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Glipizide / Metformin Coupon - Glipizide / Metformin 5mg/500mg tablet

glipizide / metformin

Generic Metaglip
Used for Diabetes Type 2
Used for Diabetes Type 2

Glipizide/metformin combines two diabetes medications into one tablet: glipizide (a sulfonylurea) and metformin (a biguanide). It's approved to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults along with diet and exercise. This medication is typically taken by mouth once or twice a day. Some common side effects of glipizide/metformin can include diarrhea and headache; it isn't likely to cause weight gain or weight loss.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 15, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Glipizide/metformin?

What is Glipizide/metformin used for?

How Glipizide/metformin works

Glipizide/metformin contains two medications that lower blood sugar.

  • Glipizide is a sulfonylurea that tells your pancreas to release insulin.

  • Metformin is a biguanide, which lowers the amount of sugar your body makes and absorbs from food. It also improves your body's response to insulin.

Are you looking for information on metformin or glipizide alone instead?
When does Glipizide/metformin start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMetaglip (brand no longer available)
Drug ClassSulfonylurea / Biguanide
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$157.65(save 88.87%)
GoodRx discount
$17.54
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basics-icon

What are the side effects of Glipizide/metformin?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Diarrhea (18%)
  • Headache (13%)
  • Cold or flu infection (10%)
  • Low blood sugar levels (9%)
  • Muscle pain (8%)
  • Nausea, vomiting (8%)
  • Stomach pain (6%)
  • Dizziness (5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Urinary tract infection
  • Liver problems

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Lactic acidosis: muscle pain, severe stomach pain, shallow breathing, tiredness or weakness, change in heartbeat
  • Dangerously low blood sugar levels: feeling hungry, fast heartbeat, shakiness, anxiety, sweating, tingling, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, confusion, coma
When do Glipizide/metformin possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
MINUTES
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Diarrhea
Nausea or vomiting
Stomach pain
Risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels
Seek immediate medical care if you experience this side effect.
If a line continues to the right, you'll likely keep experiencing this side effect once it starts.

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Anxiety

blurred vision

chills

cold sweats

coma

confusion

cool pale skin

cough

depression

dizziness

fast heartbeat

fever

headache

increased hunger

nausea

nervousness

nightmares

seizures

shakiness

slurred speech

sneezing

sore throat

unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

difficult, burning, or painful urination

frequent urge to urinate

lower back or side pain

pounding in the ears

slow heartbeat

Rare

Abdominal discomfort

decreased appetite

diarrhea

fainting spells

fast, shallow breathing

general feeling of discomfort

muscle pain or cramping

shortness of breath

sleepiness

Symptoms of Overdose

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Abdominal discomfort

anxiety

behavior change, similar to drunkenness

blurred vision

cold sweats

coma

confusion

cool, pale skin

decreased appetite

diarrhea

difficulty in concentrating

drowsiness

excessive hunger

fast heartbeat

fast, shallow breathing

general feeling of discomfort

headache

muscle pain or cramping

nausea

nervousness

nightmares

restless sleep

seizures

shakiness

slurred speech

unusual sleepiness

unusual tiredness or weakness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More Common

Muscle or bone pain

stomach pain

vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Glipizide/metformin

thumbs-up

Pros

Taken by mouth

Combination medication, so more convenient to take

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Need to take with meals

Can't take during pregnancy

Not an option for children

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Glipizide/metformin

pharmacist

  • Glipizide/metformin can cause diarrhea. Typically, this is more common when you first start treatment and gets better over time. In the meantime, you can lower the risk of diarrhea by avoiding fatty or fried foods.

    • It's important to drink fluids and stay hydrated when you're taking glipizide/metformin. Dehydration can raise the risk of a severe side effect called lactic acidosis.

      • Give your prescriber and pharmacist a full list of the medications that you take so they can check for drug interactions. Metformin and glipizide can interact with many medications and raise the risk of unpleasant side effects.

