glp1versus

Byetta vs Saxenda

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

AstraZenecaNovo Nordisk

Byetta weight loss

2.8%

Saxenda weight loss

8%

Byetta dosing

Twice daily (within 60 min before meals)

Saxenda dosing

Once daily

Reviewed by Dr. Elena Vance, DOLast reviewed 10 sources cited

Quick Summary

Byetta (exenatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are both glp-1 receptor agonists. In clinical trials, Saxenda showed greater weight loss (8% vs 2.8%).

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

Byetta vs Saxenda: Full Comparison

FeatureByetta(exenatide)Saxenda(liraglutide)
Active Ingredientexenatideliraglutide
Drug ClassGLP-1 receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonist
ManufacturerAstraZenecaNovo Nordisk
FDA Approved2005-04-282014-12-23
Approved Indications
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (adjunct to diet and exercise)
  • Chronic weight management in adults with BMI ≥30 or ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity
  • Chronic weight management in patients aged 12-17 with body weight >60 kg and BMI corresponding to ≥30 kg/m² for adults
Routesubcutaneous injectionsubcutaneous injection
FrequencyTwice daily (within 60 min before meals)Once daily
Starting Dose5 mcg twice daily0.6 mg daily
Maintenance Dose10 mcg twice daily3.0 mg daily
Max Dose10 mcg twice daily3.0 mg daily
Weight Loss (%)2.8%8%
A1C Reduction0.8%N/A (not indicated for diabetes)
Key TrialAC2993 Phase 3 (30 weeks)SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (56 weeks)
List Price$800-$900/month$1,349/month
With Insurance$25-$100/month (varies by plan)$25-$250/month (varies; weight-loss coverage is limited)
Savings CardLimited savings programs available$25/month (Novo Nordisk savings card, eligible patients)

Side Effects: Byetta vs Saxenda

Side EffectByettaSaxenda
Nausea44%39%
Vomiting13%16%
Diarrhea13%21%
Headache9%14%
Dizziness9%7%
Dyspepsia6%10%
Jittery feeling4%Not reported
Pancreatitis (rare)<1%<1%
ConstipationNot reported19%
Decreased appetiteNot reported10%
FatigueNot reported8%
Abdominal painNot reported5%
Gallbladder eventsNot reported2.5%

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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

FDA & Regulatory

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

Clinical Trial Records

  1. AC2993 Phase 3 clinical trial record — ClinicalTrials.gov
  2. SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes 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. Pi-Sunyer X et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes). N Engl J Med 2015;373:11-22 — New England Journal of Medicine

Manufacturer Information

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

Reference Entries

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