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Compare Lantus vs. Ozempic

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

Key takeaways

Lantus (insulin glargine) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both medications used to manage diabetes, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Lantus is a long-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar levels in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes by providing a steady release of insulin throughout the day. It's typically injected once daily. On the other hand, Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that not only helps manage Type 2 diabetes but also lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It's injected once a week. While Lantus is available as a vial and prefilled pen, Ozempic comes only as a prefilled pen. Common side effects of Lantus include redness at the injection site and upper respiratory infections, whereas Ozempic often causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both medications can interact with alcohol, but Ozempic also has specific warnings about thyroid cancer and pancreatitis. Lantus is available as a generic medication, while Ozempic is not.

  • Lantus (insulin glargine)
    Ozempic (semaglutide)
  • Lantus (insulin glargine)
    Ozempic (semaglutide)

  • Summary of Lantus vs. Ozempic

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    Lantus (insulin glargine) is a type of long-acting insulin. It's used to help manage blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. Lantus (insulin glargine) is injected under the skin once daily. Your dose will depend on a few things, such as the type of diabetes you have and your blood sugar levels. This medication comes in a vial (Lantus) as well as in a prefilled insulin pen (Lantus Solostar). Some side effects include upper respiratory tract infections. It can also cause redness and swelling at the injection site.

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription injection used with diet and exercise to help manage Type 2 diabetes in adults. It's also FDA approved to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in those with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In addition, it can reduce the risk of worsening kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist that's injected under the skin once a week. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Lantus vs. Ozempic

    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes (T1D)
    •Type 2 diabetes (T2D)
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    •Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
    •Lower the risk of worsening kidney problems and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD)

  • Pros and Cons of Lantus vs. Ozempic

    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Helps keep your blood sugar controlled for about 24 hours
    •Injected once daily
    •Approved for both adults and children
    •Available as a vial and prefilled pen
    Cons
    •Given as an injection under the skin
    •Has a risk of causing dangerously low blood sugar
    •Might cause weight gain
    •Can't be mixed with other insulins within the same syringe
    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    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
    •Can store open and used pens at room temperature for up to 8 weeks
    Cons
    •Is an injection given under the skin
    •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

  • Common Side Effects of Lantus vs. Ozempic

    Common Side Effects for

    Type 1 diabetes

    •Upper respiratory tract infection (22%)
    •Other infection (9%)
    •Accidental injury (6%)
    •Headache (6%)

    Type 2 diabetes

    •Upper respiratory tract infection (11%)
    •Other infection (10%)
    •Eye problem (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (16-20%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Vomiting (5-9%)
    •Stomach pain (6-7%)
    •Constipation (3-5%)

  • Warnings of Lantus vs. Ozempic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of infection from sharing pens and needles
    •Risk of changes to blood sugar levels with changes to your insulin routine
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Low potassium levels
    •Swelling and risk of heart failure when using with certain diabetes medications
    •Severe allergic reaction
    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 problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation

  • Prices with our coupons for Lantus vs. Ozempic

    Learn more about Lantus
    Learn more about Ozempic

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