Victoza vs. Byetta for Diabetes Type 2 and Management with Incretin-based Therapies: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

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)

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Exenatide

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Summary for Victoza

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.

Indications for Victoza

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

Pros and Cons for Victoza

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

Common Side Effects for Victoza

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%)

Warnings for Victoza

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

Summary for Byetta

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 for Byetta

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 for Byetta

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 for Byetta

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.