glp1versus

Byetta vs Trulicity

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

AstraZenecaEli Lilly

Byetta weight loss

2.8%

Trulicity weight loss

3.1%

Byetta dosing

Twice daily (within 60 min before meals)

Trulicity dosing

Once weekly

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

Quick Summary

Byetta (exenatide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide) are both glp-1 receptor agonists. In clinical trials, Trulicity showed greater weight loss (3.1% vs 2.8%).

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

Byetta vs Trulicity: Full Comparison

FeatureByetta(exenatide)Trulicity(dulaglutide)
Active Ingredientexenatidedulaglutide
Drug ClassGLP-1 receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonist
ManufacturerAstraZenecaEli Lilly
FDA Approved2005-04-282014-09-18
Approved Indications
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adjunct to diet and exercise)
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adjunct to diet and exercise)
  • Reduction of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors
Routesubcutaneous injectionsubcutaneous injection
FrequencyTwice daily (within 60 min before meals)Once weekly
Starting Dose5 mcg twice daily0.75 mg weekly
Maintenance Dose10 mcg twice daily1.5 mg weekly
Max Dose10 mcg twice daily4.5 mg weekly
Weight Loss (%)2.8%3.1%
A1C Reduction0.8%1.5%
Key TrialAC2993 Phase 3 (30 weeks)REWIND (260 weeks)
List Price$800-$900/month$950-$1,100/month
With Insurance$25-$100/month (varies by plan)$25-$150/month (varies by plan)
Savings CardLimited savings programs available$25/month (Lilly savings card, commercially insured)

Side Effects: Byetta vs Trulicity

Side EffectByettaTrulicity
Nausea44%12-21%
Vomiting13%6-12%
Diarrhea13%8-13%
Headache9%Not reported
Dizziness9%Not reported
Dyspepsia6%4-6%
Jittery feeling4%Not reported
Pancreatitis (rare)<1%<0.5%
Abdominal painNot reported6-9%
Decreased appetiteNot reported4-9%
FatigueNot reported4-6%

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

Related Comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

  1. Byetta FDA prescribing information
  2. Trulicity FDA prescribing information
  3. DeFronzo RA et al., Diabetes Care 2005;28:1092-1100.
  4. Gerstein HC et al., Lancet 2019;394:121-130. 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.