When it comes to Trulicity (dulaglutide) vs Ozempic (semaglutide), the data from the clinical trials suggests Ozempic is more effective when it comes to lowering your blood sugar levels and managing weight. Both belong to the GLP 1 receptor agonist group and work by mimicking a natural hormone that helps to bring those blood sugar levels under control. However, the exact ingredients in these two meds are different which is what leads to the difference in results.
The SUSTAIN 7 trial shows that people using Ozempic can lose a healthy 10 to 14 pounds on average whereas Trulicity users lose 5 to 7 pounds and when it comes to lowering A1C levels, Ozempic comes out as a winner, reducing it by 1.8% at its highest dose compared to Trulicity’s 1.4%
Important: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping or changing any medication. Neither Trulicity nor Ozempic is approved specifically for weight loss though Ozempic has a higher dose version called Wegovy approved for chronic weight management.
TL;DR
- Ozempic (semaglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide) are both once weekly GLP 1 receptor agonists for type 2 diabetes
- Ozempic is generally more effective, delivering 1.8% A1C reduction vs Trulicity’s 1.4% and producing about 10 to 14 lbs weight loss compared to 5 to 7 lbs with Trulicity
- Trulicity may cause fewer GI side effects at lower doses (22% nausea vs 44% for Ozempic)
- On Pandameds, Trulicity (0.75mg/0.5mL or 1.5mg/0.5mL) costs $373 for a box of 4 pens, while Ozempic (2mg/3mL or 4mg/3mL) costs $419.95 per pen, both lasting 4 weeks
- Ozempic has a higher dose version (Wegovy) approved for weight management.
Trulicity vs Ozempic: Key Differences Overview
| Metric | Trulicity | Ozempic |
| Active Drug | Dulaglutide | Semaglutide |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Novo Nordisk |
| Weekly Dose Range | 0.75-4.5mg | 0.25-2mg |
| A1C Reduction | Up to 1.4% | Up to 1.8% |
| Avg Weight Loss | 5-7 lbs (8-10%) | 10-14 lbs (12-15%) |
| Pen Type | Fixed-dose auto-injector | Dial-a-dose pen |
| Cost/mo (Pandameds) | $373 | $419.95 |
Trulicity and Ozempic both belong to the same class of diabetes medications called GLP 1 receptor agonists but they use different active ingredients. Trulicity contains dulaglutide and is manufactured by Eli Lilly while Ozempic contains semaglutide and is made by Novo Nordisk.
According to the SUSTAIN 7 trial published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, Ozempic demonstrated approximately 30% greater effectiveness in body weight reduction compared to Trulicity at comparable doses.
Both Trulicity and Ozempic are prescribed to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise. However, Ozempic has gained additional approval for reducing the risk of serious heart problems in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Trulicity’s approval has been extended to reducing the cardiovascular risks for people with type 2 diabetes and other heart related risk factors. While they work in the same way, the data from the trials suggests that Ozempic may offer superior results for patients prioritizing both blood sugar control and weight management.
Trulicity vs Ozempic – Weight Loss Results
| Study | Trulicity Loss | Ozempic Loss | Patient Type |
| SUSTAIN 7 | 5-7 lbs (2.5kg) | 10-14 lbs (5kg) | Type 2 Diabetes |
| SUSTAIN 6 | – | 9 lbs (4.3kg) | T2D + High CV Risk |
| AWARD-6 | 6 lbs (2.9kg) | – | Type 2 Diabetes |
| REWIND | 5 lbs (2.2kg) | – | T2D + CV Factors |
Clinical trials consistently demonstrate that Ozempic produces significantly greater weight loss than Trulicity in patients with type 2 diabetes. In the head to head SUSTAIN 7 trial, patients taking Ozempic 1mg lost approximately 12.8 pounds compared to 6.2 pounds with Trulicity 1.5mg over 40 weeks. This represents roughly double the average weight loss with Ozempic versus Trulicity.
The superior weight loss results with Ozempic are attributed to its active ingredient – semaglutide producing stronger appetite suppression and greater effects on gastric emptying. Both medications help patients lose weight by making them feel fuller longer but studies suggest Ozempic is more potent in this regard.
A1C Reduction & Heart Benefits Comparison
| Outcome | Trulicity (REWIND) | Ozempic (SUSTAIN-6) |
| A1C Reduction (max dose) | -1.40% | -1.80% |
| Patients Reaching A1C <7% | 50-67% | 56-73% |
| MACE Reduction | 12% (HR – 0.88) | 26% (HR – 0.74) |
| Stroke Risk Reduction | 24% | 39% |
Both Trulicity and Ozempic effectively lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. According to data from the New England Journal of Medicine and published cardiovascular outcomes trials, Ozempic demonstrated superior A1C reduction (-1.8% vs -1.4%) and greater cardiovascular protection. The SUSTAIN-6 trial showed a 26% reduction in major cardiovascular events with Ozempic while the REWIND trial showed 12% reduction with Trulicity.
Both medications reduce cardiovascular risk and are approved for patients with heart disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors. A 2025 study found Ozempic was associated with lower three year risks of death, heart attack, stroke, and heart failure compared to Trulicity. However, the American Diabetes Association does not recommend one GLP 1 receptor agonist over another – the choice depends on individual patient factors.
