glp1versus

Byetta vs Rybelsus

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

AstraZenecaNovo Nordisk

Byetta weight loss

2.8%

Rybelsus weight loss

4.4%

Byetta dosing

Twice daily (within 60 min before meals)

Rybelsus dosing

Once daily

Reviewed by Dr. Elena Vance, DOLast reviewed 11 sources cited

Quick Summary

Byetta (exenatide) and Rybelsus (semaglutide) are both glp-1 receptor agonists. In clinical trials, Rybelsus showed greater weight loss (4.4% vs 2.8%).

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

Byetta vs Rybelsus: Full Comparison

FeatureByetta(exenatide)Rybelsus(semaglutide)
Active Ingredientexenatidesemaglutide
Drug ClassGLP-1 receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonist
ManufacturerAstraZenecaNovo Nordisk
FDA Approved2005-04-282019-09-20
Approved Indications
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adjunct to diet and exercise)
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adjunct to diet and exercise)
Routesubcutaneous injectionoral
FrequencyTwice daily (within 60 min before meals)Once daily
Starting Dose5 mcg twice daily3 mg daily
Maintenance Dose10 mcg twice daily7 mg or 14 mg daily
Max Dose10 mcg twice daily14 mg daily
Weight Loss (%)2.8%4.4%
A1C Reduction0.8%1.4%
Key TrialAC2993 Phase 3 (30 weeks)PIONEER 1 (26 weeks)
List Price$800-$900/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: Byetta vs Rybelsus

Side EffectByettaRybelsus
Nausea44%11-20%
Vomiting13%4-8%
Diarrhea13%5-10%
Headache9%Not reported
Dizziness9%Not reported
Dyspepsia6%Not reported
Jittery feeling4%Not reported
Pancreatitis (rare)<1%<0.5%
Abdominal painNot reported5-11%
Decreased appetiteNot reported3-9%
ConstipationNot reported3-5%

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

Related Comparisons

Byetta vs OzempicRybelsus vs OzempicByetta vs WegovyRybelsus vs WegovyByetta vs MounjaroRybelsus vs MounjaroByetta vs ZepboundRybelsus vs Zepbound

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

FDA & Regulatory

  1. Byetta FDA Drugs@FDA approval record — FDA
  2. Rybelsus FDA Drugs@FDA approval record — FDA

Clinical Trial Records

  1. AC2993 Phase 3 clinical trial record — ClinicalTrials.gov
  2. PIONEER 1 clinical trial record — ClinicalTrials.gov

Peer-Reviewed Literature

  1. DeFronzo RA et al. Effects of Exenatide on Glycemic Control and Weight Over 30 Weeks in Metformin-Treated Patients with Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2005;28:1092-1100 — Diabetes Care
  2. Aroda VR et al. PIONEER 1: Oral Semaglutide Monotherapy vs Placebo in Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2019;42:1724-1732 — Diabetes Care
  3. Husain M et al. Oral Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (PIONEER 6). N Engl J Med 2019;381:841-851 — New England Journal of Medicine

Manufacturer Information

  1. Bydureon/Byetta patient website (AstraZeneca) — AstraZeneca
  2. Rybelsus patient and healthcare provider website — Novo Nordisk

Reference Entries

  1. Exenatide entry on Wikipedia — Wikipedia
  2. Semaglutide entry on Wikipedia — Wikipedia

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.