Bydureon BCise vs Rybelsus

exenatide extended-release (GLP-1 receptor agonist) vs semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) — a complete side-by-side comparison.

AstraZenecaNovo Nordisk

Bydureon BCise weight loss

2.3%

Rybelsus weight loss

4.4%

Bydureon BCise dosing

Once weekly

Rybelsus dosing

Once daily

Reviewed by Dr. Elena Vance, DOLast reviewed 4 sources cited

Quick Summary

Bydureon BCise (exenatide) and Rybelsus (semaglutide) are both glp-1 receptor agonists. In clinical trials, Rybelsus showed greater weight loss (4.4% vs 2.3%).

See the comparison table below for detailed side-by-side data.

Bydureon BCise vs Rybelsus: Full Comparison

FeatureBydureon BCise(exenatide extended-release)Rybelsus(semaglutide)
Active Ingredientexenatidesemaglutide
Drug ClassGLP-1 receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonist
ManufacturerAstraZenecaNovo Nordisk
FDA Approved2012-01-272019-09-20
Approved Indications
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adjunct to diet and exercise)
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adjunct to diet and exercise)
Routesubcutaneous injectionoral
FrequencyOnce weeklyOnce daily
Starting Dose2 mg weekly3 mg daily
Maintenance Dose2 mg weekly7 mg or 14 mg daily
Max Dose2 mg weekly14 mg daily
Weight Loss (%)2.3%4.4%
A1C Reduction1.3%1.4%
Key TrialDURATION-1 (30 weeks)PIONEER 1 (26 weeks)
List Price$800-$950/month$935-$1,029/month
With Insurance$25-$100/month (varies by plan)$25-$150/month (varies by plan)
Savings CardLimited savings programs available$10/month (Novo Nordisk savings card, commercially insured)

Side Effects: Bydureon BCise vs Rybelsus

Side EffectBydureon BCiseRybelsus
Nausea11%11-20%
Diarrhea9%5-10%
Injection site nodule10-17%Not reported
Headache8%Not reported
Vomiting4%4-8%
Constipation6%3-5%
Pancreatitis (rare)<1%<0.5%
Abdominal painNot reported5-11%
Decreased appetiteNot reported3-9%

Severity scale: 1 (mild) to 5 (serious). Based on FDA prescribing information and clinical trial data.

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

  1. Bydureon BCise FDA prescribing information
  2. Rybelsus FDA prescribing information
  3. Drucker DJ et al., Lancet 2008;372:1240-1250. FDA prescribing information.
  4. Aroda VR et al., Lancet 2019;394:39-50. FDA prescribing information.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions. See our full medical disclaimer.