Compare Starlix vs. metformin
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Lowers blood sugar.
Starlix (nateglinide) can quickly lower your blood sugar, but needs to be timed with your meals.
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 quickly lower blood sugar.
- Good alternative if you have poor kidney function.
- Can be safely used in people 65 and older.
- Widely available in generic (cheaper) form.
- 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
- Take during mealtime.
- May need to take as often as three times daily.
- Can easily cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you don't maintain a consistent diet or exercise schedule.
- 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.
Used for
- Type 2 diabetes
- Diabetes prevention
- Diabetes from pregnancy
- Obesity with high insulin
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
- Extended release pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$25.00
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$9.70
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Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
938 reviews so far
65%
saidit'sworth it
46%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Glucophage (metformin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
10possible side effects
- Common cold11%
- Back pain4%
- Flu symptoms4%
- Dizziness4%
- Joint problems3%
- Diarrhea3%
- Accidental trauma3%
- Inflammation of the airways3%
- Coughing2%
- Low blood sugar2%
7possible side effects
- Diarrhea53%
- Nausea/vomiting26%
- Gas12%
- Weakness9%
- Indigestion7%
- Stomach pain6%
- Headache6%
Risks and risk factors
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Changes in meal pattern
- Changes in how much exercise you do
- Taking other antidiabetic medications
- Bad liver or renal function
- 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