Compare glyburide vs. Afrezza
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Lowers blood sugar.
Diabeta (glyburide) is a good oral anti-diabetic medicine, but can cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.
●●●●●
3.3/ 5 average rating with 110 reviewsforglyburide
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
- Available as an oral tablet.
- Lowers your A1c (average blood sugar over time) up to 2%.
- Available in generic version.
- Available in single pill combination with other anti-diabetic medicines.
- 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
- More likely to cause hypoglycemia or low blood sugar than other types of oral anti-diabetics.
- You will have to check your blood sugar often when you first start taking it.
- Can cause weight gain (about 2 to 3 pounds).
- Not ideal for elderly or those with poor kidney function.
- May not work as well for those with severe diabetes and when pancreas cannot produce insulin.
- 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
- Inhalation powder
Price
Lowest price
$23.82
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$1696.10
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
110 reviews so far
45%
saidit'sworth it
34%
saiditworked well
21%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Diabeta (glyburide)?
Leave a reviewNot enough review data.Leave a review
Side effects
6possible side effects
- Cough28%
- Throat pain or irritation6%
- Headache5%
- Worsening lung function test3%
- Airway inflammation3%
- Urinary tract infection2%
Risks and risk factors
- Low blood sugar
- Over age 65
- Kidney problems
- Use of other blood sugar lowering medicines
- Alcohol
- Intense physical activity
- Severe allergic reactions
- History of sulfa allergies
- 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