        faqs

        Frequently asked questions about Glipizide/metformin

        How long does it take glipizide/metformin to work?
        Glipizide in glipizide/metformin can start to lower your blood sugar levels within 30 minutes after you take your medication. But it can take about 2 weeks before you start to see how well glipizide/metformin controls your blood sugar levels overall. It can take about 2 months for you to experience the full effects of metformin. When you first start glipizide/metformin, your diabetes care team will ask you to check your blood sugar levels regularly to see if it's within a goal range. If needed, they'll adjust your dose of glipizide/metformin every couple of weeks until you're at a dose that works well for you.
        Is glipizide/metformin same as insulin?
        Glipizide/metformin and insulin both can help manage blood sugar levels, but they do so in different ways. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body manage its blood sugar levels. And insulin medication is prescribed for people who either don't make insulin or whose body doesn't respond to insulin the way it should. Metformin controls blood sugar levels by helping the body respond better to insulin, while glipizide tells the body to release more insulin. Glipizide/metformin is taken by mouth, where as insulin medications are typically injected under the skin. Talk with your diabetes care team if you've more questions about glipizide/metformin and insulin.
        Can you take glipizide/metformin and Jardiance together?
        If glipizide/metformin isn't enough to help control your blood sugar levels, your diabetes care team might consider prescribing Jardiance (empagliflozin) to help. Jardiance (empagliflozin) works differently from glipzide and metformin; it helps control blood sugar levels by getting rid of sugar through the kidneys. This medication is a good option for people who have certain medical conditions, such as serious kidney problems of heart failure. Keep in mind that taking Jardiance (empagliflozin) with glipizide can raise your risk for dangerously low blood sugar levels. It's important to know how to recognize symptoms of low blood sugar levels and keep fast-acting sugars with you so, if needed, you can raise your blood sugar back to a safe level.
        Can I take Tylenol with glipizide/metformin?
        Acetaminophen (Tylenol) doesn't have a known interaction with glipizide/metformin. But acetaminophen (Tylenol) might not be a good option for certain people, such as those who have liver problems. To be on the safe side, however, you should always check with your healthcare professional (HCP) before starting any new medications.
        Should I take glipizide/metformin even if I skip a meal?
        Ask your diabetes care team what you should do if you skip a meal. Typically, you should take glipizide/metformin with meals. This is because glipizide is meant to lower blood sugar levels after you eat. If you take glipizide/metformin without eating, then you're at higher risk for dangerously low blood sugar levels, which can be very serious.
        Does glipizide/metformin cause diarrhea?
        Yes, diarrhea is one of the more common side effects of glipizide/metformin. Both glipizide and metformin can cause diarrhea and other stomach problems. It's generally more common during the first few weeks of starting glipizide/metformin and can get better over time. If you experience diarrhea after starting glipizide/metformin, taking it with food might help. If this side effect doesn't go away, let your diabetes care team know.
        Can I drink alcohol with glipizide/metformin?
        It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while taking glipizide/metformin. Drinking alcohol while taking metformin can raise your risk of lactic acidosis, a side effect where you have too much lactic acid in your body. And drinking alcohol while taking glipizide can put you at risk for dangerously low blood sugar levels. If you drink alcohol regularly and it's difficult for you to quit, talk with your diabetes care team before starting glipizide/metformin. They can let you know if there's a safer amount of alcohol to drink, teach you how to recognize symptoms of serious side effects, or talk with you about other options to treat diabetes.
        Is glipizide/metformin bad for your heart?
        A study of tolbutamide (a medication similar to glipizide in glipizide/metformin) suggests that taking sulfonylureas might raise the risk of death due to heart problems. It's unclear if glipizide carries this same risk. If you're worried about potential heart problems, or currently have heart problems, talk to your prescriber to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
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        What are the risks and warnings for Glipizide/metformin?

        Glipizide/metformin can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

        risk-warning

        Lactic acidosis

        • Risk factors: Kidney problems | Liver problems | Heart problems | Age 65 or greater | Heavy alcohol use | Using contrast dye | Conditions that lower your oxygen levels (e.g., heart failure) | Taking certain medications (e.g., topiramate (Topamax))

          Glipizide/metformin can, on rare occasions, cause a condition called lactic acidosis (too much lactic acid in your blood). If left untreated, this condition can lead to other health problems, including organ failure, which can be deadly. Discuss with your primary care provider about your medical history before starting glipizide/metformin and any planned procedures during treatment. They can check for your risk for lactic acidosis. Get medical attention right away if you experience trouble breathing, irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, belly pain, or feeling very tired or dizzy. These can be signs that you have too much lactic acid in your blood.

          risk-warning

          Possible risk of serious heart problems

          A study of tolbutamide (a medication similar to glipizide in glipizide/metformin) suggests that taking sulfonylureas might raise the risk of death due to heart problems. More research is needed in this area for glipizide/metformin. Let your provider know right away if you experience any symptoms of heart attack (chest pain, sweating, nausea, or dizziness) or heart failure (trouble breathing, tiredness, swelling in your body, or sudden weight gain). Your healthcare team might recommend that you go to the hospital and that you stop taking glipizide/metformin.

          risk-warning

          Low blood sugar levels

          • Risk factors: Missing meals or having inconsistent meal times | Drinking alcohol | Intense or long periods of exercise | Taking medications that lower blood sugar | Older adults | Kidney or liver problems

            Glipizide/metformin can cause your blood sugar levels to drop to dangerously low levels. Your risk is higher if you're taking other blood sugar medications, such as insulin, or if you don't eat after taking your dose of glipizide/metformin. When you first start glipizide/metformin, your provider might ask you to check your blood sugar more often to make sure it doesn't drop too much. Symptoms of low blood sugar levels include feeling shaky, being nervous or anxious, fast heartbeat, sweating or body chills, confusion, and feeling very hungry.

