Ozempic vs Trulicity: What is the Difference?

Approximately 6.28% of the global population has type II diabetes, and the numbers continue to increase each year. The United States is no exception, with many people dealing with the high medical costs associated with this chronic illness. 

Have you wondered about Ozempic vs Trulicity? Both medications are widely used among patients with diabetes, but they come with a high price tag. Before deciding on one with your doctor, it would help if you knew more about what they treat and their side effects. 

Luckily, we have put together a complete guide that will go over everything you need to know about Ozempic and Trulicity, including how to save money on your next prescription. Keep reading for more information!

What Is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a metabolic condition that falls under two diagnoses:

• Type I
• Type II

Type I diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the body does not produce insulin, while type II is when the body no longer utilizes insulin correctly. Both disorders lead to long-term health risks and require careful medical management. 

Type II diabetes is much more prevalent and occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin production. Some of the causes of type II diabetes are:

• Lifestyle habits
• Western diet
• Obesity
• Genetics

There is an ongoing debate about whether type II diabetes is reversible, considering its close ties with diet, exercise, and weight. However, it is still considered a chronic condition and may require medication for optimal health. 

Diabetes Treatment Options

Type I diabetes requires a bit different medication and monitoring. For this article, we will focus on how you can manage your type II diabetes through medication, which is one of the frontline approaches for diabetes treatment. 

Ozempic and Trulicity are two popular medication options for type II diabetes. Most prescription medication for diabetes help stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent diabetic complications. 

What Is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a brand-name prescription medication with the active ingredient semaglutide. Ozempic lowers blood sugar levels and reduces cardiovascular disease risk for patients with type II diabetes. It is an injectable medication that comes in three different dosages:

• 2 mg
• 4 mg
• 8 mg

The prescription drug comes with multiple needles so that you will have readily available dosages without needing to reorder. Additionally, it is not a medication that you administer daily.

Although, you can combine it with other diabetic medications as instructed by your physician. Typically, you will administer Ozempic once weekly, and it does not require any planning around your meals. 

Ozempic Side Effects

You may have some irritation at the injection site, but it should disappear within a short period. Signs of an allergic reaction are rashes, excessive itchiness, and flushing. Here are some of the most common Ozempic side effects:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Constipation

Most side effects disappear within a few days, but talk to your doctor if it becomes problematic. There are other medications that you could try. 

How Much Does Ozempic Cost?

Since Ozempic is only available as a brand-name medication, it will be more expensive. There are a few ways you can save money:

• Talk to your doctor about alternatives
• Check for rebates and discounts
• Check your insurance coverage
• Shop online
• Use Canadian pharmacies

Canadian online pharmacies have lower prices on prescription drugs since there are greater federal regulations and price caps. Even with insurance or rebates, you can still save money by choosing an online pharmacy instead. Another added benefit is that you get your prescription medication delivered right to your doorstep, saving you time and money on travel expenses.

If you shop through Canadian Pharmacy Online, an Ozempic pen costs $384. While this might seem expensive, Ozempic’s cost in the United States is closer to $987!

What Is Trulicity?

Trulicity is another prescription medication used for patients with type II diabetes. It has similar mechanisms of action and uses, including lowering blood sugar levels and reducing cardiovascular complications. 

Trulicity’s active ingredient is dulaglutide and also comes in a disposable, injectable pen. There are two main dosages:

• 0.75 mg
• 1.5 mg

On average, you will inject Trulicity once weekly, but the dosage may change based on your blood sugar levels and physician feedback. 

Trulicity Side Effects

Since it is an injectable, Trulicity shares many similar side effects as Ozempic. You also have a risk for redness or irritation at the injection site. Other side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fatigue, and nausea.

How Much Does Trulicity Cost?

Trulicity comes in four pens through Canadian Pharmacy Online. You can expect Trulicity costs around $415.

In the United States, Trulicity prices are approximately $984. Unfortunately, there are no generic versions available to help lower costs at this time. 

Ozempic vs Trulicity

Now that you know more about each medication, which one is right for you? Ultimately, both drugs belong under a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists. When drugs belong to similar classes, they have nearly identical mechanisms of action. 

In studies, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists have shown positive results in reducing patients’ A1C levels. 

The primary difference is in their active ingredients. Changes in active ingredients can result in different side effects or reactions. Talk to your doctor about which one to start with, but don’t be afraid to ask about swapping if you react poorly to one! 

Save on Your Next Prescription Drug

If you have been diagnosed with type II diabetes, you recognize how expensive medication and doctor’s visits can add up. While some people have debated Ozempic vs Trulicity, they are very similar drugs that fall under glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists. 

Talk to your doctor about which one will work best for you. When you need to order your prescription, avoid the hefty costs of local pharmacies and check out Canadian Pharmacy Online instead!

We offer various diabetes medications at a fraction of the cost in the United States. Check out our website for more details!