Ozempic vs Glucophage
A side-by-side look at two diabetes medications advertised on TV. Informational only — not medical advice.
| CA Ozempic | CA Glucophage | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | semaglutide | metformin |
| Drug class | GLP-1 Receptor Agonist | Biguanide |
| Treats | Type 2 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes |
| Category | Diabetes | Diabetes |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Merck/EMD (generic) |
| Year approved | 2017 | 1972 |
| FDA warning | Moderate warnings | Black box warning |
| Est. TV ad spend | $85M | $2M |
| Common side effects | Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain | Nausea, Diarrhea, Abdominal discomfort, Vitamin B12 deficiency |
Glucophage
Frequently asked questions
Is Ozempic or Glucophage better?
Neither is universally "better." Ozempic (semaglutide) and Glucophage (metformin) are both used for diabetes, but the right choice depends on your medical history, insurance and your doctor's guidance. This comparison is informational only.
What's the difference between Ozempic and Glucophage?
Ozempic is a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist made by Novo Nordisk, while Glucophage is a Biguanide made by Merck/EMD (generic). See the table above for a side-by-side breakdown.
Which one spends more on TV ads?
Ozempic has the larger estimated TV advertising budget of the two.