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Farxiga vs. Ozempic

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

Key takeaways

Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and semaglutide (Ozempic) are both medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes and help lower the risk of heart problems in adults with heart disease. However, they belong to different medication classes and have distinct characteristics. Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor taken orally once a day, while semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once a week. Dapagliflozin is available in both brand-name and generic forms, whereas semaglutide is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of dapagliflozin include urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and increased urination, while semaglutide can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dapagliflozin and semaglutide both have an increased risk of low blood sugar when combined with other diabetes medications.

Farxiga

(dapagliflozin)

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Ozempic

(semaglutide)

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Summary for Farxiga

Prescription only

Farxiga, the brand name for dapagliflozin, is used together with a nutritious diet and exercise plan to lower blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. It can also help lower the risk of serious complications, hospitalization, and death in certain adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Farxiga (dapagliflozin) belongs to the drug class called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It's taken by mouth once a day. Some side effects include yeast infections, urinating more often, and weight loss.

Indications for Farxiga

  • Type 2 diabetes (in addition to diet and exercise) in people age 10 and over
  • Lowering the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
  • Lowering the risk of hospitalization and death due to heart problems in people with heart failure
  • Lowering the risk of worsening kidney problems, hospitalization for heart failure, and death due to heart problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Pros and Cons for Farxiga

Pros

  • Taken only once daily
  • Low risk of causing low blood sugar when taken by itself
  • Can take with other diabetes medications

Cons

Common Side Effects for Farxiga

Warnings for Farxiga

  • Ketoacidosis
  • Low fluids in the body (leading to low blood pressure or dehydration)
  • Genital and urinary tract infections
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with other diabetes medications

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 Farxiga vs. Ozempic

Price Card Drug Icon
Farxiga30 tablets / 10mg
$288.00$438.23
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Price Card Drug Icon
Ozempic30 tablets / 1.5mg
$149.00$1,211.99
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