What is Trulicity?
Trulicity is a GLP-1 or glucagonlike peptide-1 analog that works by increasing secretion of the natural hormone insulin by the pancreas. It also inhibits glucagon release and slows down digestion. This medication is used together with a diet plan and exercise program to reduce high blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). It can also be prescribed to overweight people with T2D to try and reduce their weight. It should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes (T1D). Trulicity comes as pre-filled syringes. This medication is usually injected once per week under the skin and may only be taken by those with a valid prescription. Inject this medication on the same day each week, at the same time of the day, or as otherwise directed by your doctor. In case you miss a dose, you need to check how many days are remaining before your next dose. If there are less than 3 days remaining before your next dose, you should skip the missed dose and wait for the next one. However, if there are more than three days remaining until your next dose, you should take the missed dose as soon as you remember it.
What is Victoza?
Victoza is similar to the natural hormone produced by the pancreas and works by reducing high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. This medication is usually prescribed to patients when other diabetes meds have failed to stabilize blood sugar levels. However, it should not be used to treat T1D. This medication is usually given once per day. You can inject this medication at any time during the day with or without food. Do not use this medicine if there is a change in its color or if you can see particles inside the fluid. Instead, call your doctor for advice.
Similarities and differences between Victoza and Trulicity
Similarities
Both Trulicity and Victoza are used to treat T2D. Both of these medications affect GLP-1, meaning that they work by increasing the release of insulin in the body. Insulin refers to a hormone that is produced by the pancreas. This naturally-occurring hormone works by moving glucose into the cells for energy. Both drugs are used together with diet and exercise to reduce high blood sugar in people with T2D. However, these medications should not be used to treat T1D. In addition to controlling blood sugar levels, they can be used for weight loss in people with T2D. Another similarity between medications is that they are both injected subcutaneously. You should not inject these medicines if you do not understand how to give yourself the injection properly and safely. Your doctor will show you how to properly administer these medications at home. Use different injection sites every time you inject these medications. Do not inject Trulicity or Victoza in the same place twice. You can inject these medications in different places such as the thigh, stomach or upper arm.
Differences
Whereas trulicity is administered once per week, victoza is usually taken once every day. The dosage of trulicity is 0.75 mg while victoza is 1.8 mg. Trulicity is the brand name of dulaglutide, while liraglutide is marketed under the brand name victoza.
Doctor’s Recommendation
Do not use Victoza or Trulicity if you or anyone in your family has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). It’s important to understand the side effects and risks associated with other weight loss medications as well.
Saxenda is a GLP-1 agonist, and Mounjaro is a dual GLP-1/GIP agonist, similar to Victoza and Trulicity. Common side effects of these drugs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and acid reflux. More serious but less common side effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and worsening diabetic eye disease.
If you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasias, avoid these medications.
