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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)

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Metformin

 

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Summary for Tradjenta

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.

Indications for Tradjenta

Pros and Cons for Tradjenta

Pros

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

Common Side Effects for Tradjenta

  • 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.

Warnings for Tradjenta

  • 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

Summary for Glucophage

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 Glucophage

Pros and Cons for Glucophage

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 Glucophage

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

Warnings for Glucophage

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Tradjenta30 tablets / 5mg
$277.80$631.43
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Price Card Drug Icon
Metformin60 tablets / 500mg
$9.00$9.00
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