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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 GLP-1 agonist used with diet and exercise to help adults manage Type 2 diabetes. It can also lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in some people with Type 2 diabetes. It comes as a once-weekly injection under the skin and as a tablet taken by mouth once a day. The injection is also approved to help slow worsening kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Common side effects 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

    Injection:

    •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)

    Tablets:

    •Type 2 diabetes
    •Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes at high risk for these events
    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
    •Might help you lose weight
    •Helps lower the risk of heart problems and kidney problems in people with type 2 diabetes
    •Available as an injection and an oral tablet
    Cons
    •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
    •Interacts with medications taken by mouth
    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%)

    Note: Side effects listed above are for Ozempic (semaglutide) injection

    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
    •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
    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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