            Make sure you and your family know how to treat low blood sugar and when they need to call 911. It's best to keep emergency fast-acting sugars with you at all times, in case you need to bring your blood sugar back up to a safer range.

            risk-warning

            Low vitamin B12 levels

            • Risk factors: Long-term use of metformin | Lower than average calcium or vitamin B12 intake or absorption

              Taking glipizide/metformin for a long period of time can cause your vitamin B12 levels to drop. Having low vitamin B12 levels can lead to a higher risk of anemia. Your provider will check your vitamin B12 levels through blood work every 2 to 3 years. If needed, your provider might recommend that you take vitamin B12 supplementation. Let your provider know if you frequently have low energy, dizziness, muscle problems, or tingling or numbness in your hands and feet.

              dosage

              Glipizide/metformin dosage forms

              The average cost for 180 tablets of 5mg/500mg of Glipizide/metformin is $50.70 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 67.84% off the average retail price of $157.65.
              tablet
              Tablet
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              2.5mg/250mg90 tablets$17.54$0.19
              2.5mg/500mg60 tablets$19.96$0.33
              5mg/500mg180 tablets$50.70$0.28

              Typical dosing for Glipizide/metformin

              Glipizide/metformin is available in many different strengths so make sure you know which strength you are taking.

              • Adults: The typical starting dose is 2.5 mg/250 mg (glipizide/metformin) by mouth twice daily with a meal. Your prescriber will adjust your dose based on your blood sugar levels. The maximum daily dose is 20 mg/2,000 mg (glipizide/metformin) taken by mouth in divided doses.

              interactions

              Interactions between Glipizide/metformin and other drugs

              Glipizide/metformin may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Glipizide/metformin. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

              • Acetrizoic Acid
              • Diatrizoate
              • Ethiodized Oil
              • Iobenzamic Acid
              • Iobitridol
              • Iocarmic Acid
              • Iocetamic Acid
              • Iodamide
              • Iodipamide
              • Iodixanol
              • Iodohippuric Acid
              • Iodopyracet
              • Iodoxamic Acid
              • Ioglicic Acid
              • Ioglycamic Acid
              • Iohexol
              • Iomeprol
              • Iopamidol
              • Iopanoic Acid
              • Iopentol
              • Iophendylate
              • Iopromide
              • Iopronic Acid
              • Ioseric Acid
              • Iosimide
              • Iotasul
              • Iothalamate
              • Iotrolan
              • Iotroxic Acid
              • Ioxaglate
              • Ioxitalamic Acid
              • Ipodate
              • Metrizamide
              • Metrizoic Acid
              • Tyropanoate Sodium

              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

              drug-cost

              How much does Glipizide/metformin cost?

              To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
              Glipizide/metformin (generic)
              GoodRx lowest price

              $17.54

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              contraindications-icon

              Glipizide/metformin contraindications

              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Glipizide/metformin will not be safe for you to take.
              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Glipizide/metformin?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Glipizide/metformin. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Glipizide/metformin
              Used for:
              $17.54 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Glimepiride (Amaryl)
              Used for:

              • Type 2 diabetes in adults

              $18.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              Metformin ER
              Used for:
              $17.46 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
              images

              Glipizide/metformin images

              Pink Oval 93 And 7457 - Glipizide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
              This medicine is Pink, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "93" And "7457".Pink Oval 93 And 7457 - Glipizide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
              Pink Round Cor 169 - Glipizide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
              This medicine is Pink, Round Tablet Imprinted With "Cor 169".Pink Round Cor 169 - Glipizide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
              Pink Oblong U 786 - Glipizide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
              This medicine is Pink, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "U 786".Pink Oblong U 786 - Glipizide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
              Pink Oblong U 786 - Glipizide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
              This medicine is Pink, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "U 786".Pink Oblong U 786 - Glipizide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
              Pink Oval Ze66 - Glipizide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet
              This medicine is Pink, Oval Tablet Imprinted With "Ze66".Pink Oval Ze66 - Glipizide / Metformin Hydrochloride 5mg-500mg Tablet

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              References

              Best studies we found

              Actavis Pharma, Inc. (2023). Glipizide- glipizide tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Treatment of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

              Chartwell RC, LLC. (2023). Glipizide and metformin HCl tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.

              View All References (2)

              National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2022). Vitamin B12–Deficiency anemia.

              You and Your Hormones. (2021). Insulin.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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