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Trulicity vs. Rybelsus

Published on 
February 3, 2025
Virta Team

Trulicity and Rybelsus, both GLP-1 agonists, differ in formulation and scope. Trulicity is an injectable drug for type 2 diabetes management, while Rybelsus is an oral alternative for the same condition. Trulicity provides superior HbA1c reductions and modest weight loss compared to Rybelsus. Both are occasionally used off-label for weight management. Side effects like nausea are common, with Rybelsus also causing gastrointestinal discomfort. Trulicity costs $875/month, similar to Rybelsus’s $875/month. Neither drug faces shortages.

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

How Rybelsus 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, and abdominal pain.

Serious Potential Side Effects

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

Brand Name

Trulicity
Rybelsus

Generic Name

Dulaglutide
Semaglutide

Overview

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.
GLP-1 receptor agonist available in tablet form, used to manage type 2 diabetes and also shown to aid in weight loss by reducing appetite.

Year Approved

2014
2019

Category

GLP-1
GLP-1

Indicated for

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

Administration type

Injectable
Oral

Also used (but not approved) for

Weight Management
Weight Management

Frequency

Once / week
Once / day

Typical dose range

0.75–4.5 mg
3–14 mg

Average cost per month

$875
$875

Availability

No current shortages
No current shortages