glp1versus

Saxenda vs Trulicity

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

Novo NordiskEli Lilly

Saxenda weight loss

8%

Trulicity weight loss

3.1%

Saxenda dosing

Once daily

Trulicity dosing

Once weekly

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

Quick Summary

Saxenda (liraglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide) are both glp-1 receptor agonists. In clinical trials, Saxenda showed greater weight loss (8% vs 3.1%).

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

Saxenda vs Trulicity: Full Comparison

FeatureSaxenda(liraglutide)Trulicity(dulaglutide)
Active Ingredientliraglutidedulaglutide
Drug ClassGLP-1 receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonist
ManufacturerNovo NordiskEli Lilly
FDA Approved2014-12-232014-09-18
Approved Indications
  • 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
  • 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 or multiple cardiovascular risk factors
Routesubcutaneous injectionsubcutaneous injection
FrequencyOnce dailyOnce weekly
Starting Dose0.6 mg daily0.75 mg weekly
Maintenance Dose3.0 mg daily1.5 mg weekly
Max Dose3.0 mg daily4.5 mg weekly
Weight Loss (%)8%3.1%
A1C ReductionN/A (not indicated for diabetes)1.5%
Key TrialSCALE Obesity and Prediabetes (56 weeks)REWIND (260 weeks)
List Price$1,349/month$950-$1,100/month
With Insurance$25-$250/month (varies; weight-loss coverage is limited)$25-$150/month (varies by plan)
Savings Card$25/month (Novo Nordisk savings card, eligible patients)$25/month (Lilly savings card, commercially insured)

Side Effects: Saxenda vs Trulicity

Side EffectSaxendaTrulicity
Nausea39%12-21%
Diarrhea21%8-13%
Constipation19%Not reported
Vomiting16%6-12%
Headache14%Not reported
Decreased appetite10%4-9%
Dyspepsia10%4-6%
Fatigue8%4-6%
Dizziness7%Not reported
Abdominal pain5%6-9%
Pancreatitis (rare)<1%<0.5%
Gallbladder events2.5%Not reported

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

Related Comparisons

Saxenda vs OzempicTrulicity vs OzempicSaxenda vs WegovyTrulicity vs WegovySaxenda vs MounjaroTrulicity vs MounjaroSaxenda vs ZepboundTrulicity vs Zepbound

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & References

  1. Saxenda FDA prescribing information
  2. Trulicity FDA prescribing information
  3. Pi-Sunyer X et al., N Engl J Med 2015;373:11-22. FDA prescribing information.
  4. Gerstein HC et al., Lancet 2019;394:121-130. 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.