Comparing Metformin vs Ozempic

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Metformin

Ozempic semaglutide

Metformin improves how the body responds to insulin and it is effective for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Taste disturbances, diarrhea, and other stomach-related side effects are common side... View more

Ozempic lowers blood sugar levels by mimicking the effects of GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone that stimulates insulin secretion and lowers glucagon secretion from the liver. It is... View more

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 592 reviews

View all 519 reviews

Drug Class

Non-sulfonylureas

Incretin mimetics

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: lactic acidosis, diarrhea, nausea, nausea and vomiting, vomiting, and flatulence.

See the full metformin side effects document.

See the full Ozempic side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance

Quantity	100 each
Dosage	500 mg
Per Unit^*	$0.16 - $0.21
Cost^*	$16.02 - $20.78

View all metformin prices

Quantity	1.5 mL
Dosage	2 mg/1.5 mL (0.25 mg or 0.5 mg dose)
Per Unit^*	$599.05
Cost^*	$898.57

View all Ozempic prices

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Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available

Oral solution
Oral tablet
Oral tablet, extended release

Subcutaneous solution

Brand Names

Glumetza, Riomet, Riomet ER Other semaglutide brands include: Rybelsus, Wegovy

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

4.5 hours

168 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category

Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Summary unavailable.

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

Drug Interactions

A total of 349 drugs are known to interact with metformin:

19 major drug interactions (109 brand and generic names)
301 moderate drug interactions (1449 brand and generic names)
29 minor drug interactions (285 brand and generic names)

A total of 241 drugs are known to interact with Ozempic:

2 major drug interactions (5 brand and generic names)
218 moderate drug interactions (1117 brand and generic names)
21 minor drug interactions (261 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions

MetFORMIN should be taken with meals, and excessive alcohol intake (either short-term binge... View more

Semaglutide may affect the absorption of other medications that you take by mouth. In some cases... View more
Talk to your doctor before using alcohol together with semaglutide. Alcohol may affect blood... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

March 03, 1995

N/A

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Advanced Reading

Professional Resources

Prescribing Information

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer