Compare Amaryl vs. metformin

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

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Amaryl (glimepiride)

Prescription only

Glucophage (metformin)

Prescription only
Lowers blood sugar.

Amaryl (glimepiride) is an effective medicine for lowering blood sugar, but it can cause weight gain.

Lowers blood sugar.

Glucophage (metformin) is the first choice medicine to control your blood sugar and lower the risk of death from diabetes, although a few people may not tolerate the stomach side effects.

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3.7/ 5 average rating with 938 reviewsformetformin
Upsides
  • Needs to be taken only once a day.
  • Effectively lowers blood sugar and A1c levels by 1-2%. (A1c is a test that measures your average blood sugars over the past 3 months).
  • Amaryl (glimepiride) is an oral medicine so it might be a good alternative for those who don't like injections.
  • Protects your organs and blood vessels by preventing the harmful effects of high blood sugar levels.
  • Available as a generic form and is relatively cheap.
  • Improves sugar control and lowers A1c levels as much as 2%.
  • One of the few diabetes medicines that lowers the risk of death from diabetes-related complications.
  • Doesn't cause weight gain.
  • Rarely causes low blood sugar.
Downsides
  • Amaryl (glimepiride) might cause weight gain.
  • Has a higher risk than other diabetes medicine for causing blood sugar levels to be too low.
  • Not preferred for people age 65 or older because they are at higher risk of experiencing side effects such as low blood sugar.
  • Might lose its effectiveness over time.
  • Needs to be taken 30 minutes before a meal for it to be most effective.
  • Often causes stomach upset, like diarrhea, nausea, gas, or stomach cramping.
  • Usually not a good choice for people with kidney problems. Your doctor will tell you if Glucophage (metformin) is right for you to take.
  • Excessive or chronic alcohol use can increase the risk of a dangerous side effect.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
  • Extended release pill
  • Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$17.00
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Lowest price
$23.27
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Reviews
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938 reviews so far
65%
saidit'sworth it
46%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
5possible side effects
  • Headache
    8%
  • Accidental injury
    6%
  • Flu syndrome
    5%
  • Nausea
    5%
  • Dizziness
    5%
See more detailed side effects
7possible side effects
  • Diarrhea
    53%
  • Nausea/vomiting
    26%
  • Gas
    12%
  • Weakness
    9%
  • Indigestion
    7%
  • Stomach pain
    6%
  • Headache
    6%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Low blood sugar
    • Skipping meals or having inconsistent meal times
    • Drinking alcohol
    • Using other blood sugar-lowering medicine
    • People age 60 or older
    • Those with kidney and/or liver problems
  • Severe allergic reaction
    • History of allergy to sulfa-containing medicine
  • Breakdown of red blood cells
    • People with G6PD deficiency
  • Serious heart problems
  • Kidney and liver disease
    • Those with kidney and/or liver disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Excess lactic acid in the blood
    • Kidney problems
    • Liver problems
    • Congestive heart failure
    • Using contrast dye for procedures
    • Surgery
    • Alcohol use
  • Low vitamin B12 levels
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Amaryl (glimepiride)
Learn more about Glucophage (metformin)