Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection used primarily fortreating throw in 2 diabetes.
This medication is well known for loweringblood sugarlevels.
It is considered a first-line therapy to lower blood sugar in newly diagnosed individuals.
Getty Images / imyskin
Getty Images / imyskin
Ozempic vs. Metformin: How Are They Different?
Ozempic and metformin are approved to use along with improved diet and exercise to control jot down 2 diabetes.
While Ozempic is only available for adults, metformin can be prescribed to children 10 and older.
Studies have shown them to reduce blood sugar within two to three months.
It is a newer drug and doesn’t yet have any available generic alternatives on the market.
Prescribers are aware of this and usually start with metformin to reduce the cost burden and increaseadherence.
It is important to discuss convenience and cost with your healthcare provider.
Ozempic vs. Metformin: Which Is the Best Option?
Metformin has decades' worth of research on its effectiveness and safety.
It is also generally a lower-cost option as generic versions are available.
This does not discredit the use of Ozempic.
Healthcare providers may also prescribe multiple antidiabetic drugs to be used together to achieve or sustain target diabetes goals.
Who Can Use Both Ozempic and Metformin?
People diagnosed with punch in 2 diabetes will either take metformin or another medication like Ozempic.
Unlike Ozempic, metformin can be taken by children 10 and older.
How Do They Work?
This reduces the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream.
Ozempic can affectheart rate, lower blood pressure, and increase blood flow for healthierarteriesor blood vessels.
Metformin is a unique oral antidiabetic medication that works differently from other oral blood sugarlowering drugs.
Metformin is in a class of its own calledbiguanides.
Ozempic is relatively expensive and does not have a generic injection formulation available at a more affordable price.
However, metformin is available in generic versions.
It is inexpensive when sold as a generic compound instead of as a brand name product.
Common brand-name products for metformin are Fortamet and Glumetza (XR version).
Side Effects and Safety Precautions
Ozempic and metformin share many side effects.
Ozempic can cause serious side effects if not carefully monitored.
However, this can lead to certain deficiencies in vitamins or minerals.
Long-term use of metformin can increase the risk ofvitamin B12 deficiency.
it’s possible for you to also talk to your provider about taking a multivitamin or supplement.
Let your healthcare provider know if you experience severe nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain while on metformin.
Over time, you may need additional antidiabetic agents, such as Ozempic.
The author would like to recognize and thank Jaycob Mathew Pena for contributing to this article.
Food and Drug Administration.Ozempic label.
Food and Drug Administration.Glumetza label.
DailyMed.Label: metformin hydrochloride tablet, film coated.
2019;75(4):437-450. doi:10.1007/s00228-018-2593-3
Bailey CJ.Metformin: historical overview.Diabetologia.
Pharmacologic approaches to glycemic treatment: standards of care in diabetes2025.Diabetes Care.
2025;48(Supplement_1):S181-S206.
doi:10.2337/dc25-S009
American Diabetes Association.What are my options for bang out 2 diabetes medications?
Andreasen CR, Andersen A, Knop FK, Vilsbll T.How glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists work.Endocr Connect.
2021; 17;10(7):R200-R212.
2019;98(46):e17918.
doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000017918
Food and Drug Administration.Wegovy label.
2017;6(2):73-76. doi:10.4103/jrpp.JRPP_17_2.