Trulicity vs Ozempic Side Effects
| Side Effect | Trulicity % | Ozempic % |
| Nausea | 22% | 33-44% |
| Diarrhea | 19% | 30% |
| Vomiting | 10% | 24% |
| Abdominal Pain | 9% | 15% |
| Discontinuation (GI) | 8% | 12% |
Gastrointestinal Tolerance
Trulicity generally causes milder gastrointestinal side effects than Ozempic particularly at lower doses. In the SUSTAIN 7 clinical trial, approximately 22% of Trulicity patients experienced nausea compared to 33 to 44% with Ozempic. These side effects are typically worst during the first few weeks and during dose escalation.
Both medications carry warnings for potential thyroid tumors (medullary thyroid carcinoma), pancreatitis, kidney disease (including acute kidney injury and worsening kidney disease) and allergic reactions. Patients with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer should avoid both medications.
Injection Experience
Trulicity uses a fixed dose single use auto injector with a hidden needle making it simpler for patients who are needle averse. Ozempic uses a multi dose dial a dose pen that offers more flexible dose titration but requires patients to attach pen needles. Both are administered as a once a week subcutaneous injection in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.
The pen design may influence adherence – Trulicity’s simplicity can benefit patients with dexterity challenges while Ozempic’s adjustable dosing helps healthcare providers fine tune treatment.
Dosage & Administration Comparison
| Feature | Trulicity | Ozempic |
| Starting Dose | 0.75mg weekly | 0.25mg weekly (4 weeks) |
| Maintenance Dose | 1.5mg weekly | 0.5-1mg weekly |
| Maximum Dose | 4.5mg weekly | 2mg weekly |
| Dose Selection | Fixed per pen | Adjustable dial |
| Doses per Pen | 1 (single use) | 4 doses |
When your doctor prescribes Trulicity, you’ll typically start at 0.75mg once weekly, which can be increased to a maximum dose of 4.5mg based on your blood glucose levels and tolerance. Ozempic starts lower at 0.25mg for the first 4 weeks (to minimize side effects) then increases to 0.5mg, with potential escalation to 1mg or 2mg as the maximum dose.
Both medications should be taken on the same day each week and can be administered with or without food. Patients may switch from Trulicity to Ozempic (or vice versa) based on their treatment goals, side effect tolerance and doctor’s recommendation.
Cost & Availability 2026
On Pandameds, both Ozempic and Trulicity are offered as brand-name imports from Canada, with U.S. prescriptions accepted. Trulicity (0.75mg/0.5mL or 1.5mg/0.5mL) is priced at $373 for a box of 4 pens, each pen used once weekly making the pack a one‑month supply. Ozempic (2mg/3mL or 4mg/3mL) costs $419.95 per pen, which also lasts four weeks depending on the dose setting.
While both provide comparable monthly coverage, Ozempic carries about a $47 premium over Trulicity. This difference reflects Ozempic’s higher global demand driven by its dual role in type 2 diabetes management and widespread off label use for weight loss. Both medications require refrigerated shipping with Pandameds charging a flat $29.99 per order.
Resources & References
- Trulicity Prescribing Information
- Ozempic Prescribing Information
- The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology – SUSTAIN 7 Trial
- New England Journal of Medicine – Oral Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes
- Eli Lilly – Trulicity REWIND Cardiovascular Outcomes Trial
- Novo Nordisk – Ozempic vs Trulicity Clinical Data
- American Diabetes Association – Standards of Medical Care
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
Written by the Pandameds.com Editorial Team
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better - Trulicity vs Ozempic?
Studies suggest Ozempic is more effective for weight loss (12-15% vs 8-10% body weight) and A1C reduction (-1.8% vs -1.4%). Your healthcare provider can determine which is best based on your medical history and goals.
Is Trulicity the same as Ozempic?
No, they contain different active ingredients - Trulicity contains dulaglutide while Ozempic contains semaglutide. Both drugs belong to the same class (GLP 1 receptor agonists) but produce different clinical results.
Ozempic vs Trulicity for weight loss - which works better?
Ozempic produces approximately double the weight loss of Trulicity in clinical trials (10-14 lbs vs 5-7 lbs). Neither is approved specifically for weight loss, but Wegovy (higher dose semaglutide) is approved for chronic weight management.
Is Trulicity like Ozempic?
Yes, both are GLP-1 receptor agonists with similar mechanisms that help control blood sugar and promote weight loss. However, Ozempic has stronger effects on weight and blood glucose while Trulicity may cause fewer GI side effects.
What are the side effects of Trulicity vs Ozempic?
Both cause GI issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Trulicity has milder nausea rates (22% vs 44%). Both carry warnings for thyroid cancer, pancreatitis and kidney problems.
Ozempic or Trulicity for diabetes - which should I choose?
Ozempic generally offers superior A1C reduction and cardiovascular protection. Both are effective for managing blood sugar levels. Discuss your specific needs with your healthcare provider.
Ozempic vs Trulicity cost - which is cheaper?
On Pandameds, Trulicity (0.75mg/0.5mL or 1.5mg/0.5mL) costs $373 for a box of 4 pens, while Ozempic (2mg/3mL or 4mg/3mL) costs $419.95 per pen, both lasting 4 weeks.
Trulicity vs Ozempic heart benefits—which is better?
Ozempic showed 26% reduction in major cardiovascular events (SUSTAIN-6) vs Trulicity's 12% (REWIND). Both reduce cardiovascular risk in high risk patients with type 2 diabetes.
Can I switch from Trulicity to Ozempic?
Yes, patients may switch between these medications based on their treatment plan and healthcare provider's guidance. Typically you can start Ozempic at 0.25mg the week after your last Trulicity dose.
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