Semaglutide vs. Dulaglutide
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
In the realm of diabetes management and weight loss, two names often come to the forefront of the conversation: semaglutide and dulaglutide. As healthcare professionals and patients alike seek effective treatments for diabetes and obesity, understanding the nuances of these medications is critical.
In this article, we’ll lay out a detailed comparison of semaglutide and dulaglutide, examining their uses, effectiveness, side effects, and more. Join us as we unravel the differences between these two popular medications.
What Is Semaglutide and What Is it Used For?
Semaglutide is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It mimics the action of the GLP-1 hormone to produce more insulin, thereby lowering blood sugar levels. For this reason, it’s primarily used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
In addition, semaglutide can facilitate weight loss, making it a beneficial treatment option for overweight patients, especially those with weight-related conditions.
What Is Dulaglutide and What Is it Used For?
Dulaglutide is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and it also mimics the action of an incretin hormone to stimulate insulin release and lower blood sugar levels. While it’s principally used in the management of type 2 diabetes, dulaglutide can also generate weight loss by slowing gastric emptying and inducing a feeling of satiety.
What Are the Differences Between Semaglutide and Dulaglutide?
Semaglutide and dulaglutide are both injectable medications used to treat type 2 diabetes and facilitate weight loss, but there are some key differences between them that patients should be aware of.
Some of the most important ones include:
- Administration: Dulaglutide is only available as a subcutaneous injection, while semaglutide is available as both an injection and an oral tablet.
- Dosing: Because they have different molecular structures, semaglutide and dulaglutide are typically prescribed in different doses for weight loss.
- Efficacy: Studies indicate semaglutide may be slightly more effective in lowering blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss than dulaglutide.
- Approval for Weight Loss: Only semaglutide has been approved for weight loss by the FDA, highlighting its effectiveness in that capacity.
Can You Lose Weight on Dulaglutide?
While dulaglutide is typically prescribed for type 2 diabetes, it has also demonstrated an ability to help patients lose weight. This ability stems from its deceleration of gastric emptying and diminishment of appetite, both of which tend to lead users to consume fewer calories.
Clinical studies have proven that dulaglutide can induce weight loss. However, it’s essential to note that individual responses to the drug can vary, and that a healthy diet and regular exercise are critical to long-term weight loss.
What Are the Disadvantages of Dulaglutide?
Though dulaglutide has been recognized for its efficacy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and promotion of weight loss, it’s not without its disadvantages. Patients and healthcare providers should be aware of several potential side effects, including:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: A significant number of users report experiencing nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Risk of Pancreatitis: The drug can cause an increased risk of developing pancreatitis, a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
- Thyroid Tumor Risk: Dulaglutide carries a warning about a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors.
- Hypoglycemia: When combined with other diabetes medications, dulaglutide can pose an increased risk of low blood sugar levels.
- Injection Site Reactions: Users may experience redness, swelling, and/or pain at the injection site.
Which Is Better: Trulicity or Ozempic?
Both Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are GLP-1 receptor agonists that have been found to promote weight loss in individuals with and without diabetes. However, clinical studies suggest that Ozempic may have a slight edge over Trulicity when it comes to lowering blood sugar levels.
Patients using Ozempic have reported more significant weight loss in various studies, though this could be attributed to differences in dosage.
Still, the choice between Trulicity and Ozempic should be one you make with your doctor, and it should take into account your medical history, current health, and weight loss goals.
Conclusion
When it comes to semaglutide and dulaglutide, each medication offers its own benefits and drawbacks, making it crucial for patients and healthcare providers to consider all factors before deciding on a treatment plan. While semaglutide may offer a slight advantage for those seeking to lose weight, dulaglutide remains a viable option for those primarily seeking an effective diabetes medication.
If you’re seeking to join a medical weight loss program, look no further than the Sanctuary Wellness Institute. Not only can we connect you with a certified weight loss doctor, but we can deliver your semaglutide prescription directly to your home to allow for self-administration.
Book a complimentary evaluation today to discover whether you’re eligible for the Sanctuary’s medical weight loss program.
How we reviewed this article:
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https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-167024/dulaglutide-subcutaneous/details - Drugs.com (2023). Does dulaglutide cause weight loss
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https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(18)30024-X/abstract - U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2021). FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014
https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014 - Enzo Bonora, MD, Juan P. Frias, MD, Francisco J. Tinahones, MD, Joanna Van, DO, Raleigh E. Malik, PhD, Zhuoxin Yu, PhD, Reema Mody, PhD, Angelyn Bethel, MD, Anita Y. M. Kwan, MSc, and David A. Cox, PhD (2021). Effect of dulaglutide 3.0 and 4.5 mg on weight in patients with type 2 diabetes: Exploratory analyses of AWARD‐11
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8518850/ - Lindsay Slowiczek (2022). Trulicity (dulaglutide)
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326844#-What-is-Trulicity? - Brian Leonard (2022). Trulicity vs. Ozempic: How Do They Compare for Type 2 Diabetes
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https://joinfound.com/blogs/posts/ozempic-vs-trulicity
Current Version
April 08, 2024
Written By
Jake Peter
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
Jake Peter received his journalism degree from Emerson College and has been writing content for the Sanctuary Wellness Institute since 2021. He is passionate about all things cannabis.
