glp1versus

Rybelsus vs Saxenda

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%

Saxenda weight loss

8%

Rybelsus dosing

Once daily

Saxenda dosing

Once daily

Reviewed by Dr. Elena Vance, DOLast reviewed 11 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

FeatureRybelsus(semaglutide)Saxenda(liraglutide)
Active Ingredientsemaglutideliraglutide
Drug ClassGLP-1 receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonist
ManufacturerNovo NordiskNovo Nordisk
FDA Approved2019-09-202014-12-23
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
Routeoralsubcutaneous injection
FrequencyOnce dailyOnce daily
Starting Dose3 mg daily0.6 mg daily
Maintenance Dose7 mg or 14 mg daily3.0 mg daily
Max Dose14 mg daily3.0 mg daily
Weight Loss (%)4.4%8%
A1C Reduction1.4%N/A (not indicated for diabetes)
Key TrialPIONEER 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 EffectRybelsusSaxenda
Nausea11-20%39%
Abdominal pain5-11%5%
Diarrhea5-10%21%
Decreased appetite3-9%10%
Vomiting4-8%16%
Constipation3-5%19%
Pancreatitis (rare)<0.5%<1%
HeadacheNot reported14%
DyspepsiaNot reported10%
FatigueNot reported8%
DizzinessNot reported7%
Gallbladder eventsNot reported2.5%

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

Related Comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

FDA & Regulatory

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

Clinical Trial Records

  1. PIONEER 1 clinical trial record — ClinicalTrials.gov
  2. SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes clinical trial record — ClinicalTrials.gov

Peer-Reviewed Literature

  1. Aroda VR et al. PIONEER 1: Oral Semaglutide Monotherapy vs Placebo in Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes Care 2019;42:1724-1732 — Diabetes Care
  2. 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
  3. 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. Rybelsus patient and healthcare provider website — Novo Nordisk
  2. Saxenda patient and healthcare provider website — Novo Nordisk

Reference Entries

  1. Semaglutide 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.