Ozempic Vs Bydureon (Extended Release Exenatide)

Ozempic Vs Bydureon is a comparison of the two GLP-1 analogs. Ozempic is a well-known, currently considered blockbuster medicine in the management of diabetes and weight loss.

Bydureon is a newer long-acting once-a-week formulation of one of the oldest GLP-1 analogs.

Both Ozempic and Bydureon lower blood glucose and body weight by the following mechanisms:

• Enhances the release of insulin
• Lower glucagon levels
• Delay gastric emptying of food into the intestine
• Make a person feel full
• Reduces cravings, and hunger, and enhances satiety.

Try Our Premium Berberine Tea | Available on Amazon

Efficacy of Ozempic Vs Bydureon in the Management of Diabetes and Obesity:

Both Ozempic and Bydureon are potent diabetes medications. Both drugs are injected once weekly and hence compliance with both medicines is almost the same.

Among all the GLP-1 analogs, Semaglutide (Ozempic) is considered the most potent. It has been shown to lower A1C by 1.5 to 1.8% from the baseline.

Compared to Ozempic, Bydureon lower the A1C by 1.3%. Because Ozempic is more potent than  Bydureon, it is also associated with more gastrointestinal side effects.

Similarly, Ozempic is also considered more effective in lowering body weight. In fact, the higher dose formulation of Ozempic (Wegovy) has got FDA approval solely for the treatment of weight loss.

Even the lower dose formulation, Ozempic, is also associated with significant weight loss.

Here is a table comparing the efficacies of Ozempic Vs Bydureon in lowering A1C and body weight [Ref]:

Although less effective than Ozempic, Bydureon, the once-weekly formulation of Exenatide is more effective than the shorter-acting formulation, Byetta.

One study compared the effectiveness of Byetta and Bydureon in reducing HbA1c levels (a measure of blood sugar control) and promoting weight loss.

The study found that Bydureon was more effective than Byetta in reducing HbA1c levels, with a reduction of 1.3% compared to 0.9% for Byetta.

In terms of weight loss, both medications were similarly effective, with Bydureon resulting in an average weight loss of 2.3 kg (5.1 lbs) and Byetta resulting in an average weight loss of 2.1 kg (4.6 lbs).

Here is a table comparing the efficacies of Byetta and Bydureon in reducing A1C and body weight:

As mentioned earlier, Byetta is taken twice daily, while Bydureon is taken once weekly. Bydureon comes in a prefilled, single-use pen, while Byetta comes in a multidose pen.

Both medications are injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

Table 2: Comparison of Byetta and Bydureon Dosing

Side Effects of Ozempic Vs Bydureon:

Both Ozempic and Bydureon are GLP-1 analogs and hence have the same side effects profile. However, there are minor differences between them.

Ozempic is more likely to cause stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal fullness than Bydureon.

Bydureon is associated with more injection-site reactions. Ozempic may worsen pre-existing retinopathy.

Both Ozempic and Bydureon are associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis, and medullary thyroid cancers, and are contraindicated in individuals with a history of MEN-II syndrome.

Some side effects of Bydureon are more common than with the shorter-acting formulation, Bbyetta.

Here is a table comparing the side effects of Byetta and Bydureon:

In conclusion:

Both Ozempic and Bydureon are potent drugs indicated for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.

However, Ozempic is more potent in lowering A1C and reducing body weight compared to both Bydureon and Byetta.

Try Our Premium Berberine Tea | Available on Amazon