Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Ozempic vs. Byetta

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

Key takeaways

Ozempic (semaglutide) and exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise) are injectable medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Ozempic and exenatide are GLP-1 agonists that work to lower blood sugar by causing the pancreas to release more insulin, stop the liver from releasing more sugar, and slow down your digestion. Ozempic is injected once a week, while exenatide is injected either twice a day before meals (Byetta) or once a week (Bydureon BCise). Additionally, Ozempic can help lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and rarely inflammation of the pancreas. Both medications are available by brand-name only.

drug combination

See more from our pharmacists

  • Ozempic (semaglutide)
    Exenatide
  • Ozempic (semaglutide)
    Exenatide

  • Summary of Ozempic vs. Byetta

    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.

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Exenatide is an injectable medication used to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. It should be used along with an appropriate diet and exercise plan. This medication comes in short-acting (Byetta) and long-acting (Bydureon BCise) versions.

  • Indications of Ozempic vs. Byetta

    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
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise (adults) - Byetta only
    •Type 2 diabetes, in combination with diet and exercise (adults and children age 10 years and older) - Bydureon BCise only

  • Pros and Cons of Ozempic vs. Byetta

    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
    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Can lower your A1c (average blood sugar over time)
    •Not as likely to cause very low blood sugar as other diabetes medications
    •Might help some people with weight loss
    •Bydureon BCise (once-weekly injections) can be taken any time of day, with or without food
    Cons
    •Slows stomach emptying, which can affect how other medications are absorbed
    •Short-acting version (Byetta) must be used within 60 minutes before meals
    •Not safe for people with severe kidney problems
    •Brand-name only, so it can be expensive

  • Common Side Effects of Ozempic vs. Byetta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (16-20%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Vomiting (5-9%)
    •Stomach pain (6-7%)
    •Constipation (3-5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (Up to 44%)
    •Vomiting (Up to 18%)
    •Diarrhea (Up to 18%)
    •Headache (Up to 14%)
    •Injection-site lump (11%)
    •Constipation (Up to 10%)

    Note: These side effects were reported by people taking either exenatide alone or with other diabetes medications. The side effects you experience might differ depending on what other diabetes medications you're taking.

  • Warnings of Ozempic vs. Byetta

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Thyroid cancer - Bydureon BCise only
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Kidney problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Severe bleeding
    •Injection-site reactions
    •Gallbladder problems

  • Prices with our coupons for Ozempic vs. Byetta

    Learn more about Ozempic
    Learn more about Exenatide

Compare other Diabetes Type 2 and Management with Incretin-based Therapies drugs

Adlyxin vs OzempicByetta vs OzempicFarxiga vs OzempicJanuvia vs OzempicJardiance vs OzempicLantus vs OzempicLevemir vs OzempicMounjaro vs OzempicNovolog vs OzempicOrlistat vs OzempicOzempic vs BydureonOzempic vs ContraveOzempic vs MetforminOzempic vs TresibaPhentermine vs OzempicQsymia vs OzempicRybelsus vs OzempicSaxenda vs OzempicSemglee vs OzempicSoliqua 100 33 vs OzempicTrulicity vs OzempicVictoza vs OzempicWegovy vs OzempicZepbound vs OzempicContrave vs MounjaroContrave vs PhentermineContrave vs WegovyContrave vs WellbutrinQsymia vs ContraveZepbound vs Contrave
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.