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Compare Trulicity vs. Saxenda

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

Key takeaways

Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are both GLP-1 agonists, but they are used for different purposes. Trulicity is primarily for managing Type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of major heart events in adults with heart disease or risk factors. It is injected once a week. To help lower blood sugar. On the other hand, Saxenda is used for weight management in adults and children over 12 with a high BMI, and it is injected daily. While both medications can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, Saxenda has a higher incidence of these side effects. Trulicity is not approved for weight loss, although some people may experience it as a side effect. Both medications carry risks of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis, and neither should be used by individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.

Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Summary of Trulicity vs. Saxenda
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
Saxenda (generic name liraglutide) is a once-daily injection given under the skin that's used for weight loss. It's approved for certain adults and children ages 12 years and up. And it works best when used along with a balanced diet and exercise. This prescription weight loss medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist. It works by slowing down your gut and making you feel less hungry. Saxenda (liraglutide) comes as a prefilled pen you use to inject your dose. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Indications of Trulicity vs. Saxenda
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

•Weight loss and long-term weight management in:

•People ages 12 years and older with a body weight greater than 132 lbs and obesity

•Adults who are considered overweight with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)
Pros and Cons of Trulicity vs. Saxenda
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 help you lose weight in addition to balanced nutrition and exercise

•Can take with or without food, at any time during the day

•Okay for children 12 years of age and older weighing more than 132 lbs with obesity

Cons

•Must inject once a day

•Can cause stomach upset

•Doesn't come with pen needles (must get them separately)
Common Side Effects of Trulicity vs. Saxenda
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
Adults:

•Nausea (39%)

•Diarrhea (21%)

•Constipation (19%)

•Vomiting (16%)

•Injection site reaction (e.g., redness, itching, rash; 14%)

•Headache (14%)

•Low blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes (13%)

•Indigestion (10%)

Children 12 years and up:

•Nausea (42%)

•Vomiting (34%)

•Diarrhea (22%)

•Low blood sugar (15%)

•Stomach inflammation (13%)

•Dizziness (10%)
Warnings of Trulicity vs. Saxenda
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

•Possible risk for thyroid cancer

•Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)

•Gallbladder problems

•Low blood sugar

•Faster heart rate

•Severe stomach side effects

•Kidney problems due to dehydration

•Allergic reactions

•Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation
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Compare Trulicity vs. Saxenda

Key takeaways

Summary of Trulicity vs. Saxenda

Indications of Trulicity vs. Saxenda

Pros and Cons of Trulicity vs. Saxenda

Common Side Effects of Trulicity vs. Saxenda

Warnings of Trulicity vs. Saxenda

Prices with our coupons for Trulicity vs. Saxenda

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