- Are Bydureon And Ozempic The Same Thing?
- Differences Between Bydureon vs Ozempic
- Similarities Between Bydureon And Ozempic
- Which Medication Is Most Effective, Bydureon Or Ozempic?
- Bydureon vs Ozempic Benefits
- Which Medication Has The Fewest Side Effects?
- Can You Take Bydureon And Ozempic Together?
- Conclusion
- Source
Bydureon and Ozempic are popular medications to help control blood glucose levels and decrease the risks of complications.
While they are meant to be used to treat diabetes, they have increased in popularity due to their effect on weight loss.
In this article, we’ll compare two popular GLP-1 receptor agonists: Bydureon and Ozempic.
We’ll learn their differences and similarities and how they can help diabetes and promote weight loss.
Are Bydureon And Ozempic The Same Thing?
No, Bydureon and Ozempic are not the same thing. While they have similar mechanisms (they are both GLP-1 receptor agonists), they are different medications.
Differences Between Bydureon vs Ozempic
There are several differences between Bydureon and Ozempic. The following table compares the main differences between these two medications.
| Feature | Bydureon | Ozempic |
| Active ingredient | Exenatide | Semaglutide |
| Manufacturer | AstraZeneca | Novo Nordisk |
| Dosage | 2 mg/0.85 mL | 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg |
| Cost | Starting at $855(3.4 mL) | Starting at $915(1.5 mL) |
Similarities Between Bydureon And Ozempic
- Both are FDA-approved and are prescription medications.
- Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists.
- They are both used to treat type 2 diabetes.
- Both can be used to help promote weight loss.
- Both are incretin emulators.
- They can both help increase the production of insulin.
- Both are injected subcutaneously only once a week.
Which Medication Is Most Effective, Bydureon Or Ozempic?
According to research, both options are equally effective when used to help lower blood glucose levels. In addition, they can also help lower HbA1c levels and promote weight loss.
However, keep in mind that the best results are seen when the medication goes hand-in-hand with proper lifestyle habits. Here are some things you might want to consider if you want to improve the effectiveness of either medication:
- Reduce simple carbs. Refined carbs (white bread, white pasta, sugar, cookies, candies, and ice cream) increase blood glucose levels. Instead, choose whole grains, such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, brown rice, and oatmeal.
- Add vegetables. Since vegetables are high in fiber, they can delay gastric emptying, allowing for more stable blood glucose levels. Focus on having a portion of non-starchy vegetables in every meal.
- Start exercising. Strive for at least 150 minutes of light to moderate activity per week. You can also do a 10-minute walk after every meal to have better blood glucose management.
- Find ways to cope with stress. Stress levels can increase blood glucose levels. While it might be challenging to eliminate stress, find ways to help you cope with stress, such as yoga, meditation, or journaling.
- Stay hydrated. Water also plays a crucial role in blood glucose management. Make sure you are drinking your daily recommended intake of water.
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Bydureon vs Ozempic Benefits
Bydureon and Ozempic offer different health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the possible health benefits of taking these medications.
1) Reduced Blood Glucose Levels
Both Bydureon and Ozempic are effective in lowering blood glucose levels. They can also help decrease HbA1c levels.
When followed with a healthy diet and exercise, it can bring down the glucose levels back to normal.
2) Weight Loss
Both Bydureon and Ozempic seem to have positive results when it comes to weight loss.
Clinical trials for Bydureon have shown that people might lose between 2 to 6 lbs. This reduction is seen due to a delay in gastric emptying, which made people feel fuller for longer, leading to smaller portions.
The same applies to Ozempic. A 2021 study found that when people took Ozempic, they saw weight loss as one of the side effects. On average, people lost around 13-15 lbs.
3) Reduced Risk of Heart Disease
According to studies, it seems that Bydureon and Ozempic can help improve heart health.
Since Bydureon can help improve blood glucose levels, it seems that it can help promote good heart health.
Ozempic also seems to have similar effects by helping prevent strokes, heart attacks, or other heart conditions for people with diabetes.
Which Medication Has The Fewest Side Effects?
Some people claim that Ozempic has lower side effects than Bydureon. However, they seem to have very similar side effects. Keep in mind that the side effects might affect from person to person.
Here are the possible side effects you might get from either medication.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Itching
- Headache
- Usual bleeding or bruising
- Skin reactions
- Hypoglycemia
- Low urination
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Constipation
- Thyroid tumors
- Kidney problems
- Pancreatitis
- Severe allergic reactions
- Hypoglycemia
If you experience any of the previous symptoms, make sure you talk to your doctor to determine if you need some readjustments in your dosage or if you should change your medication altogether.
Can You Take Bydureon And Ozempic Together?
No, you cannot take Bydureon and Ozempic together. Since both have the same mechanisms of action, it’s not recommended to use them together.
However, they can be with other antidiabetic medications, such as metformin or sulfonylurea.
Make sure to follow your doctor’s orders on when, how much, and if you need to take other medication to help control your blood glucose levels.
Conclusion
Bydureon and Ozempic are two popular options used to help treat type 2 diabetes. They are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, which help increase insulin production (a hormone that helps lower blood glucose levels).
While they have similar mechanisms of action, they differ in their pricing, active ingredients, and doses.
Both medications are safe and well-tolerated. However, they might increase the risk of side effects. If you notice any change, talk with your doctor to determine if you should continue using the medication.
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