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Compare Trulicity vs. Metformin

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

  • Trulicity (dulaglutide)
    Metformin
  • Trulicity (dulaglutide)
    Metformin

  • Summary of Trulicity vs. Metformin

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that helps control blood sugar in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. It's also approved to lower the risk of heart problems like heart attacks, strokes, and heart-related death in certain adults with Type 2 diabetes. The medication is injected under the skin once a week. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. When taken with certain diabetes medications like insulin, there's a higher risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

    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 Trulicity vs. Metformin

    Indications for
    •Manage Type 2 diabetes in people 10 years and older, along with diet and exercise
    •Lower the risk of heart problems like heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with Type 2 diabetes who have heart disease or heart-related risk factors
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in people ages 10 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Trulicity vs. Metformin

    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Works well at lowering A1C
    •Comes as a ready-to-use injectable pen
    •Only used once a week
    •Helps with weight loss
    Cons
    •Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain
    •Potential risk for thyroid tumors
    •Can cause problems in the pancreas, kidney, and gallbladder
    •Not recommended for people with stomach problems
    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 Trulicity vs. Metformin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (12-21%)
    •Diarrhea (7-13%)
    •Vomiting (6-13%)
    •Stomach pain (7-9%)
    •Low appetite (5-9%)
    •Fatigue (4-6%)
    •Indigestion (3-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (53%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (26%)
    •Gas (12%)
    •Weakness (9%)

  • Warnings of Trulicity vs. Metformin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Thyroid cancer
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Low blood sugar when used with certain diabetes medications
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Kidney damage
    •Severe stomach-related side effects
    •Worsening eye problems in people with diabetic retinopathy
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Breathing fluid into your lungs 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 Trulicity vs. Metformin

    Learn more about Trulicity
    Learn more about Metformin

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