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Compare Victoza vs. Byetta

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

Key takeaways

Victoza (liraglutide) and exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon BCise) are both injectable medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Victoza is administered once daily with or without food, while exenatide is administered twice daily before meals. Exenatide is also available as a long-acting option (Bydureon BCise), which is administered once a week. Victoza and long-acting exenatide (Bydureon BCise) are approved for use in people aged 10 and older, whereas short-acting exenatide (Byetta) is only for adults. Additionally, Victoza has the added benefit of lowering the risk of major heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Both medications can help with weight loss, but neither is FDA-approved specifically for this purpose. Victoza and exenatide can cause similar side effects like nausea and vomiting, but exenatide has a higher rate of these side effects, particularly for nausea. Additionally, both medications carry risks of thyroid cancer and inflammation of the pancreas, but exenatide also has a risk of severe bleeding.

  • Victoza (liraglutide)
    Exenatide
  • Victoza (liraglutide)
    Exenatide

  • Summary of Victoza vs. Byetta

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Victoza (liraglutide) is a medication that's injected once a day. It helps lower blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes when used with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. It can also help lower the risk of heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Victoza (liraglutide) belongs to the drug class called GLP-1 agonists. The medication comes as single-dose prefilled pens and is injected under the skin. It can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Victoza (liraglutide) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

    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 Victoza vs. Byetta

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in people age 10 and older, together with a balanced diet and exercise
    •Lowering the risk of serious heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
    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 Victoza vs. Byetta

    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Lowers A1C by up to 1% over a year
    •Can take with or without food at any time of day
    •Available as an injectable pen
    Cons
    •Must inject once a day
    •Might have uncomfortable side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, and headache
    •Can slow down gut movement, which can affect how other medications get absorbed into the body
    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 Victoza vs. Byetta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 20%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 12%)
    •Headache (up to 11%)
    •Common cold symptoms (up to 10%)
    •Lower appetite (up to 10%)
    •Vomiting (up to 9%)
    •Indigestion (up to 7%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 7%)
    •Constipation (5%)
    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 Victoza vs. Byetta

    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible risk of thyroid cancer
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Kidney damage
    •Allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during general 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 Victoza vs. Byetta

    Learn more about Victoza
    Learn more about Exenatide

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