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Ozempic vs. Byetta

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Ozempic (semaglutide) and exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise) are injectable medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Ozempic and exenatide are GLP-1 agonists that work to lower blood sugar by causing the pancreas to release more insulin, stop the liver from releasing more sugar, and slow down your digestion. Ozempic is injected once a week, while exenatide is injected either twice a day before meals (Byetta) or once a week (Bydureon BCise). Additionally, Ozempic can help lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and rarely inflammation of the pancreas. Both medications are available by brand-name only.

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Ozempic

(semaglutide)

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Exenatide

 

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Summary for Ozempic

Prescription only

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist used with diet and exercise to help adults manage Type 2 diabetes. It can also lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in some people with Type 2 diabetes. It comes as a once-weekly injection under the skin and as a tablet taken by mouth once a day. The injection is also approved to help slow worsening kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Indications for Ozempic

Injection:

Tablets:

Pros and Cons for Ozempic

Pros

  • Only given once per week
  • Might help you lose weight
  • Helps lower the risk of heart problems and kidney problems in people with type 2 diabetes
  • Available as an injection and an oral tablet

Cons

  • Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
  • Risk of low blood sugar if taken with certain diabetes medications
  • Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes
  • Interacts with medications taken by mouth

Common Side Effects for Ozempic

Note: Side effects listed above are for Ozempic (semaglutide) injection

Warnings for Ozempic

  • Risk of thyroid tumors
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Eye problems
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications
  • Kidney damage
  • Severe stomach problems
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation

Summary for Byetta

Prescription only

Exenatide is an injectable medication used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It should be used along with an appropriate diet and exercise plan. This medication comes in short-acting (Byetta) and long-acting (Bydureon BCise) versions.

Indications for Byetta

  • Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise (adults) - Byetta only
  • Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise (adults and children age 10 years and older) - Bydureon BCise only

Pros and Cons for Byetta

Pros

  • Can lower your A1c (average blood sugar over time)
  • Not as likely to cause very low blood sugar as other diabetes medications
  • Might help some people with weight loss
  • Bydureon BCise (once-weekly injections) can be taken any time of day, with or without food

Cons

  • Slows stomach emptying, which can affect how other medications are absorbed
  • Short-acting version (Byetta) must be used within 60 minutes before meals
  • Not safe for people with severe kidney problems
  • Brand-name only, so it can be expensive

Common Side Effects for Byetta

  • Nausea (Up to 44%)
  • Vomiting (Up to 18%)
  • Diarrhea (Up to 18%)
  • Headache (Up to 14%)
  • Injection-site lump (11%)
  • Constipation (Up to 10%)

Note: These side effects were reported by people taking either exenatide alone or with other diabetes medications. The side effects you experience might differ depending on what other diabetes medications you're taking.

Warnings for Byetta

  • Thyroid cancer - Bydureon BCise only
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Kidney problems
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Severe bleeding
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Gallbladder problems

Prices with our coupons for Ozempic vs. Byetta

Price Card Drug Icon
Ozempic30 tablets / 1.5mg
$149.00$1,211.99
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Exenatide1 pen / 5mcg
$447.30$941.28
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