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.
