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Compare Novolog vs. Ozempic

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

  • Novolog (insulin aspart)
    Ozempic (semaglutide)
  • Novolog (insulin aspart)
    Ozempic (semaglutide)

  • Summary of Novolog vs. Ozempic

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    NovoLog (insulin aspart) is a fast-acting insulin for adults and children with diabetes. It lowers your blood sugar levels by moving the sugar into your body so it can be used for energy. NovoLog (insulin aspart) is available as vials and ready-to-use prefilled pens. It's typically injected under the skin at mealtimes, but it can also be given as an infusion into the veins by a healthcare provider for people in the hospital. Side effects include headache and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription injection that's used along with a nutritious diet and exercise to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It's also proven to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Ozempic (semaglutide) belongs to the drug class known as GLP-1 agonists. The dosing is convenient because it's only injected under the skin once per week. Common side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Novolog vs. Ozempic

    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes in adults and children
    •Type 2 diabetes in adults
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    •Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease

  • Pros and Cons of Novolog vs. Ozempic

    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Starts to work within 10 minutes to lower blood sugar levels
    •Dose can be easily adjusted to make treatment tailored to your specific needs
    •Can use if you have liver or kidney problems
    •Available as a prefilled pen for easier and convenient use
    Cons
    •Given multiple times per day (before each meal)
    •Must give as an injection
    •Might be hard for some people to inject properly
    •Risk of low blood sugar and weight gain
    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Only given once per week
    •Available as prefilled pens for injection
    •Can switch injection days as long as the doses are separated by at least 2 days
    •Can store open and used pens at room temperature for up to 8 weeks
    Cons
    •Must be given as an injection under the skin
    •Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    •Risk of low blood sugar if it's taken with certain other diabetes medications (e.g., sulfonylureas, insulins)
    •Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes

  • Common Side Effects of Novolog vs. Ozempic

    Common Side Effects for

    Type 1 diabetes:

    •Severely low blood sugar (17%)
    •Headache (12%)
    •Accidental injury (11%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)

    Type 2 diabetes:

    •Muscles slow to react (11%)
    •Severely low blood sugar (10%)
    •Fungal nail infection (10%)
    •Impairment of your senses (9%)
    •Urinary tract infection (8%)
    •Sinus infection (5%)
    •Chest pain (5%)
    •Stomach pain (5%)
    •Headache (5%)
    •Skin problems (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (16-20%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Vomiting (5-9%)
    •Stomach pain (6-7%)
    •Constipation (3-5%)

  • Warnings of Novolog vs. Ozempic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Spread of infections from sharing injection supplies
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling from fluid buildup and risk of heart failure when taken with certain blood sugar medications
    •Dangerously high blood sugar levels or buildup of ketones (for people who use insulin pump)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Thyroid cancer
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Eye problems
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain other diabetes medications
    •Dehydration and kidney problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Novolog vs. Ozempic

    Learn more about Novolog
    Learn more about Ozempic

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