Liraglutide vs. Metformin Hydrochloride
Compare Liraglutide and Metformin Hydrochloride: mechanism of action, indications, side effects, cost, and which may be right for you.
Drug A
Liraglutide
Victoza
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
RxDrug B
Metformin Hydrochloride
Metformin Hydrochloride
Biguanides
RxQuick Comparison
| Category | Liraglutide | 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 |
Liraglutide Overview
Liraglutide (Victoza) is a type of medicine that mimics a natural hormone in your body. It is prescribed to help adults and children aged 10 and older with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels, and it can also lower the risk of serious heart problems like heart attack or stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes and existing heart disease. It works by helping your body release insulin when ...
Full Liraglutide 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
Liraglutide
Liraglutide is an acylated human GLP-1 receptor agonist with 97% amino acid sequence homology to endogenous human GLP-1(7-37). GLP-1(7-37) represents <20% of total circulating endogenous GLP-1. Like GLP-1(7-37), liraglutide activates the GLP-1 receptor, a membrane-bound cell-surface receptor coupled to adenylyl cyclase by the stimulatory G-protein, Gs, in pancreatic beta cells. Liraglutide increases intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) leading to insulin release in the presen…
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)
Liraglutide
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE VICTOZA is indicated:
- as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 years 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 and established cardiovascular disease. Limitations of Use: VICTOZA contains liraglutide. Coadministration with other liraglutide-containing products is not recommended. VICTOZA is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor …
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
Liraglutide
Metformin Hydrochloride
Cost Comparison
Liraglutide
$900–$1,200/month
As Liraglutide is brand-only, manufacturer savings programs or patient assistance programs are often the best way to significantly reduce out-of-pocket 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: Minor
Metformin and liraglutide are often used together to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. While generally beneficial, combining these medications can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, particularly when other glucose-lowering agents are also used.
Mechanism: Both metformin and liraglutide work through different mechanisms to lower blood glucose. Metformin primarily reduces hepatic glucose production, while liraglutide enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion and slows gastric emptying. Their additive effects on glucose lowering can lead to a greater reduction in blood sugar.
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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.