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Rybelsus vs. Trulicity

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

Key takeaways

Rybelsus (semaglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide) are both medications in the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class used to treat Type 2 diabetes. They help control blood sugar by mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone in your body. However, they differ in several ways. Rybelsus is taken orally once a day, while Trulicity is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) once a week. Rybelsus is only approved for Type 2 diabetes, whereas Trulicity is also approved to lower the risk of heart problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes. Neither medication has a generic version available. Common side effects for both include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both medications carry a risk of thyroid tumors and pancreatitis, and they can cause low blood sugar when used with certain diabetes medications.

Rybelsus

(semaglutide)

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Trulicity

(dulaglutide)

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Summary for Rybelsus

Prescription only

Rybelsus (semaglutide) is a brand-name GLP-1 agonist that helps lower blood sugar in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It's also FDA approved to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in people with Type 2 diabetes who are at risk for these events. You take it as a pill once a day, at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medicatons by mouth. It’s used along with diet and exercise, and might also help with weight loss. Common side effects include nausea, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Indications for Rybelsus

Pros and Cons for Rybelsus

Pros

  • Only needs to be taken once per day
  • First GLP-1 agonist in pill form
  • Helps lower blood sugar and might also support weight loss

Cons

  • Must be taken on an empty stomach
  • Stomach side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain are common
  • Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes

Common Side Effects for Rybelsus

  • Nausea (11-20%)
  • Stomach pain (10-11%)
  • Diarrhea (9-10%)
  • Lower appetite (6-9%)
  • Vomiting (6-8%)
  • Constipation (5-6%)

Warnings for Rybelsus

  • 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 side effects
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation

Summary for Trulicity

Prescription only

Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist that helps control blood sugar in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. It's also approved to lower the risk of heart problems like heart attacks, strokes, and heart-related death in certain adults with Type 2 diabetes. The medication is injected under the skin once a week. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. When taken with certain diabetes medications like insulin, there's a higher risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

Indications for Trulicity

  • Manage Type 2 diabetes in people 10 years and older, along with diet and exercise
  • Lower the risk of heart problems like heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with Type 2 diabetes who have heart disease or heart-related risk factors

Pros and Cons for Trulicity

Pros

  • Works well at lowering A1C
  • Comes as a ready-to-use injectable pen
  • Only used once a week
  • Helps with weight loss

Cons

  • Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain
  • Potential risk for thyroid tumors
  • Can cause problems in the pancreas, kidney, and gallbladder
  • Not recommended for people with stomach problems

Common Side Effects for Trulicity

  • Nausea (12-21%)
  • Diarrhea (7-13%)
  • Vomiting (6-13%)
  • Stomach pain (7-9%)
  • Low appetite (5-9%)
  • Fatigue (4-6%)
  • Indigestion (3-6%)

Warnings for Trulicity

  • Thyroid cancer
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
  • Low blood sugar when used with certain diabetes medications
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Kidney damage
  • Severe stomach-related side effects
  • Worsening eye problems in people with diabetic retinopathy
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Breathing fluid into your lungs during anesthesia or deep sedation

Prices with our coupons for Rybelsus vs. Trulicity

Price Card Drug Icon
Rybelsus30 tablets / 3mg
$1,004.02$1,540.78
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Price Card Drug Icon
Trulicity1 carton / 4 pens of 0.75mg/0.5ml
$985.69$1,509.99
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