Metformin vs Glipizide

What is Metformin

Metformin (Glucophage Xr) is an inexpensive medicine used to treat high blood sugar levels caused by type 2 diabetes. It is is more popular than comparable drugs. It is available in both brand and generic versions. Generic metformin is covered by most Medicare and insurance plans, but some pharmacy coupons or cash prices may be lower.

Metformin price

$ 30.00 (500mg x 30 pills)

prices from H&B Pharmacy

How does metformin work

Metformin works in a number of ways to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

1. It increases the sensitivity of muscle cells to insulin. This enables these cells to remove sugar from the blood more effectively.
2. In every human body, the liver releases small amounts of glucose throughout the day. The primary effect of taking metformin is that this release of glucose from the liver is lessened, resulting in lower blood sugars.
3. It delays the absorption of sugar from the intestines into the bloodstream after eating so that there is less of a spike in blood sugar levels after meals.

Patients also tend to see their cholesterol levels drop and an increase in sensitivity to insulin. Some metformin users lose weight because of the drug's affect on appetite, naturally leading the patient to eat fewer calories!

How to take metformin (dosage)

For the first week of treatment you will usually be asked to take 500mg metformin once a day.

After this, your dose may be gradually increased, either by taking the medicine two and then three times a day, or by taking higher strength tablets. It's important that you always follow the instructions given by your doctor. These will be printed on the dispensing label that your pharmacist has put on the medicine. If you are unsure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

All forms of metformin should be taken with a meal or a snack.

Side effects

• Bloating, constipation;
• Stomach pain, heartburn;
• Indigestion, diarrhea;
• Headache, dizziness;
• Unpleasant metallic taste in your mouth;
• Nail changes;
• Muscle or chest pain;
• Extreme tiredness;
• Fast or slow heartbeat;
• Flushing of the skin or a rash;
• Feeling cold;
• Decreased appetite;
• Deep or rapid breathing or shortness of breath.

What is Glipizide

Glipizide (Glucotrol) is a prescription meds that's used along with diet and exercise, and sometimes with other medications, to reduce blood sugar levels in people with high blood sugar caused by type 2 diabetes. It's available in oral immediate-release tablet, oral extended-release tablet and generic form. Generic drugs usually cost less.

Glipizide price

$ 20.00 (5mg x 30 pills)

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How does glipizide work

Glipizide works mainly by stimulating the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. These cells are called beta cells. Glipizide causes the beta cells to produce more insulin. This helps to decrease the amount of sugar in the blood of people with type 2 diabetes.

Glipizide also increases the uptake of sugar from the blood into muscle and fat cells and decreases the production of sugar by the liver.

Glipizide is a first line option for treating type 2 diabetes in people who are not overweight, or who cannot take metformin. It is used when diet and exercise have failed to control blood sugar levels. It can also be used in combination with other antidiabetic medicines to provide better control of blood sugar.

Many medications may affect how well glipizide works, change your blood sugar levels, or increase your risk of side effects. To be safe, tell your pharmacist or doctor about everything you take: prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbs. They are the experts who can help you prevent or minimize drug interactions by adjusting your medications or doses as needed.

How to take glipizide (dosage)

The regular Glipizide tablet is usually taken one or more times a day, 30 minutes before breakfast or meals. The extended-release tablet is usually taken once a day with breakfast. Take glucotrol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of glipizide and gradually increase your dose if needed. After you have taken glucotrol for some time, glucotrol may not control your blood sugar as well as it did at the beginning of your treatment. Your doctor may adjust the dose of your medication as needed so that the medication will work best for you. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling and if your blood sugar test results have been higher or lower than normal at any time during your treatment.

Side effects

• Diarrhea;
• Dizziness;
• Red or itchy skin;
• Uncontrollable shaking;
• Dark urine;
• Light-colored stools;
• Yellowing of the eyes or skin;
• Mental or mood changes;
• Fever, sore throat;
• Pain in the upper right area of the stomach;
• Unusual bleeding or bruising;
• Unusual or sudden weight gain;
• Extreme mental or mood changes;
• Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat.