroPhentermine vs OzempicPhentermine vs ZepboundQsymia vs PhentermineSaxenda vs PhentermineTenuate vs PhentermineWegovy vs PhentermineWellbutrin vs Phentermine
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.