Metformin vs GLP-1s

INDICATIONS & USAGE Metformin hydrochloride tablets are indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Metformin hydrochloride tablets are biguanide indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ( 1 )

Boxed warning: BOXED WARNING WARNING: LACTIC ACIDOSIS Postmarketing cases of metformin-associated lactic acidosis have resulted in death, hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. The onset of metformin­ associated lactic acidosis is often subtle, accompanied only by nonspecific symptoms such as malaise, myalgias, respiratory distress, somnolence, and abdominal pain. [...] WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Lactic Acidosis: See boxed warning. ( 5.1 ) Vitamin B 12 Deficiency: Metformin may lower vitamin B12 levels. Measure hematological parameters annually and vitamin B12 at 2 to 3 year intervals and manage any abnormalities. ( 5.2 ) Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use with Insulin and Insulin Secretagogues: Increased risk of hypoglycemia when used in combination with insulin and/or an insulin secretagogue. [...]

Source: FDA label for Metformin Hydrochloride via DailyMed · openFDA, accessed 2026-08-31.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE OZEMPIC is indicated: • as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. • to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction or non-fatal stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease. • to reduce the risk of sustained eGFR decline, end-stage kidney disease, and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. [...]

Boxed warning: WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS • In rodents, semaglutide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. [...] WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Acute Pancreatitis: Has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including OZEMPIC. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected. ( 5.2 ) • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications: Has been reported in a clinical trial. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be monitored. ( 5.3 ) • Never share an OZEMPIC pen between patients , even if the needle is changed. [...]

Source: FDA label for Ozempic via DailyMed · openFDA, accessed 2026-08-31.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE MOUNJARO ® is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. MOUNJARO ® is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ( 1 )

Boxed warning: WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS In both male and female rats, tirzepatide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. [...] WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Acute Pancreatitis: Has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, or MOUNJARO. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected. ( 5.2 ) Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin: Concomitant use with an insulin secretagogue or insulin may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. Reducing dose of insulin secretagogue or insulin may be necessary. [...]

Source: FDA label for MOUNJARO via DailyMed · openFDA, accessed 2026-08-31.