Compare metformin vs. Lantus
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
Lowers blood sugar.
Lantus (insulin glargine) is an effective, long-acting insulin that provides all-day blood sugar control, but it can cause low blood sugar levels, so be sure to have a source of sugar nearby.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 584 reviewsforLantus
Upsides
- 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.
- Insulin is one of the most effective blood sugar-lowering medication and can lower your A1c (average blood sugar over time) by up to 2-3%.
- Lantus (insulin glargine) is a long-lasting insulin that provides consistent, all-day sugar control with just once or twice daily dosing.
- Dose can be easily adjusted to make a customized regimen that's tailored to your body's needs.
- Lantus (insulin glargine) can be used with liver or kidney problems.
Downsides
- 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.
- You have to take insulin by injection.
- You have to check your blood sugar regularly to assure your medications are working.
- You may gain some weight, around 4-6 pounds.
- You have to maintain a consistent schedule to avoid low blood sugar episodes. Dramatic changes in weight or meal patterns will require dose adjustments.
Used for
- Type 2 diabetes
- Diabetes prevention
- Diabetes from pregnancy
- Obesity with high insulin
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
- Injection
Price
Lowest price
$4.00
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$308.17
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Reviews
938 reviews so far
65%
saidit'sworth it
46%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Glucophage (metformin)?
Leave a review584 reviews so far
67%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
14%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lantus (insulin glargine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
7possible side effects
- Diarrhea53%
- Nausea/vomiting26%
- Gas12%
- Weakness9%
- Indigestion7%
- Stomach pain6%
- Headache6%
19possible side effects
- Upper respiratory tract infection28%
- Swelling in the limbs20%
- High blood pressure20%
- Flu19%
- Sinus infection19%
- Cataracts18%
- Inflammation of the airways15%
- Joint pain14%
- Pain in extremity13%
- Back pain13%
- Cough12%
- Urinary tract infection11%
- Diarrhea11%
- Depression11%
- Infection10%
- Headache10%
- Blood vessel disease7%
- Retinal vein disorder6%
- Injection site pain3%
Risks and risk factors
- 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
- Life-threatening low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia)
- Insulin dose too high
- Use of other blood sugar lowering medicines
- Poor injection techniques
- Complications due to low potassium
- Use of other medicine that lower potassium
- Current electrolyte imbalance
- Severe allergic reactions
- Allergy to insulin