Compare Glucotrol vs. Afrezza
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
Controls mealtime blood sugar.
Afrezza (insulin) is effective at controlling blood sugar, but you can't use it if you've had lung problems or smoke.
Upsides
- 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.
- Afrezza (insulin) is as effective as other mealtime insulin products.
- Starts working faster and stays in your body for a shorter time than other mealtime insulin products, so you're less likely to have severely low blood sugar.
- If you don't like needles, Afrezza (insulin) is a good alternative since you inhale it.
- Safe to use in people 65 or older.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about ways to lower your copay, such as coupons.
Downsides
- 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.
- Not recommended if you're a smoker or if you've smoked in the last 6 months.
- Afrezza (insulin) only comes in 3 different strengths, so it can be inconvenient if you need a lot of insulin.
- Not recommended in children under 18.
- If you're pregnant, you'll need to talk to your doctor before you start Afrezza (insulin).
- There is no generic available, and may not be covered right away by Medicare or other insurances.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Inhalation powder
Price
Lowest price
$16.84
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$1720.32
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Reviews
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
9possible side effects
- Dizziness7%
- Diarrhea5%
- Nervousness4%
- Tremor4%
- Low blood sugar3%
- Constipation3%
- Passing gas3%
- Nausea3%
- Headache2%
6possible side effects
- Cough28%
- Throat pain or irritation6%
- Headache5%
- Worsening lung function test3%
- Airway inflammation3%
- Urinary tract infection2%
Risks and risk factors
- 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
- Low blood sugar
- Changes in diet and exercise
- Drinking alcohol
- Taking other medications for diabetes
- Over age 65
- Liver or kidney problems
- Breathing problems
- Asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Other long term lung problems
- Low blood potassium levels
- Taking laxatives
- Taking medications that increase urination
- Worsening lung function
- Smoking
- Second-hand smoke
- Indoor and outdoor pollution
- Work-related fume and chemical exposure
- Fluid buildup
- Taking Avandia or Actos
- Too much acid in the blood
- Type 1 diabetes
- Long periods of fasting
- Alchohol abuse
- History of pancreatitis