Compare Byetta vs. Glucotrol

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

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Byetta (Exenatide)

Prescription only

Glucotrol (glipizide)

Prescription only
Lowers blood sugar.

Byetta (Exenatide) can lower your blood sugars in addition to metformin. It does not increase your appetite unlike some other anti-diabetics, but must be given by injection and usually causes upset stomach.

Lowers blood sugar.

Glucotrol (glipizide) is an effective medicine for lowering blood sugar, but it can cause your blood sugar level to be too low so you must always carry some form of sugar with you that can be readily used.

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3.2/ 5 average rating with 332 reviewsforGlucotrol
Upsides
  • Can lower your A1c (average blood sugar over time) by 1%.
  • Not as likely to cause very low blood sugar as glyburine or insulin.
  • Does not increase your appetite like other anti-diabetic medicines.
  • Pen is dialed to a single dose for easy injections.
  • Lowers A1c levels by 1-2%.
  • Glucotrol (glipizide) 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.
  • Okay to use by people with kidney problems.
  • Available as a generic form and is relatively cheap.
Downsides
  • Byetta (Exenatide) must be injected twice a day. Other medicines like it can be injected once daily or even weekly.
  • It commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or indigestion.
  • Can affect how well your antibiotics and birth control pills work. Take them no sooner than one hour after your injections.
  • Has a higher risk than other diabetes medicine for causing blood sugar levels to be too low.
  • While taking Glucotrol (glipizide), your blood sugars should be checked 2 to 5 times a week, but less often once you are on a stable dose.
  • Can cause mild weight gain of 2-3lb.
  • Might lose its effectiveness over time.
  • Needs to be taken 30 minutes before a meal for it to be most effective.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Injection
  • Pill
  • Extended release pill
Price
No pricing information available
Lowest price
$16.84
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Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
332 reviews so far
50%
saidit'sworth it
32%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Glucotrol (glipizide)?

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Side effects
3possible side effects
  • Nausea
    8%
  • Vomiting
    4%
  • Upset stomach
    3%
See more detailed side effects
9possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    7%
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Nervousness
    4%
  • Tremor
    4%
  • Low blood sugar
    3%
  • Constipation
    3%
  • Passing gas
    3%
  • Nausea
    3%
  • Headache
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Loss of medication effectiveness
  • Pancreatitis
  • Kidney problems
    • Severe renal impairment
    • End-stage renal disease
  • Serious stomach problems
    • Severe gastrointestinal disease
    • Gastroparesis
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Serious heart problems
  • 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
  • Kidney and liver disease
    • Those with kidney and/or liver disease
  • Breakdown of red blood cells
    • People with G6PD deficiency
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Byetta (Exenatide)
Learn more about Glucotrol (glipizide)