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Compare Ozempic vs. Tresiba

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

Key takeaways

Ozempic (semaglutide) and Tresiba (insulin degludec) are both injectable medications used to manage diabetes, but they work differently and have different uses. Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist that helps lower blood sugar by increasing insulin release, reducing sugar production in the liver, and slowing digestion. It is used for Type 2 diabetes and also helps lower the risk of heart problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Insulin degludec, on the other hand, is a long-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar levels in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is injected once a week, while insulin degludec is injected once daily. Ozempic can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, whereas insulin degludec can cause low blood sugar, weight gain, and injection site reactions. Additionally, Ozempic is available only as a brand-name medication, while insulin degludec is available as a lower-cost generic.

  • Ozempic (semaglutide)
    Insulin degludec (Tresiba)
  • Ozempic (semaglutide)
    Insulin degludec (Tresiba)

  • Summary of Ozempic vs. Tresiba

    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 Insulin
    Prescription only

    Insulin degludec (Tresiba) is an ultra-long-acting insulin. It's used to manage blood sugar levels in adults and children with Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes. It's injected under the skin once per day. Insulin degludec (Tresiba) comes as a vial and FlexTouch pen. Side effects include common cold symptoms and headache. Tresiba is available as a brand-name medication and an unbranded biologic.

  • Indications of Ozempic vs. Tresiba

    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 1 diabetes
    •Type 2 diabetes

  • Pros and Cons of Ozempic vs. Tresiba

    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 Insulin
    Pros
    •Injected once daily
    •Each dose can help control blood sugar levels for about 42 hours
    •Can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 months
    Cons
    •Raises risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels
    •Might cause weight gain
    •Can't be mixed with other insulins

  • Common Side Effects of Ozempic vs. Tresiba

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (16-20%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Vomiting (5-9%)
    •Stomach pain (6-7%)
    •Constipation (3-5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood sugar levels (up to 99%)
    •Common cold (up to 24%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 12%)
    •Headache (up to 12%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 6%)
    •Sinus infection (up to 5%)
    •Stomach viral infection (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Ozempic vs. Tresiba

    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
    •Risk of infections with pen sharing
    •Risk of high and low blood sugar levels
    •Dangerously low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia)
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling and heart failure when used with certain diabetes medications
    •Allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Ozempic vs. Tresiba

    Learn more about Ozempic
    Learn more about Insulin degludec

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