Trulicity and Ozempic are each once-weekly GLP-1 agonist injections used for decreasing blood sugar ranges in folks dwelling with kind 2 diabetes.
They might sound comparable, nonetheless, these medicines every trigger totally different unwanted effects and have totally different lively elements.
How are you aware which medicine is best for you? This text will discover the similarities and variations between these two well-liked therapies.
What are Trulicity and Ozempic?
Trulicity and Ozempic are each name-brand, injectable medicine that fall underneath the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, or GLP-1 agonist, drug class.
They’re each authorized by the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) for the administration of blood sugar ranges in folks with kind 2 diabetes.
Moreover, these medicines can help each in weight reduction and within the prevention of stroke, coronary heart assault, and untimely demise in folks dwelling with kind 2 diabetes and preexisting coronary heart illness.
Why would you’re taking Trulicity or Ozempic?
You might be prescribed Trulicity or Ozempic for those who stay with kind 2 diabetes and are affected by insulin resistance, cussed excessive blood sugar ranges (particularly after meals), and have hassle sustaining a wholesome weight.
Research present that members who take GLP-1 agonists, together with Ozempic and Trulicity, shed some pounds. Nonetheless, it is very important observe that neither medicine is FDA-approved for weight reduction.
In the event you’ve been prescribed both Trulicity or Ozempic however do not need kind 2 diabetes, you’ve been prescribed the medicine “off-label”. Because of this the medicine was prescribed for a function not but authorized by the FDA.
Trulicity and Ozempic are sometimes prescribed off-label to assist improve insulin sensitivity and help in weight reduction.
Don’t take Trulicity or Ozempic if you’re not prescribed the medicine and solely take medicines underneath the steerage of your physician.
How are Trulicity and Ozempic comparable?
These medicines are comparable in some ways, together with the next:
They don’t exchange insulin
Whereas these medicines decrease blood sugar over time, they don’t trigger acute low blood sugar ranges.
In case you are on insulin for the remedy of diabetes, Trulicity or Ozempic will probably be a complement to your insulin routine.
Nonetheless, for those who grow to be much less insulin resistant over time, they could cut back the quantity of insulin it is advisable take to handle your blood sugar ranges.
They’re injectable medicines, taken as soon as per week
Trulicity and Ozempic are solely obtainable in injectable type, taken subcutaneously (which suggests, taken underneath the pores and skin.)
It’s necessary to remain constant and take the remedy on the identical day on the similar time, as soon as weekly.
They’ve comparable unwanted effects
The unwanted effects of Trulicity and Ozempic are remarkably comparable and will embody:
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomachache
Suppressed urge for food
Weight reduction
Constipation
Fatigue
Low blood sugar, for those who use insulin
Though uncommon, each medicines improve the chance of creating Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). You shouldn’t take Trulicity or Ozempic when you have a private or household historical past of MTC.
Moreover, the FDA launched a black field warning about Trulicity and Ozempic’s use and the affiliation with an elevated danger of thyroid most cancers.
Be taught extra in regards to the unwanted effects of Trulicity and the unwanted effects of Ozempic.
They trigger weight reduction and decrease blood sugar ranges
Each of those medicines help in decreasing each blood sugar ranges and weight.
Though they aren’t authorized by the FDA for weight reduction, many sufferers taking each of those medicines do shed some pounds. Nearly all of sufferers lose greater than 5% of their physique weight.
Since they aren’t FDA-approved for weight reduction, there is no such thing as a really useful dose particularly for weight reduction obtainable.
Are you taking the following steps in your weight administration journey? Taking Trulicity for weight reduction or Ozempic for weight reduction often is the proper resolution for you.
They are often taken with or with out meals
Not like insulin, neither Trulicity nor Ozempic trigger acute low blood sugar. They are often taken with or with out meals.
The very best time of day to take your Trulicity or Ozempic dose is the time that you simply’ll routinely keep in mind to take it.
Whereas these medicines don’t require you to take them with meals, it may be useful to have a bit snack both earlier than or after your injection.
Select bland meals, equivalent to bananas, rice, toast, applesauce, or clear-broth soups, to assist alleviate nausea.
Weight loss plan performs a key position once you’re adjusting to a brand new medicine. Keep away from these meals when taking Trulicity. Keep away from these meals when taking Ozempic.
How are Trulicity and Ozempic totally different?
Whereas comparable, these medicines even have some variations. The next are the variations between Trulicity and Ozempic.
Their lively elements are totally different
Although these medicines are each GLP-1 agonists, the lively ingredient in Trulicity is dulaglutide and the lively ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide.
In case you are allergic to both of those lively elements, speak to your physician earlier than beginning a drugs routine, as you might expertise extreme, hostile unwanted effects.
Ozempic could also be simpler
In a single pivotal examine, semaglutide and dulaglutide had been studied in a randomized trial of individuals with kind 2 diabetes.
Researchers discovered that at each excessive and low doses of the medicine, semaglutide was simpler at enhancing glycemic management and decreasing physique weight than dulaglutide, with an analogous security profile.
In the event you battle with extreme insulin resistance and are having hassle sustaining a wholesome weight, you might need to speak to your physician about attempting Ozempic and see for those who’ll tolerate it effectively.
Ceaselessly requested questions
Can I swap between the 2?
It’s doable to modify between utilizing Trulicity and Ozempic.
Nonetheless, your physician will almost certainly make you wait per week after your final dose of 1 earlier than beginning one other, to keep away from extra extreme hostile unwanted effects.
You won’t be able to modify between the 2 for those who’re allergic to both of their lively elements—Ozempic’s semaglutide or Trulicity’s dulaglutide.
In the event you’re experiencing debilitating unwanted effects on one, it is perhaps value it to strive the opposite, which your physique might tolerate higher.
Can I take each on the similar time?
No. Although they’ve totally different lively elements, you can not double-dose GLP-1 agonists.
In the event you do, you’ll expertise extreme hostile unwanted effects, together with low blood sugar, which could possibly be deadly if not handled.
Name your physician instantly or search emergency medical consideration when you have by chance taken each of those medicines on the similar time or inside a 2–day timeframe.
Which medicine is true for me?
It is a determination that may solely be made between you and your physician, and it’ll rely in your well being historical past, well being targets, life-style, and preferences.
All the time think about the lively elements in any medicine you’re taking, and bear in mind when you have any allergic reactions to them.
It is usually necessary to verify your medical insurance protection to study what medicines are on the popular drug checklist. This manner, you possibly can select inexpensive choices which might be sustainable in the long run.
Sadly, there are not any generic variations of Trulicity or Ozempic, however your physician might produce other various medicines which might be extra inexpensive.