Rybelsus vs Victoza

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

Novo NordiskNovo Nordisk

Rybelsus weight loss

4.4%

Victoza weight loss

3.2%

Rybelsus dosing

Once daily

Victoza dosing

Once daily

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

Quick Summary

Rybelsus (semaglutide) and Victoza (liraglutide) are both glp-1 receptor agonists. In clinical trials, Rybelsus showed greater weight loss (4.4% vs 3.2%).

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

Rybelsus vs Victoza: Full Comparison

FeatureRybelsus(semaglutide)Victoza(liraglutide)
Active Ingredientsemaglutideliraglutide
Drug ClassGLP-1 receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonist
ManufacturerNovo NordiskNovo Nordisk
FDA Approved2019-09-202010-01-25
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
  • Type 2 diabetes in patients aged 10+ years
Routeoralsubcutaneous injection
FrequencyOnce dailyOnce daily
Starting Dose3 mg daily0.6 mg daily
Maintenance Dose7 mg or 14 mg daily1.2 mg or 1.8 mg daily
Max Dose14 mg daily1.8 mg daily
Weight Loss (%)4.4%3.2%
A1C Reduction1.4%1.1%
Key TrialPIONEER 1 (26 weeks)LEADER (188 weeks)
List Price$935-$1,029/month$950-$1,100/month
With Insurance$25-$150/month (varies by plan)$25-$150/month (varies by plan)
Savings Card$10/month (Novo Nordisk savings card, commercially insured)$25/month (Novo Nordisk savings card, commercially insured)

Side Effects: Rybelsus vs Victoza

Side EffectRybelsusVictoza
Nausea11-20%28%
Abdominal pain5-11%Not reported
Diarrhea5-10%17%
Decreased appetite3-9%9%
Vomiting4-8%11%
Constipation3-5%6%
Pancreatitis (rare)<0.5%<1%
HeadacheNot reported9%
DyspepsiaNot reported7%

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

Related Comparisons

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

  1. Rybelsus FDA prescribing information
  2. Victoza FDA prescribing information
  3. Aroda VR et al., Lancet 2019;394:39-50. FDA prescribing information.
  4. Marso SP et al., N Engl J Med 2016;375:311-322. 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.