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Compare Tradjenta vs. Glucophage

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

Key takeaways

Tradjenta (linagliptin) and metformin are both prescription medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they belong to different medication classes. Tradjenta (linagliptin) is a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, while metformin is a biguanide. Tradjenta is taken as a 5 mg tablet once daily, whereas metformin is typically started at 500 mg twice daily or 850 mg once daily and can go up to a maximum of 2,550 mg per day. Tradjenta is only available as a brand-name medication, while metformin is available in both generic and brand-name forms, including liquid and long-acting tablets. Common side effects of Tradjenta include cold symptoms and diarrhea, while metformin often causes stomach issues like diarrhea and nausea. Taking Tradjenta with medications like insulin and sulfonylureas increases the risk of low blood sugar. Metformin can increase your risk for lactic acidosis, especially if taken with contrast dyes used for some imaging procedures.

  • Tradjenta (linagliptin)
    Metformin
  • Tradjenta (linagliptin)
    Metformin

  • Summary of Tradjenta vs. Glucophage

    Summary for DDP-4 inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Tradjenta (linagliptin) is a prescription medication that's used along with a balanced diet and exercise to manage blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's a type of diabetes medication called a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor. The dose is 5 mg (1 tablet) that's taken by mouth once per day. Tradjenta (linagliptin) doesn't cause many side effects but can sometimes include runny nose, sneezing, and diarrhea. As of 2024, Tradjenta (linagliptin) is available as a brand-name medication only; there's no generic version yet.

    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 Tradjenta vs. Glucophage

    Indications for
    •Improve blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes (as an add-on to a nutritious diet and exercise routine)
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in people ages 10 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Tradjenta vs. Glucophage

    Pros and Const for DDP-4 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Only taken once a day
    •Can take with or without food
    •Has little to no effect on weight
    Cons
    •Not approved for people with Type 1 diabetes
    •Lowers A1C (average blood sugar level over a 3-month period) by less than 1%
    •Not approved for protecting the heart or kidneys
    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 Tradjenta vs. Glucophage

    Common Side Effects for
    •Common cold symptoms (runny nose, sneezing, coughing; 7%)
    •Diarrhea (3%)
    •Cough (2%)

    Note: Side effects were reported by people who took Tradjenta (linagliptin) by itself or people who took Tradjenta (linagliptin) with other diabetes.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (53%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (26%)
    •Gas (12%)
    •Weakness (9%)

  • Warnings of Tradjenta vs. Glucophage

    Common Side Effects for
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Risk for low blood sugar when taken with certain other diabetes medications
    •Heart failure
    •Severe joint pain
    •Serious allergic reactions
    •Severe skin reaction
    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 Tradjenta vs. Glucophage

    Learn more about Tradjenta
    Learn more about Metformin

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