{"id":59286,"date":"2023-07-17T11:21:46","date_gmt":"2023-07-17T15:21:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=59286"},"modified":"2026-03-23T20:03:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-24T00:03:32","slug":"ozempic-and-metformin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ozempic-and-metformin\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it safe to take Ozempic and metformin together?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In recent years, the treatment of diabetes has seen tremendous gains in options and effectiveness. It should come as no surprise that drug manufacturers have invested a lot of time and effort into diabetes treatments, as almost <\/span>12% of the U.S. population<\/span> lives with diabetes. That is nearly 40 million Americans.<\/span><\/p>\n

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It can be challenging to control blood sugar with <\/span>Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes<\/span><\/a>. While a <\/span>controlled diet<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>weight loss<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>lifestyle changes<\/span><\/a> are key parts of diabetes management, prescription medications will likely be a part of the regimen.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ozempic<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>metformin<\/span><\/a> are two highly utilized medications in treating Type 2 diabetes. They treat diabetes in two different ways, but both have been proven highly effective.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>What causes diabetes? Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Are Ozempic and metformin the same thing?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Ozempic (semaglutide)<\/span><\/a> is a prescription medication used to treat Type 2 diabetes. It is currently only available as a brand-name drug, and no generic form exists. Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drug indicated as a first-line treatment. This means it is an appropriate first drug choice upon diagnosing Type 2 diabetes. It works by enhancing the body\u2019s insulin secretion. It can be combined with other drugs in treating diabetes, such as various types of insulin or metformin, among others. Ozempic carries an additional FDA-approved indication for the reduction of cardiovascular mortality and cardiovascular events in Type 2 diabetes patients who have established cardiovascular disease. Other GLP-1 drugs for Type 2 diabetes include <\/span>Trulicity <\/span><\/a>(dulaglutide), <\/span>Bydureon Bcise<\/span><\/a> (exenatide), and <\/span>Victoza<\/span><\/a> (liraglutide).<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Ozempic alternatives<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Metformin<\/span><\/a> is also a first-line treatment prescription drug used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Metformin is a generic drug that has been on the market for many years. The original branded metformin was known as Glucophage. It was initially an immediate-release formulation only, then other formulations, including various extended-release forms, were developed. <\/span>Metformin works<\/span><\/a> by increasing the body\u2019s sensitivity to insulin. Like Ozempic, it can be combined with other diabetes drugs, including Ozempic.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Metformin alternatives<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Ozempic and metformin can be safely taken together under the supervision of a healthcare provider. A prescriber will monitor blood pressure, body weight, and labs, such as <\/span>fasting glucose<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>hemoglobin A1C<\/span><\/a>, to determine treatment success. It is important to understand the differences between the two drugs and their appropriate uses.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>What\u2019s the best diabetes drug for weight loss?<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Is Ozempic or metformin better?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Ozempic and metformin are both effective medications in the treatment of diabetes, and both are approved as first-line treatment choices. The guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) still list metformin as the preferred <\/span>first treatment option<\/span><\/a>. Other guidelines, such as those from Europe, now prefer a GLP-1 like Ozempic as the initial treatment. When deciding which drug is best, a healthcare provider may consider other factors such as drug administration, concurrent heart disease, price, or the severity of the diabetes diagnosis.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>Ozempic vs. metformin<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Drug class<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ozempic is a <\/span>GLP-1 receptor agonist<\/span><\/a> medication that promotes the body\u2019s ability to produce insulin. It is an injectable drug, but it is not insulin. It is an injection given once a week. All GLP-1 drugs similar to Ozempic are still relatively new to the market, and currently, there is no generic GLP-1 drug.<\/span><\/p>\n

Metformin belongs to a drug class known as oral <\/span>biguanides<\/span><\/a>. Metformin increases the sensitivity to insulin in the body. Metformin is an oral drug typically taken twice daily. Metformin is the generic version of the older brand-name drug Glucophage and has been on the market for many years.<\/span><\/p>\n

Standard dosages<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ozempic<\/span><\/a> is available in pre-filled pens for injection. Patients will start at 0.25 mg once weekly for four weeks, then increase to 0.5 mg. After four additional weeks at 0.5 mg, the dose can be increased to 1 mg and 2 mg four weeks later if needed. Pens are designed for maintenance dosing at 1 mg and 2 mg per injection once the maintenance dose is reached.<\/span><\/p>\n

Metformin<\/span><\/a> is available in several doses and release mechanisms. The immediate-release tablet formulation is available in 500 mg, 850 mg, and 1000 mg. Several time-release formulations are available in tablet form in doses of 500 mg, 750 mg, and 1000 mg. Some patients find extended-release metformin easier to tolerate due to less severe gastrointestinal side effects. A doctor may initially prescribe a lower dose and build it up until the desired blood glucose control is reached.<\/span><\/p>\n

Insurance coverage and cost<\/span><\/h3>\n

Insurance may partially cover the cost of Ozempic, though that will be dependent on the plan. Many insurance plans may have a <\/span>formulary<\/span><\/a> and predetermine which GLP-1 drugs will be covered. It is best to speak with the provider of the plan to determine coverage and copay details. <\/span>Without insurance<\/span><\/a>, Ozempic may be cost-prohibitive for some. The retail price averages over $1,350 per month without insurance. SingleCare can help significantly with savings. With a <\/span>SingleCare prescription discount card<\/span><\/a>, there may be savings of more than $540 off the retail price at participating pharmacies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Metformin treatment is much more cost-efficient due to its generic availability. Metformin is covered by most insurance plans at the lowest copay tier. Even <\/span>without insurance<\/span><\/a>, metformin is affordable compared to many diabetes drugs. <\/span>SingleCare<\/span><\/a> makes it possible to get a one-month supply for $4. This may be cheaper than the insurance copay.<\/span><\/p>\n

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