Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Victoza (liraglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide) are both injectable medications used to manage Type 2 diabetes, but they have some key differences. Victoza is injected once daily, while Trulicity is injected once a week, which might be more convenient for some people. Both medications are GLP-1 agonists that help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin release, reducing sugar production, and slowing digestion. They also lower the risk of major heart events in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Common side effects for both include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. They both carry an increased risk of thyroid cancer, so they’re not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Victoza (liraglutide)
Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Victoza (liraglutide)
Trulicity (dulaglutide)
Summary of Victoza vs. Trulicity
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
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 of Victoza vs. Trulicity
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
•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