Side-by-side: metformin hydrochloride compared to semaglutide
Summary: Metformin (metformin hydrochloride) is a Biguanides medication indicated for Type 2 diabetes mellitus (first-line treatment). Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 Receptor Agonists medication indicated for Type 2 diabetes mellitus. They belong to different classes and work via different mechanisms.
| Attribute | Metformin | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | metformin hydrochloride | semaglutide |
| Medicine class | Biguanides | GLP-1 Receptor Agonists |
| Prescription status | Rx only | Rx only |
| Pregnancy category | B | C |
| FDA approved | 1994 | 2017 |
| Half-life | 6.2 hours (plasma), 17.6 hours (blood — accumulates in red blood cells) | Approximately 7 days |
| Adult dose (typical) | Initial: 500 mg twice daily or 850 mg once daily with meals. Increase by 500 mg weekly or 850 mg every 2 weeks. Usual maintenance: 1500–2000 mg/day. Maximum: 2550 mg/day (IR) or 2000 mg/day (ER). | 0.25 mg SC once weekly for 4 weeks, then increase to 0.5 mg weekly; may increase to 1-2 mg weekly based on response |
| Forms | Immediate-release tablet, Extended-release tablet, Oral solution | Subcutaneous injection (prefilled pen) |
| Common side effects | Nausea and vomiting (20–30% of patients), Diarrhea (10–53%), Abdominal discomfort or stomach upset | Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea |
| Cost tier | — | — |