Compare Farxiga vs. metformin

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

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Farxiga (dapagliflozin)

Prescription only

Glucophage (metformin)

Prescription only
Lowers blood sugar.

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) can be used together with other diabetes medicines to help lower your blood sugar, but it can be expensive because it's brand name.

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
  • Can lower A1c by 1% (A1c measures your average blood sugar over time.)
  • Can help you lose weight.
  • Less chance of low blood sugar than other diabetes medicines.
  • 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
  • Not a first choice medicine for diabetes because it doesn't lower blood sugar as much as other medicines.
  • Higher risk of genital yeast infections and urinary tract infections.
  • This is an expensive medication with no generic available at this time.
  • Not shown to improve cardiovascular outcomes like other similar medicines because it can increase cholesterol.
  • Not a good choice if you drink a lot of alcohol.
  • 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
$485.32
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Lowest price
$4.00
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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
13possible side effects
  • Female yeast infection
    8%
  • Common cold symptoms
    7%
  • Urinary tract infection
    6%
  • Back pain
    3%
  • Increased urination
    3%
  • Male yeast infection
    3%
  • Nausea
    3%
  • Flu
    3%
  • Increased cholesterol
    2%
  • Constipation
    2%
  • Discomfort with urination
    2%
  • Pain in hands and feet
    2%
  • Mild low blood sugar
    2%
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
  • Genital yeast infection
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Low blood pressure
    • Taking water pills for blood pressure
    • Over age 65
    • Kidney problems
  • Kidney problems
    • Kidney damage
    • Taking water pills, ACE inhibitors or ARBs for blood pressure
    • Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs)
    • Heart failure
  • Increased acid and ketones in the blood
    • Long periods of fasting
    • Alcohol abuse
    • Dehydration
    • History of pancreatitis
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 Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
Learn more about Glucophage (metformin)