No items found.

Ozempic vs. Trulicity

Published on 
February 3, 2025
Virta Team

Ozempic and Trulicity, both GLP-1 receptor agonists, are indicated for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular event risk reduction. Ozempic achieves superior HbA1c reductions and greater weight loss effects compared to Trulicity. Both drugs are used off-label for weight management. Side effects, including nausea, overlap, though Trulicity may cause additional fatigue. Ozempic costs $875/month, comparable to Trulicity’s $875/month. Neither drug currently faces shortages.

How Ozempic Works

Slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite, and enhances feelings of fullness, leading to lower calorie intake. It also stimulates insulin release and reduces glucagon secretion, improving blood sugar control.

Common Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.

Serious Potential Side Effects

Pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, kidney problems, and increased heart rate, thyroid cancer, anaphylaxis (or serious allergic reactions)

How Trulicity Works

Slows gastric emptying, reduces appetite, and enhances feelings of fullness, leading to lower calorie intake. It also stimulates insulin release and reduces glucagon secretion, improving blood sugar control.

Common Side Effects

Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, and decreased appetite.

Serious Potential Side Effects

Pancreatitis, thyroid tumors (potential risk), gallbladder issues, kidney problems, and serious allergic reactions

Brand Name

Ozempic
Trulicity

Generic Name

semaglutide
Dulaglutide

Overview

Primarily prescribed for type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control. Also used for cardiovascular event risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease. Off-label use for weight management due to its appetite-suppressing effects.
GLP-1 receptor agonist for type 2 diabetes that helps regulate blood sugar levels and may contribute to modest weight loss by slowing digestion and reducing appetite. Also used for cardiovascular event risk reduction in patients with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors.

Year Approved

2017 for weight management 2020 for cardiovascular risk reduction
2014

Category

GLP-1
GLP-1

Indicated for

Type 2 diabetes management; reducing risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Type 2 diabetes management; reducing risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes, known cardiovascular disease, or multiple cardiovascular risk factors

Administration type

Injectable
Injectable

Also used (but not approved) for

Weight Management
Weight Management

Frequency

Once / week
Once / week

Typical dose range

0.25–2.0 mg
0.75–4.5 mg

Average cost per month

$875
$875

Availability

No current shortages
No current shortages