Ozempic vs Trulicity – Differences, Similarities, Costs, Effectiveness

Posted September 7, 2020 by Clint Kelly - See Editorial Guidelines

Patients that suffer from type 2 diabetes may be prescribed an injectable medication to control their condition. Two examples of injectable diabetes medications that are not insulin include Ozempic and Trulicity.

In this article, we will discuss Ozempic vs Trulicity, including the similarities, differences, and costs of each. Here is a brief explanation to give you a very basic understanding before we get into the details.

Ozempic vs Trulicity: Ozempic and Trulicity are two FDA approved brand name medications that are prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. Both of these medications are injected just once a week to help patients control their blood sugar levels. Both of these medications can aide in weight loss and aide patients in lowering their A1c.

At the surface level, these medications seem to be the same, but there are some differences you should know. So, here is what you should know about Ozempic vs Trulicity.

What is Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable prescription drug available in two different doses (0.5 mg or 1 mg). It is used along with diet and exercise to help patients with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. It can also be used to reduce one’s risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack or stroke, in patients with diabetes that have heart disease.

What is Trulicity

Trulicity (dulaglutide), like Ozempic, is also an injectable prescription drug but is available in doses of 0.75 mg and 1.5 mg. It is also prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes that have known heart disease and are at risk of heart attack or stroke.

Mechanisms of Action – Ozempic vs Trulicity

When it comes to Ozempic vs Trulicity, both of them work very similarly and belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists (glucagon-like peptide agonists). Neither one of them is considered insulin, and both are injected weekly. Ozempic and Trulicity come in the form of a pen and are injected in the subcutaneous region of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

How Ozempic and Trulicity work within the body are also very similar. As mentioned above, neither of these medicines are insulin. However, they both increase the amount of insulin released by the pancreas when your blood sugar is high. The medications also slow down the process of the food leaving the stomach, as well as decrease the amount of sugar released by the liver.

Side Effects of Ozempic vs Trulicity

The most common side effects of Ozempic may include:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Constipation

Serious side effects that are not as common are possible with Ozempic. These may include:

Pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas)
Changes in vision
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Kidney problems (kidney failure)
Serious allergic reactions

The most common side effects of Trulicity may include:

Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Decreased appetite

Rare but serious side effects are also possible with Trulicity, which may include:

Pancreatitis
Changes in vision
Low blood sugar
Acute kidney injury
Severe stomach problems
Serious allergic reactions

Safety Information & Warnings for Ozempic vs Trulicity

Important Safety Information for Ozempic:

Do not share the pen for Ozempic with anyone else, even if the needle has been changed. Infections are more likely to occur if the pen is shared with others.
You should not use Ozempic if you or your family has medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to semaglutide any of the other ingredients.
It is not known if those that have had pancreatitis can use Ozempic.
Ozempic is not insulin and should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
It may not be safe and effective for those under the age of 18 years old.

Important Safety Information for Trulicity:

Do not share the Trulicity pen or needles with any other person.
Trulicity may cause thyroid tumors, which may be cancerous. Patients should watch for symptoms, including swelling in the neck, lumps, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, or shortness of breath.
- Do not use Trulicity if you or your family has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Do not use Trulicity if you are allergic to dulaglutide or any of the other ingredients.
Trulicity is not insulin and must not be used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Before taking Trulicity, talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or have ever had pancreatitis.
This medicine may not be right for you if you are under 18 years old.
Call your doctor and seek immediate medical advice if you take too much Trulicity.

Cost Comparison of Ozempic vs Trulicity

Ozempic and Trulicity are both brand name medications. A generic version, which is typically cheaper, does not exist for either of these medications.

The out-of-pocket cost for Ozempic is about $856 for a supply of 1.5 milliliters. The out-of-pocket cost for Trulicity is about $841 for a supply of 2 milliliters. So, when it comes to the cost of Ozempic vs Trulicity, Ozempic is slightly more expensive.

However, it is important to mention that the price mentioned above is for cash paying customers only. The actual cost that you pay for each medicine will depend on the type of insurance you have and where you purchase your medication.

If you get Ozempic or Trulicity through Prescription Hope, then you can expect to pay just $50 a month for either one of the medications.

Is Ozempic or Trulicity More Effective?

In a study comparing Ozempic vs Trulicity, Ozempic was found to be more effective. The study concluded that Ozempic improved blood glucose control in patients and also aided in more weight loss. However, this study was conducted by Novo Nordisk, who manufactures Ozempic.

When it comes to choosing the medicine that is right for you, you must consult your doctor. Individuals may react differently to Trulicity than to Ozempic, or vice versa. Your doctor can give you the best advice as they can take into account your medical conditions and other medicines you are taking.

Conclusion

Choosing between two different medications that seem very similar can be difficult. So, we hope this has given you a better understanding between Ozempic vs Trulicity. You should never start taking a new medicine or change the medicines you are taking without first consulting your doctor.

If you are struggling to pay for Ozempic, Trulicity, or any other prescription drug, then Prescription Hope can help. We work with pharmaceutical companies to provide patients with the medicine they need at a set, affordable cost. Enroll with us and start saving money.