Dulaglutide vs. Metformin Hydrochloride
Compare Dulaglutide and Metformin Hydrochloride: mechanism of action, indications, side effects, cost, and which may be right for you.
Drug A
Dulaglutide
Trulicity
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
RxDrug B
Metformin Hydrochloride
Metformin Hydrochloride
Biguanides
RxQuick Comparison
| Category | Dulaglutide | Metformin Hydrochloride |
|---|---|---|
| Drug Class | GLP-1 Receptor Agonists | Biguanides |
| Rx Status | Rx | Rx |
| Generic Available | No | No |
| Typical Cost | $900–$1,200/month | $4-$25/month |
Dulaglutide Overview
Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a medication in a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It is used alongside diet and exercise to help adults and children aged 10 and older with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. Additionally, for adults with type 2 diabetes who have heart disease or risk factors, Trulicity can help lower their risk of serious heart problems like heart attack or stroke.
Full Dulaglutide guide →Metformin Hydrochloride Overview
Metformin hydrochloride is the salt form of metformin (Glucophage), the first-line oral medication for type 2 diabetes. See the metformin monograph for complete prescribing information.
Full Metformin Hydrochloride guide →How Each Drug Works
Dulaglutide
Action TRULICITY contains dulaglutide, which is a human GLP-1 receptor agonist with 90% amino acid sequence homology to endogenous human GLP-1 (7-37). Dulaglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor, a membrane-bound cell-surface receptor coupled to adenylyl cyclase in pancreatic beta cells. Dulaglutide increases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) in beta cells leading to glucose-dependent insulin release. Dulaglutide also decreases glucagon secretion and slows gastric emptying.
Metformin Hydrochloride
Metformin is an antihyperglycemic agent which improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose, and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization. With metformin therapy, insulin secretion remains unchanged while fasting insulin levels and day-long plasma insulin respons…
Approved Uses (Indications)
Dulaglutide
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE TRULICITY ® is indicated: As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus who have established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. TRULICITY ® is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated : As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic…
Metformin Hydrochloride
Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets are a biguanide indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Side Effects
Dulaglutide
Metformin Hydrochloride
Cost Comparison
Dulaglutide
$900–$1,200/month
As a brand-name drug with no generic available, Trulicity is expensive. Look for manufacturer savings programs or patient assistance programs to significantly reduce costs.
Metformin Hydrochloride
$4-$25/month
As a widely available generic, Metformin Hydrochloride is very affordable. Patients can often find the lowest prices using discount cards like GoodRx or through pharmacy savings programs.
Drug Interaction: Moderate
When metformin and dulaglutide are used together, there is an increased risk of hypoglycemia due to their additive glucose-lowering effects. Patients may also experience increased gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Mechanism: Both metformin and dulaglutide contribute to glucose lowering through different mechanisms (e.g., reduced hepatic glucose production, improved insulin sensitivity for metformin; increased insulin secretion, slowed gastric emptying for dulaglutide). Their combined effects can lead to an additive reduction in blood glucose.
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on RxGuide is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.