Reviewed by Dr. Elena Vance, DOLast reviewed 4 sources cited
Quick Summary
Rybelsus (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are both glp-1 receptor agonists. In clinical trials, Saxenda showed greater weight loss (8% vs 4.4%).
See the comparison table below for detailed side-by-side data.
Rybelsus vs Saxenda: Full Comparison
| Feature | Rybelsus(semaglutide) | Saxenda(liraglutide) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | semaglutide | liraglutide |
| Drug Class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
| FDA Approved | 2019-09-20 | 2014-12-23 |
| Approved Indications |
|
|
| Route | oral | subcutaneous injection |
| Frequency | Once daily | Once daily |
| Starting Dose | 3 mg daily | 0.6 mg daily |
| Maintenance Dose | 7 mg or 14 mg daily | 3.0 mg daily |
| Max Dose | 14 mg daily | 3.0 mg daily |
| Weight Loss (%) | 4.4% | 8% |
| A1C Reduction | 1.4% | N/A (not indicated for diabetes) |
| Key Trial | PIONEER 1 (26 weeks) | SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (56 weeks) |
| List Price | $935-$1,029/month | $1,349/month |
| With Insurance | $25-$150/month (varies by plan) | $25-$250/month (varies; weight-loss coverage is limited) |
| Savings Card | $10/month (Novo Nordisk savings card, commercially insured) | $25/month (Novo Nordisk savings card, eligible patients) |
Side Effects: Rybelsus vs Saxenda
| Side Effect | Rybelsus | Saxenda |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 11-20% | 39% |
| Abdominal pain | 5-11% | 5% |
| Diarrhea | 5-10% | 21% |
| Decreased appetite | 3-9% | 10% |
| Vomiting | 4-8% | 16% |
| Constipation | 3-5% | 19% |
| Pancreatitis (rare) | <0.5% | <1% |
| Headache | Not reported | 14% |
| Dyspepsia | Not reported | 10% |
| Fatigue | Not reported | 8% |
| Dizziness | Not reported | 7% |
| Gallbladder events | Not reported | 2.5% |
Severity scale: 1 (mild) to 5 (serious). Based on FDA prescribing information and clinical trial data.
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