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Compare Trulicity vs. Byetta

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

Key takeaways

Trulicity (dulaglutide) and exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise) are both injectable medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Trulicity is taken once a week, while exenatide (Byetta) is taken twice a day before meals. Exenatide also has a long-acting version called Bydureon BCise, which is taken once a week. Trulicity and long-acting exenatide (Bydureon BCise) are approved for use in people 10 years and older, whereas short-acting exenatide (Byetta) is only for adults. Both medications can cause nausea, but exenatide has a higher rate of this side effect. Neither medication is safe for people with severe kidney problems and cause inflammation of the pancreas. Trulicity and long-acting exenatide (Bydureon BCise) both carry an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.

  • Trulicity (dulaglutide)
    Exenatide
  • Trulicity (dulaglutide)
    Exenatide

  • Summary of Trulicity vs. Byetta

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    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).

    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 Trulicity vs. Byetta

    Indications for
    •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
    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 Trulicity vs. Byetta

    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    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
    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 Trulicity vs. Byetta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (12-21%)
    •Diarrhea (7-13%)
    •Vomiting (6-13%)
    •Stomach pain (7-9%)
    •Low appetite (5-9%)
    •Fatigue (4-6%)
    •Indigestion (3-6%)
    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 Trulicity vs. Byetta

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    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 Trulicity vs. Byetta

    Learn more about Trulicity
    Learn more about Exenatide

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