There are two types of metformin – regular and extended-release (XR). Extended-release metformin is only taken once daily instead of 2-3 times a day. Extended-release metformin is preferred if you have persistent side effects from taking regular metformin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While metformin is most commonly used for type 2 diabetes, it\u2019s also used \u201coff-label\u201d to help treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder in women often stemming from insulin resistance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Trulicity?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trulicity is the brand name for a GLP-1 receptor agonist called dulaglutide – there aren\u2019t currently any generic options available for Trulicity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The FDA approved Trulicity to treat type 2 diabetes in September 2014, and again in February 2020 to reduce cardiovascular events in people with and without heart disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
GLP-1 receptors in your pancreas help increase insulin secretion while reducing glucagon secretion. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
GLP-1 receptor agonists activate these receptors to help your body produce insulin to lower your blood sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
GLP-1 receptor agonists like Trulicity can also promote weight loss because they help reduce appetite and promote fullness by slowing stomach emptying. Slowed stomach emptying can also help promote more stable blood sugar levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Trulicity comes in a prefilled injector pen with typical dosages ranging from 0.75-4.5 milligrams weekly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Metformin and Trulicity are not in the same drug classes. Metformin is a biguanide, and Trulicity is a GLP-1 receptor agonist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GLP-1 receptor agonists are newer medications that have only been introduced in recent years but are gaining popularity largely due to their ability to promote significant weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 40-week clinical trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Trulicity for diabetes (along with Ozempic, another injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist). <\/p>\n\n\n\n The study included 1201 patients with type 2 diabetes who were at least 18 years old. Participants\u2019 blood sugar levels were previously uncontrolled on metformin alone, with their A1cs ranging from 7-10.5%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The group receiving 0.75 milligrams weekly of Trulicity had their A1c levels reduced by an average of 1.1% compared to their baseline. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The reduction in blood sugar levels was more drastic as the dosage of Trulicity was increased. The participants receiving 1.5 milligrams of Trulicity had an average reduction in A1c of 1.3% compared to 1.1% on 0.75 milligrams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a 52-week clinical trial cited on the website for Trulicity, when the dose of Trulicity is increased to 3 milligrams weekly, the average reduction in A1c jumps to 1.6% and 1.8% with 4.5 milligrams weekly (the maximum dose). <\/p>\n\n\n\n These results are based on a 36-week trial with a mean baseline A1c of 8.6% who were already taking metformin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to studies, metformin is effective at lowering both fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels. The reduction in blood sugar levels appears to be dose-dependent, so the more metformin you take, the more it will likely lower your blood sugar<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Metformin can lower blood sugar levels in both obese and non-obese patients with type 2 diabetes. One study<\/a> found that hemoglobin A1c levels dropped by slightly over 1% in obese and non-obese patients after 12 months of taking metformin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At maximum doses, metformin can lower your A1c by as much as 1.5%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a meta-analysis<\/a> of 35 studies, each lasting at least 12 weeks, metformin tends to lower A1c levels by around 1%, whether alone or in conjunction with other diabetes medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bottom line: <\/strong>Trulicity appears to be more effective at lowering blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c levels compared to metformin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Taking too much metformin<\/a> can result in a rare but serious condition called lactic acidosis<\/a>. It is quite rare and typically only seen in cases of intentional metformin overdose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n More rarely, Trulicity and other GLP-1 receptor agonists might increase your risk of thyroid tumors\/carcinoma, pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and kidney problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Metformin is much more affordable than Trulicity<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n According to GoodRx, a bottle of 60 tablets (500 milligrams each) of metformin costs<\/a> under $15 out of pocket at most pharmacies.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, according to GoodRx, four prefilled pens (around one month\u2019s worth) containing 3 milligrams each of Trulicity (mid-high end of 0.75-4.5 milligram dose range) cost around $770.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the reasons Trulicity is more expensive is that it\u2019s a newer medication, and there aren\u2019t any generic options available since the manufacturer still owns the patent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You might be able to get discounts or apply for rebates if Trulicity is out of your budget or isn\u2019t covered by your healthcare insurance or prescription drug coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trulicity is a once-weekly injection, which might make it more convenient for people who have difficulty remembering to take their medications every day. However, it is an injection, which some people are wary of because of their fear of needles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Metformin is an oral medication typically taken 1-3 times daily. Patients must take it every day, which isn\u2019t convenient if you have a difficult time maintaining a medication regimen. The pills are on the larger side compared to some, but most people don\u2019t have any issues swallowing them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A study<\/a> administered Trulicity to participants at 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 milligram weekly doses for 52 weeks and assessed its impact on weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By week 36, the group receiving 1.5 milligrams of Trulicity lost an average of 3.1 kilograms (6.9 pounds), the group receiving 3 milligrams lost an average of 4 kilograms (8.8 pounds), and the group receiving 4 milligrams lost an average of 4.7 kilograms (10.3 pounds). <\/p>\n\n\n\n The mean starting weight for all participants was around 211 pounds (96 kilograms), so the amount of weight loss with Trulicity<\/a> ranged from around 3 to nearly 5% of the starting weights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A review<\/a> of over 30 clinical trials summarized that taking metformin significantly reduced both weight and BMI. Researchers determined that doses of 1,000 milligrams or 3,000 milligrams daily (the maximum typical dose is 2,550 milligrams) were the most effective doses for promoting weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to a study<\/a>, people taking metformin for six months lost around 13 pounds (a little over 5% of their starting body weight). Patients who were more insulin-resistant lost more weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another study<\/a> found that weight loss with metformin<\/a> did not continue after the six-month mark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bottom line:<\/strong> Trulicity and metformin appear to have similar effects on weight loss, though individual results in terms of weight vary among people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The medication metformin is commonly used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder impacting women of childbearing age. While metformin isn\u2019t FDA-approved to treat PCOS, it\u2019s often used \u201coff-label\u201d by many healthcare providers and fertility specialists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PCOS