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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)

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Metformin

 

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Summary for Rybelsus

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. You take it as a pill once a day, at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medicatons 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.

Indications for Rybelsus

Pros and Cons for Rybelsus

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

Common Side Effects for Rybelsus

  • Nausea (11-20%)
  • Stomach pain (10-11%)
  • Diarrhea (9-10%)
  • Lower appetite (6-9%)
  • Vomiting (6-8%)
  • Constipation (5-6%)

Warnings for Rybelsus

  • 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

Summary for Metformin

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 for Metformin

Pros and Cons for Metformin

Pros

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 for Metformin

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

Warnings for Metformin

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Rybelsus30 tablets / 3mg
$1,004.02$1,540.78
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Price Card Drug Icon
Metformin60 tablets / 500mg
$8.63$30.87
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