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Compare Rybelsus vs. Saxenda

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

Key takeaways

Rybelsus (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are both medications in the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class, but they are used for different purposes. Rybelsus is FDA-approved to treat Type 2 diabetes, while Saxenda is approved for weight management in certain adults and children. Rybelsus is taken orally once a day, whereas Saxenda is injected under the skin once daily. Both medications are only available as brand-name medications. Common side effects for both include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both medications carry a risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis, and they can cause low blood sugar, especially when taken with other diabetes medications. Rybelsus and Saxenda can interact with other medications by affecting their absorption.

  • Rybelsus (semaglutide)
    Saxenda (liraglutide)
  • Rybelsus (semaglutide)
    Saxenda (liraglutide)

  • Summary of Rybelsus vs. Saxenda

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a brand-name GLP-1 agonist that helps lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's also FDA approved to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in people with Type 2 diabetes who are at risk for these events. You take it as a pill once a day, at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medicatons by mouth. It’s used along with diet and exercise, and might also help with weight loss. Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Saxenda (generic name liraglutide) is a once-daily injection given under the skin that's used for weight loss. It's approved for certain adults and children ages 12 years and up. And it works best when used along with a balanced diet and exercise. This prescription weight loss medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. It works by slowing down your gut and making you feel less hungry. Saxenda (liraglutide) comes as a prefilled pen you use to inject your dose. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Rybelsus vs. Saxenda

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    •Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes at high risk for these events
    Indications for
    •Weight loss and long-term weight management in:
    •People ages 12 years and older with a body weight greater than 132 lbs and obesity
    •Adults who are considered overweight with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)

  • Pros and Cons of Rybelsus vs. Saxenda

    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Only needs to be taken once per day
    •First GLP-1 agonist in pill form
    •Helps lower blood sugar and might also support weight loss
    Cons
    •Must be taken on an empty stomach
    •Stomach side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain are common
    •Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes
    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Can help you lose weight in addition to balanced nutrition and exercise
    •Can take with or without food, at any time during the day
    •Okay for children 12 years of age and older weighing more than 132 lbs with obesity
    Cons
    •Must inject once a day
    •Can cause stomach upset
    •Doesn't come with pen needles (must get them separately)

  • Common Side Effects of Rybelsus vs. Saxenda

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (11-20%)
    •Stomach pain (10-11%)
    •Diarrhea (9-10%)
    •Lower appetite (6-9%)
    •Vomiting (6-8%)
    •Constipation (5-6%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Adults:

    •Nausea (39%)
    •Diarrhea (21%)
    •Constipation (19%)
    •Vomiting (16%)
    •Injection site reaction (e.g., redness, itching, rash; 14%)
    •Headache (14%)
    •Low blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes (13%)
    •Indigestion (10%)

    Children 12 years and up:

    •Nausea (42%)
    •Vomiting (34%)
    •Diarrhea (22%)
    •Low blood sugar (15%)
    •Stomach inflammation (13%)
    •Dizziness (10%)

  • Warnings of Rybelsus vs. Saxenda

    Common Side Effects for
    •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 side effects
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation
    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible risk for thyroid cancer
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Low blood sugar
    •Faster heart rate
    •Severe stomach side effects
    •Kidney problems due to dehydration
    •Allergic reactions
    •Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation

  • Prices with our coupons for Rybelsus vs. Saxenda

    Learn more about Rybelsus
    Learn more about Saxenda

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