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Byetta vs. Ozempic

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

Key takeaways

Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise) and semaglutide (Ozempic) are both medications in the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class used to treat Type 2 diabetes. They help control blood sugar levels by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which increases insulin release and reduces sugar production in the liver. Exenatide is available in short-acting, twice-daily injection (Byetta) and long-acting, once weekly (Bydureon BCise) forms, while semaglutide is a long-acting medication given once a week. Exenatide is approved for use in adults and children 10 years and older (Bydureon BCise), whereas semaglutide is only approved for adults. Semaglutide also has the added benefit of reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Common side effects for both medications include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both medications carry a risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis. Exenatide is available as a lower-cost generic, while semaglutide is only available as a brand-name medication.

Exenatide

 

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Ozempic

(semaglutide)

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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

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

Prices with our coupons for Byetta vs. Ozempic

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