Ozempic vs Trulicity

Ozempic (semaglutide) and Trulicity are both prescription antidiabetic medications that are administered via a subcutaneous injection once a week. Both of these medications are classified as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA).

Ozempic (Semaglutide)

Ozempic is available in a 0.5 mg or 1 mg dose injectable pen. Each pen contains multiple doses and is used once a week.

Uses

Lower Blood Sugar Levels – Used in conjunction with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar levels in adults who have type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular Care – Beneficial for individuals who have type 2 diabetes and heart disease because Ozempic reduces the risk of someone with these health conditions suffering a major cardiovascular event (e.g., stroke, heart attack, or death).
Weight Loss – A side effect of the medication that is currently being studied.

Side Effects

Some of the more common side effects associated with Ozempic include:

Abdominal Pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Constipation
Diarrhea
Allergic Reaction
Hypoglycemia (when more than one antidiabetic medication is taken)
Vision Changes (in patients who already have diabetic retinopathy)
Dehydration (in patients who have kidney problems)

Individuals who take multiple antidiabetic medications (e.g., insulin or sulfonylurea) are at an increased risk for experiencing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) than people who do not.

Serious Reactions

There is always the potential for a serious allergic reaction. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include a rash, breathing difficulty and/or itching. If you experience these symptoms after taking Ozempic, discontinue use. If you are experiencing trouble breathing or any other serious allergy reactions, visit your nearest emergency room promptly. Be sure to contact your physician about the allergic reaction as soon as possible.

Some of the more serious side effects associated with Ozempic include persistent abdominal pain or abdominal pain that wraps around to the back. This pain may be accompanied by vomiting. If you experience any of these side effects, discontinue use and visit the nearest emergency room promptly as this may be an indication of pancreatitis.

Vision changes may occur while being treated with Ozempic. These changes typically develop when an individual has diabetic retinopathy. This side effect is temporary; nonetheless, your health care provider needs to be informed of these changes.

People who have kidney problems may experience nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, which could result in dehydration. Thus, causing the kidney problems to worsen. Drinking plenty of fluid helps reduce the likelihood of becoming dehydrated.

Trulicity

Just like Ozempic, Trulicity mimics the GLP-1 hormone in the body. These medications assist the body with releasing insulin when blood glucose levels rise after eating. GLP-1 RA’s limit the amount of sugar that enters the blood from the liver. The GLP-1 RA antidiabetic medications also slow down the digestion process so that the food remains in the stomach longer. This slowed digestion usually helps an individual feel full longer, which assists with weight loss.

Uses

Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
Reducing the Risk of Stroke, Heart Attack, or Death (when an individual has heart disease and type 2 diabetes)
Weight Loss (although Trulicity is not a weight loss drug, many patients lose from 2 to 6 lbs. while taking this medication)

Side Effects

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Abdominal Pain/Discomfort
Weakness
Feeling Unwell
Belching/Burping
GERD (gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease)
Heartburn
Frequent Bowel Movements
Flatulence/Gas
Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia)
Bloating
Decrease appetite
AV block
Kidney failure
Swelling of face, throat, or tongue (angioedema)

Differences

While Trulicity does have some of the same side effects as Ozempic, it also has some potential side effects that Ozempic does not.

Trulicity’s additional potential side effects include:

Indigestion
Gas
Frequent Bowel Movements
Heartburn
GERD (gastrointestinal esophageal reflux disease)
Weakness
Malaise (a general feeling of being unwell)
Feeling Bloated
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
A Lack of Energy
Belching
Decrease appetite
AV block
Kidney failure
Swelling of face, throat, or tongue (angioedema)

Which is More Effective?

A 40-week study was performed to compare Trulicity with Ozempic. There were 1,201 study participants, consisting of adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The individuals who took Ozempic had a greater reduction in their A1C levels than those who took Trulicity did.

Trulicity vs Ozempic Study

Participants Receiving Weekly Doses of 0.75 mg Trulicity and 0.5 mg Ozempic

Average Starting A1C for Trulicity Participants – 8.2 Percent

0.75 mg Dose/Weekly
A1C Decreased By 1.1 Percent
With One Dose of 0.75 mg of Trulicity On a Weekly Basis, 51 Percent of These Participants Reached Their Goal of An A1C Below 7 Percent

Average Starting A1C for Participants Taking Ozempic – 8.3 Percent

0.5 mg Dose/Weekly
A1C Decreased By 1.4 Percent
With a Weekly Dose of 0.5 mg of Ozempic, 65 Percent of These Participants Met Their Goal of An A1C That Was Less Than 7 Percent

Participants Receiving Weekly Doses of 1.5 mg Trulicity and 1 mg Ozempic

Average Starting A1C for Participants Taking Trulicity – 8.2 Percent

1.5 mg Dose/Weekly
A1C Decreased by 1.3 Percent
With a Weekly 1.5 mg Dose of Trulicity, 63 Percent of These Participants Met Their Goal of An A1C Below 7 Percent

Average Starting A1C for Participants Taking Ozempic – 8.2 Percent

1 mg Dose/Weekly
A1C Decreased by 1.6 Percent
With a Weekly, 1 mg Dose of Ozempic, 73 Percent of These Participants Reached Their Goal of an A1C That Was Less Than 7 Percent

As seen here, study participants who took Ozempic had a greater reduction in their A1C levels than those who took Trulicity did.

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