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empagliflozin/linagliptin vs metformin

Side-by-side comparison of empagliflozin/linagliptin and metformin. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.

moderate Known Drug Interaction

Drugs that Reduce Metformin Clearance Clinical Impact Concomitant use of drugs that interfere with common renal tubular transport systems involved in the renal elimination of metformin (e.g., organic cationic transporter-2 [OCT2] / multidrug and toxin extrusion [MATE] inhibitors such as ranolazine, vandetanib, dolutegravir, and cimetidine) could increase systemic exposure to metformin and may increase the risk for lactic acidosis [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Alcohol Clinical Impact Alcohol is known to potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism. ( 7 ) Drugs that...

Recommendation: Your doctor should monitor your kidney function and may need to adjust your medication doses.

Drug Class
empagliflozin/linagliptin SGLT2 / DPP-4 Combination
metformin Biguanide
Type
empagliflozin/linagliptin Prescription
metformin Prescription
Summary
empagliflozin/linagliptin

Glyxambi is a drug that combines three medicines to help lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can also lower the risk of death from heart problems in those with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

metformin

No summary available.

What It Treats
empagliflozin/linagliptin

Glyxambi is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It should be used along with diet and exercise. Glyxambi can also help lower the risk of death caused by heart problems if you have both type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It is not for people with type 1 diabetes.

metformin

Information not available.

How It Works
empagliflozin/linagliptin

Glyxambi works in three ways to lower blood sugar. Empagliflozin helps your kidneys remove sugar from your blood through urine. Linagliptin helps your body release more insulin after meals. Metformin helps to decrease the amount of sugar your liver makes and helps your body use insulin better.

metformin

Information not available.

Common Side Effects
empagliflozin/linagliptin
  • Upper respiratory infection (like a cold)
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
metformin
  • Diarrhea
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (like a cold)
  • Headache
FAERS Reports
empagliflozin/linagliptin
  • Increased blood sugar 146
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis 144
  • Feeling sick to your stomach 102
  • Fungal infection 92
  • Weight loss 86
metformin
  • Feeling sick to your stomach 21,946
  • Loose or watery stools 21,887
  • High blood sugar 18,329
  • Feeling tired 17,252
  • Sudden kidney damage 16,440
Serious Warnings
empagliflozin/linagliptin

Glyxambi contains metformin, which can cause a serious side effect called lactic acidosis. Lactic acidosis is a buildup of lactic acid in the blood. It can be life-threatening. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms like feeling very weak, tired, or uncomfortable; unusual muscle pain; trouble breathing; stomach pain with nausea and vomiting; feeling cold, especially in your arms and legs; feeling dizzy or lightheaded; or a sudden change in your heartbeat.

metformin

No specific warnings noted.

Pregnancy
empagliflozin/linagliptin

Glyxambi is not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy due to potential harm to the baby's kidneys. It is also not recommended while breastfeeding. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

metformin

No pregnancy information available.

How to Read This empagliflozin/linagliptin vs metformin Comparison

empagliflozin/linagliptin is classified in the SGLT2 / DPP-4 Combination drug class, while metformin sits within the Biguanide class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.

Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, empagliflozin/linagliptin has 570 submissions while metformin has 95,854. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known moderate interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to taking these medications together can cause metformin to build up in your blood because the kidneys cannot remove it as quickly. this increase can lead to a dangerous condition where too much acid builds up in your blood.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.

A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between empagliflozin/linagliptin and metformin - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.

Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.