Both Trulicity and Ozempic are weekly GLP-1 agonist injections used to lower blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients.
This article will help you explore key similarities and differences and determine which medications are right for you.
What are Trulicity and Ozempic?
Trulicity and Ozempic are name-branded injection drugs classified as GLP-1 agonists. Both are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Trulicity is approved by children and adults aged 10 and older, while Ozempic is approved by adults only.
Both medications help you lose weight and help prevent stroke, heart attacks and early death in patients with type 2 diabetes and existing heart disease.
read more: Everything you need to know about Trulicity and Everything you need to know about Ozempic.
Why do you take Trulicity or Ozempic?
If you have type 2 diabetes, you may be prescribed one of these medications, especially if you are suffering from insulin resistance, sustained hyperglycemia (especially after a meal), and if you are having difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.
Research shows that GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic and Trulicity can promote weight loss, but the FDA has not been approved for this purpose.
If prescribed off-label (in ways not officially approved by the FDA), these drugs can be used to improve insulin sensitivity and help in weight loss, even without type 2 diabetes. Always take them under the guidance of a doctor.
See more details: Everything you need to know about Trulicity and Everything you need to know about Ozempic.
How do Trulicity and Ozempic look similar?
Trulicity and Ozempic share some similarities:
They are not substitutes for insulin
These drugs do not replace insulin, but can supplement it with blood glucose control over time.
It helps to gradually lower blood sugar without causing acute hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia).
When insulin resistance decreases, you may need less insulin to manage your blood sugar levels.
They are injectable medications and are taken once a week
Both are only available as subcutaneous (under the skin) injections taken once a week.
It is important to maintain consistency by administering treatment on the same day and weekly.
There are similar side effects
Trulicity and Ozempic share many side effects.
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- Reduced appetite
- Weight loss
- constipation
- Fatigue
- Hypoglycemia (when used with insulin)
Both drugs, rarely, can increase the risk of developing medulla thyroid cancer (MTC). If you have a personal or family history of MTC, you should avoid these medications.
Additionally, the FDA issued a black box warning for both drugs regarding its association with an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
read more: Trulicity Side Effects: Things You Need to Know and Ozempic Side Effects: Things You Need to Know.
They cause weight loss and lower blood sugar levels
Both Trulicity and Ozempic effectively lower blood sugar levels and promote weight loss.
Although the FDA does not specifically approve because of weight loss, many people experience a loss of 5% or more in weight while taking these medications.
They are not approved for weight loss, so there are no particularly recommended dosages for that purpose.
If you are considering options for managing your weight, truility or osempic may be the right option to discuss with your health care provider.
read more: Trulicity and Weight Loss: Does Trulicity help you lose weight? and Does Ozempic help you lose weight?
They can be taken with or without food
Unlike insulin, which can cause a sudden drop in blood glucose, medicines can be taken with or without food.
The best time to take your dose is when you most likely remember it every week.
See more details: Trulicity Dosing: How much should it cost? and Ozempic Dosage Guide: How much should it cost?
It’s not necessary, but having a small snack before or after the injection can relieve nausea.
Choose bland foods like bananas, rice, toast, applesauce, and clear broth soup. Diets play an important role in adapting to new medications, so be aware of the foods you choose.
See more details: Foods to avoid small things and Foods to Avoid when taking Ozempic.
What is the difference between Trulicity and Ozempic?
Similarly, there are important differences between medications.
Their active ingredients differ
Trulicity and Ozempic are both GLP-1 agonists, but their active ingredients are different. Trulicity contains Dulaglutide, while Ozempic contains Semaglutide.
If you are allergic to any of these ingredients, consult your doctor before starting treatment. You can experience serious side effects.
Ozempic might be more effective
A key study comparing semaglutide (ozenpic) and duraglutide (Trulicity) in patients with type 2 diabetes found that semaglutide was effective in improving glycemic control and weight loss at both high and low doses with similar safety profiles.
If you have severe insulin resistance and difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, consider discussing with your doctor to see if it’s right for you.
FAQ
Can I switch between the two?
Yes, you can switch between Trulicity and Ozempic.
However, healthcare providers recommend waiting one week after one last dose to minimize the risk of severe side effects.
If you are allergic to either of their active ingredients (Ozenpic semaglutide or turlulu duraglutide), you should not switch them.
If you are experiencing important side effects on one hand, your body may endure it differently, so it may be a better option to try the other.
Can I take both at the same time?
No, you cannot take Trulicity and Ozempic together, even if you have different active ingredients.
Double-administered GLP-1 agonists can cause severe side effects, including dangerously hypoglycemia.
If you accidentally take both medications at the same time or within two days, call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention.
Which medicine is suitable for me?
Choosing Trulicity and Ozempic is a decision you and your health provider should make together based on your health history, goals, lifestyle and preferences.
Always consider active ingredients and potential allergies. Additionally, check your health insurance coverage to see which medications are on your preferred drug list and choose affordable long-term options.
There are no general versions of Trulicity or Ozempic, but doctors may suggest more affordable options.
See more details at Everything you need to know about Trulicity and Everything you need to know about Ozempic. Was this article helpful? (Yes) or click “No” to let us know!
