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Compare Farxiga vs. Rybelsus

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

Key takeaways

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) and Rybelsus (semaglutide) are used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but there are several differences between the two medications. Farxiga helps lower blood sugar by removing excess sugar through urine. It also helps reduce the risk of heart failure and chronic kidney disease complications. On the other hand, Rybelsus lowers blood sugar by increasing insulin release, reducing sugar production in the liver, and slowing digestion. Unlike Farxiga, Rybelsus has a warning for potentially causing thyroid tumors or cancer. Farxiga can cause dehydration and urinary tract infections, while Rybelsus commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both medications are brand-name only and are taken orally, but Rybelsus must be taken on an empty stomach first thing in the morning.

  • Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
    Rybelsus (semaglutide)
  • Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
    Rybelsus (semaglutide)

  • Summary of Farxiga vs. Rybelsus

    Summary for SGLT2 inhibitor
    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.

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a brand name glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that helps lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Unlike other medications in this class, it's the first one available as a tablet you take by mouth. The pill is typically taken once a day, at least 30 minutes before you eat, drink, or take any other medications 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.

  • Indications of Farxiga vs. Rybelsus

    Indications for
    •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)
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes

  • Pros and Cons of Farxiga vs. Rybelsus

    Pros and Const for SGLT2 inhibitor
    Pros
    •Taken only once daily
    •Low risk of causing low blood sugar when taken by itself
    •Can take with other diabetes medications
    Cons
    •Raises risk of yeast infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs)
    •Not available as a liquid
    •Not recommended during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Farxiga vs. Rybelsus

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vaginal yeast infection in females (7-8%)
    •Nose and throat infection (6-7%)
    •Urinary tract infection (UTI, 4-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (11-20%)
    •Stomach pain (10-11%)
    •Diarrhea (9-10%)
    •Lower appetite (6-9%)
    •Vomiting (6-8%)
    •Constipation (5-6%)

  • Warnings of Farxiga vs. Rybelsus

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Farxiga vs. Rybelsus

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