What is Bydureon?
Bydureon is an extended release medicine also known by its generic name exenatide. It is usually prescribed with exercise and diet to control blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, this injectable diabetes drug should not be used to treat type 1 diabetic patients. The medication comes in powder form that should be mixed with a diluent before it is taken. It is advisable you give the injection immediately after mixing it with liquid. You will be shown by a doctor how to safely administer Bydureon to yourself.
What is Victoza?
Victoza is an injectable non-insulin drug that is used to control blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. This drug should be injected once daily. It is recommended you take this drug at the same time every day so that you don’t forget your dose. Victoza is the brand name of liraglutide that works by stimulating insulin secretion and suppressing glucagon secretion by the pancreas. Liraglutide also reduces the rate at which glucose is absorbed, thus reducing appetite. The medication works over a period of 24 hours to reduce post-prandial and fasting blood sugar levels. Liraglutide can be prescribed with oral diabetes medications.
Similarities and differences between Victoza vs. Bydureon
Similarities
Both Bydureon and Victoza are injectable prescription drugs that are used to treat type 2 diabetic people. People with type 2 diabetes experience high levels of blood sugar because their body cannot effectively use insulin. Oral diabetes drugs such as metformin and sulfonylureas are often prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes. However, sometimes oral diabetes drugs don’t work effectively to control blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. That is when they can take injectable non-insulin drugs such as Bydureon and Victoza to help control their blood sugar levels. Both drugs should be injected under the skin using a syringe. Both medications belong to a drug class known as GLP-1 agonists. GLP-1 agonists work by mimicking incretin hormones, which lower blood sugar levels after meals. When you administer these medications, they work by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, which helps to reduce high amounts of blood sugar. These drugs also work the same way by inhibiting glucagon release in the pancreas. When it comes to side effects, both medications share the same effects, including:
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- nausea
- headache
When you take either Victoza or Bydureon, it may result in low blood sugar.
Differences
These medications differ in how often they should be taken. Victoza is usually taken once per day. On the other other hand, Bydureon is normally injected once per week. Bydureon can be injected at any time during the day. However, Victoza is supposed to be administered at the same time every day. Bydureon comes in powder form, while Victoza is a ready-made solution.
Disclaimer: Please note that the contents of this community article are strictly for informational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. This article, and other community articles, are not written or reviewed for medical validity by Canadian Insulin or its staff. All views and opinions expressed by the contributing authors are not endorsed by Canadian Insulin. Always consult a medical professional for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.
