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Comparing Metformin vs Saxenda

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Metformin Saxenda (liraglutide)
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Metformin Saxenda (liraglutide)
Prescription only

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

Prescription only

Prescribed for Weight Loss (Obesity/Overweight). Saxenda may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

More about Metformin More about Saxenda (liraglutide)
Ratings & Reviews

Metformin has an average rating of 6.8 out of 10 from a total of 655 ratings on Drugs.com. 54% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 19% reported a negative effect.

Saxenda has an average rating of 7.5 out of 10 from a total of 1448 ratings on Drugs.com. 65% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 15% reported a negative effect.

View all 655 reviews

View all 1448 reviews

Side Effects Experienced by Users Side effects are reported in Drugs.com user reviews and not clinically verified.

View all Metformin side effects

View all Saxenda side effects
Drug Class
Generic Availability

Lower cost generic

No lower cost generic approved
Pricing and Coupons * Prices are without insurance
Quantity 100 each
Strength 500 mg
Per unit* $0.15 - $0.24
Cost* $15.37 - $24.08

View all Metformin prices

Quantity 15 mL
Strength 18 mg/3 mL
Per unit* $96.67
Cost* $1,450.10

View all Saxenda prices

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Dosage Forms
  • Oral solution
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release
  • Subcutaneous solution
Brand Names
Glumetza Other liraglutide brands include: Victoza
Half Life Drug half-life is the time required for plasma concentration to reduce to half its original value.

4.5 hours

13 hours
CSA Schedule 1 View glossary of CSA terms
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
Pregnancy Category
B
Category B No proven risk in humans

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

Victoza

X
Category X Not for use in pregnancy

Saxenda

See the full pregnancy warnings document.
Drug Interactions

A total of 377 drugs are known to interact with Metformin:

  • 24 major drug interactions (129 brand and generic names)
  • 344 moderate drug interactions (1794 brand and generic names)
  • 9 minor drug interactions (35 brand and generic names)

A total of 274 drugs are known to interact with Saxenda:

  • 15 major drug interactions (34 brand and generic names)
  • 253 moderate drug interactions (1444 brand and generic names)
  • 6 minor drug interactions (346 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • MetFORMIN should be taken with meals, and excessive alcohol intake (either short-term binge... View more
  • Liraglutide 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 liraglutide. Alcohol may affect blood... View more
Disease Interactions
First Approval Date

March 03, 1995

N/A
WADA Class View classifications

N/A

N/A
More Information
Patient Resources
Professional Resources
Related Treatment Guide

1 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

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