is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. High levels of androgens (male sex hormones) can disrupt ovulation, the process when an egg is released to be fertilized. PCOS patients typically have long, irregular menstrual cycles since they don\u2019t ovulate very often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Metformin helps treat the most common root cause of PCOS, which is insulin resistance. <\/strong>Metformin helps sensitize cells to insulin which helps lower blood sugar levels, which can help improve hormonal imbalances and regulate irregular menstrual cycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Treatment with metformin might help increase ovulation rates in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, which could help achieve pregnancy in women who experienced infertility due to PCOS<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Metformin treatment has been shown to inhibit androgen production, which can help lessen some of the unwanted side effects of PCOS, like unwanted hair growth and hair loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GLP-1 receptor agonists aren\u2019t commonly used to treat PCOS like metformin is. However, since they help improve insulin sensitivity and can promote weight loss, they might be used to treat PCOS in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some studies<\/a> specifically mention the GLP-1 receptor agonists exenatide and liraglutide<\/a> as good options for treating PCOS. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some healthcare providers might suggest GLP-1 receptor agonists for patients with PCOS who exhibit signs of insulin resistance<\/a> and\/or are considered overweight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below are some benefits of taking Trulicity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some benefits of taking metformin include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s impossible to subjectively say which medication is better. If you don\u2019t have the money to spend on Trulicity and haven\u2019t tried metformin before, it could be a good fit since it offers similar weight loss outcomes and a decent reduction in blood sugar levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve tried metformin and need an additional medication to help you reach your blood sugar goals, and it\u2019s within your budget, then Trulicity might be a good alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternatively, if you struggle with taking daily medications, Trulicity could be a good option to help you stick with your dosing schedule since it\u2019s only once-weekly dosing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can take metformin with many diabetes medications, including Trulicity. One of the benefits of both Trulicity and metformin is that they aren\u2019t likely to cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many healthcare providers prescribe Trulicity and metformin together, especially if you aren\u2019t meeting your blood sugar goals with metformin alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your healthcare provider has recommended metformin or Trulicity, it\u2019s important that you don\u2019t stop taking your prescription medications in favor of a natural alternative. While natural supplements and alternatives to medications can offer some benefits, they aren\u2019t always effective enough to replace your prescription medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a candidate for natural alternatives, here are some to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Resveratrol is a compound found in plant-based foods such as grapes, wine, peanuts, and soy. You can take resveratrol supplements to obtain the potential anti-inflammatory benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that promote healthy digestion<\/a> and support your immune system. Probiotics are found in fermented foods like yogurt, but are also widely available in supplement form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to an animal study<\/a>, taking resveratrol and probiotics improved blood sugar levels, increased levels of GLP-1, and reduced levels of oxidative stress (which can lead to inflammation). Other studies have linked resveratrol to increased GLP-1 production in the intestines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Berberine is a compound in some plants like European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread, Oregon grape, Phellodendron, and tree turmeric. It is most well-known for its \u201canti-diabetic\u201d properties by supporting healthy blood sugar levels<\/a> and improving insulin sensitivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A pilot study compared metformin and berberine<\/a> for their ability to help treat symptoms of type 2 diabetes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The researchers found that berberine produced identical results as metformin in terms of improving blood glucose metabolism. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, a small study<\/a> on people with metabolic syndrome (a condition that can lead to type 2 diabetes) found that berberine improved insulin sensitivity and reduced participants’ waist circumference<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trulicity and metformin are two different types of prescription diabetes medications – Trulicity is an injectable GLP-1 receptor agonist, and metformin is an oral biguanide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the benefits of metformin include its lower price, longer history of being used, fewer risks of rare complications, and its oral form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some of the benefits of Trulicity include its once-weekly dosing (convenient for those who don\u2019t mind injections), its potential benefits in terms of heart health, and potential to reduce hemoglobin A1c levels more than metformin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trulicity and metformin can be used together to maximize potential blood sugar benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you doubt which medication might be best for you, your healthcare provider can help offer guidance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"how](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/HTRD-3-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nIs metformin in the same class as Trulicity?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trulicity vs metformin effectiveness for diabetes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trulicity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Metformin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What are the side effects of each medication?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Metformin side effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Trulicity side effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"glyco](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Glucose-Control-Inline-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat is the price difference between metformin and Trulicity?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ease of use for Trulicity vs metformin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trulicity vs metformin for weight loss<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trulicity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Metformin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Metformin vs Trulicity for PCOS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Metformin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Trulicity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of Trulicity vs metformin<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of Trulicity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Benefits of metformin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"pure](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Krill.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat\u2019s better \u2013 Trulicity or metformin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Can you take Trulicity with metformin?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Natural alternatives to metformin and Trulicity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Resveratrol and probiotics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Berberine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Explore More<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"signs](\"https:\/\/blog.bensnaturalhealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Common-Signs-Metformin-Is-Not-Working-and-What-to-Do-1-1024x217.jpg\")
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