Skip to main content

Metformin Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Metformin Ozempic (semaglutide) Rybelsus (semaglutide)
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Metformin Ozempic (semaglutide) Rybelsus (semaglutide)
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

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

Rybelsus (semaglutide) is an oral medicine that can be used as a first-line medication to improve blood sugar control in adults over the age of 18 with type 2 diabetes. It works by mimicking the... View more

More about Metformin More about Ozempic (semaglutide) More about Rybelsus (semaglutide)
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.

Ozempic has an average rating of 6.6 out of 10 from a total of 1507 ratings on Drugs.com. 52% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 23% reported a negative effect.

Rybelsus has an average rating of 6.4 out of 10 from a total of 283 ratings on Drugs.com. 48% of reviewers reported a positive effect, while 24% reported a negative effect.

View all 655 reviews

View all 1507 reviews

View all 283 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 Ozempic side effects

View all Rybelsus side effects
Drug Class
Generic Availability

Lower cost generic

No lower cost generic approved

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 1.5 mL
Strength 2 mg/1.5 mL (0.25 mg or 0.5 mg dose)
Per unit* $716.63
Cost* $1,074.94

View all Ozempic prices

Quantity 30 tablet
Strength 3 mg
Per unit* $35.83
Cost* $1,074.94

View all Rybelsus prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

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

4.5 hours

168 hours

168 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.
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.

Summary unavailable.

See the full pregnancy warnings document.

Summary unavailable.

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 (1793 brand and generic names)
  • 9 minor drug interactions (35 brand and generic names)

A total of 273 drugs are known to interact with Ozempic:

  • 15 major drug interactions (34 brand and generic names)
  • 257 moderate drug interactions (1451 brand and generic names)
  • 1 minor drug interactions (10 brand and generic names)

A total of 273 drugs are known to interact with Rybelsus:

  • 15 major drug interactions (34 brand and generic names)
  • 257 moderate drug interactions (1451 brand and generic names)
  • 1 minor drug interactions (10 brand and generic names)
Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • MetFORMIN should be taken with meals, and excessive alcohol intake (either short-term binge... View more
  • Food may affect the absorption of semaglutide when taken orally. It is recommended that oral... View more
  • Talk to your doctor before using alcohol together with semaglutide. Alcohol may affect blood... View more
  • Food may affect the absorption of semaglutide when taken orally. It is recommended that oral... 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

September 20, 2019
WADA Class View classifications

N/A

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

Compare Drugs

To view a report comparing 3 (or more) medications, please sign in or create an account.

Create an account Sign In