Ozempic and Trulicity are medications that are prescribed for diabetes and weight loss. This article will look at various aspects such as effectiveness, how they work, benefits, side effects, price differences, results, and ease of use.
Ozempic vs Trulicity effectiveness compared
Diabetes Canada recommends using either Ozempic or Trulicity for treating type-2 diabetes particularly in people who have the following conditions:
- Heart failure
- Cardiovascular disease
- People who are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease
- Kidney disorders
Both Ozempic and Trulicity are both effective at lowering blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. Both have also been found to decrease the risk of heart attack or stroke in diabetic patients at risk of these conditions.
How do Ozempic and Trulicity work?
Both Ozempic and Trulicity are Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonist is a class of antidiabetic medication that regulates, maintains, and improves blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes. Ozempic and Trulicity are examples of the drugs that belong to the GLP-1 agonist category. Ozempic and Trulicity can be used alone or in combination with other types of diabetes medication to reduce blood sugar levels. Ozempic and Trulicity also promote weight loss.
Both Trulicity and Ozempic help control diabetes
This class of drugs mimic the action of glucagon-like peptide 1 (a natural chemical your body makes). Both Ozempic and Trulicity can cause an increase in the secretion of insulin when blood glucose level rises. Ozempic and Trulicity also slow down the absorption of sugar from food. These medicines thus help in controlling diabetes.
Both Ozempic and Trulicity help with weight reduction
Ozempic and Trulicity help in controlling diabetes and reducing weight. The exact mechanism of how these drugs cause weight reduction is not fully understood. It is assumed that both the drugs cause reduction of appetite and decrease the food movement from the stomach into the small intestine, providing a feeling of satiety (fullness) for a longer time. Lastly, these medications may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease.
Benefits of Ozempic and Trulicity
Ozempic and Trulicity are prescription medications used in adults with type 2 diabetes along with exercise and diet to manage blood glucose levels. Ozempic and Trulicity are not approved to treat type-1 diabetes.
It is used to decrease the risk of cardiac problems with people having cardiovascular problems, diabetes, and who are at a higher risk of heart disease due to risk factors such as:
- Smoking
- Older age
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
Side effects of Ozempic and Trulicity
Ozempic and Trulicity both belong to the same class of medication. Hence, they are quite similar in their side effect profiles. Some of the common side effects include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Reduced appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level)
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Burping
If the above side effects are severe or persistent, you should inform your doctor immediately.
Serious side effects
Some of the side effects can be serious, and you should inform your physician immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
- Vision changes
- Rapid heartbeat
- Rash
- Swelling of face, tongue, eyes, face, or throat
- Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
- Decreased urination
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Symptoms may include upper stomach pain, severe nausea or vomiting, and fever
The above list is not comprehensive. Ozempic and Trulicity may cause other side effects. Call your physician if you experience any unusual problems while on this medication.
Both Ozempic and Trulicity have been shown to cause thyroid cancer and thyroid tumors in animal studies. If you have a family history or personal history of thyroid cancer, you should inform your physician before the treatment is initiated.
What do reviews have to say for both Ozempic and Trulicity?
A clinical trial sponsored by the maker of Ozempic was conducted in 2016 comparing Ozempic against Trulicity head-to-head. In this study, patients using Ozempic decreased their average blood sugar level (HbA1c) moderately more than patients using Trulicity. Patients using Ozempic also had a bigger decrease in body weight compared to those using Trulicity. The side effect profile for both was similar in this study.
You should work with your healthcare provider to understand which medication is the best option for your unique situation.
Ease of use of Ozempic and Trulicity
Both Ozempic and Trulicity come as a liquid solution available in a prefilled pen. While the Trulicity pen can be used only once, the Ozempic pen can be used multiple times. You’ll have to self-inject the medicines once a week for both Ozempic and Trulicity. The number of doses required for either medication depends on the type of pen you use.
Price comparison of Ozempic and Trulicity
Ozempic and Trulicity cost approximately the same. Ozempic is slightly more expensive. Ozempic costs about $899, while Trulicity costs about $844.36. However, the amount you pay depends on the insurance you have.
