Overview of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Agonists

Glucagon-like peptide-1 is a hormone that stimulates the secretion of insulin once it detects an increase in blood sugar level (happens every time you eat). They have been observed to delay the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine. This gives you the sensation of being “full”, thereby reducing your food intake.

To achieve these functions, there are drugs that mimic the actions of GLP-1. They stimulate the pancreas to secrete more insulin to lower the blood sugar level. By doing so they aid in the treatment of Type-2 Diabetes. At the same time, there are studies that prove that GLP-1 aids in weight loss or weight management by reducing your appetite. There are different theories as to what exactly happens in your body that causes that to occur. GLP-1 agonists are usually prescribed to people with a BMI of 27-30 or above.

In the process of treating Type-2 Diabetes and obesity, GLP-1 agonists also reduce the risk of certain comorbidities like heart strokes, heart diseases, kidney failure, etc.

There are several drugs that come under the group of GLP-1 agonists, including liraglutide and semaglutide.

What is Liraglutide?

Liraglutide is the generic name for the drug that belongs in the GLP-1 agonists’ group. As a GLP-1 agonist, it is responsible for inducing insulin secretion and inhibiting food intake. It is taken in the form of an injection to target specific ailments. It is FDA-approved to deal with weight loss and diabetes management.

It is sold under two brand names: Victoza and Saxenda. Both of those have different purposes. Victoza is generally prescribed to manage diabetes. It helps improve blood sugar levels by mimicking GLP-1, which then lowers the blood sugar levels. Specifically, Victoza is prescribed for Type-2 Diabetes and not for Type-1 Diabetes. Along with diabetes, it aids in reducing the risk of heart diseases like heart strokes, high blood pressure, etc.

Saxenda, on the other hand, is prescribed mainly for obesity or other weight-related conditions. Saxenda is not suggested for people with diabetes. It delays the feeling of “hunger”, thereby reducing your appetite.

It is essential to pair both of these drugs with a healthy, balanced diet and consistent exercises.

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide is another type of GLP-1 agonist that works in a similar fashion as liraglutide. Drugs containing semaglutide mimic GLP-1 by stimulating the body to secrete insulin which in turn reduces blood sugar level (controls diabetes), reduces appetite, and delays gastric emptying (manages weight). There are a couple of brands that offer medications with semaglutide: Ozempic, WeGovy, and Rybelsus.

The only FDA-approved brand for weight loss amongst these is WeGovy. Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat Type-2 Diabetes, as is Rybelsus.

WeGovy is weekly injected under the skin to deal with obesity or weight gain. It also reduces the risk of heart stroke, heart attack or other heart diseases. Ozempic targets Type-2 Diabetes by mimicking GLP-1 and stimulating an increase in insulin secretion. It has also proved helpful in reducing weight according to certain studies, but is not FDA-approved for it. Rybelsus’ purpose is to lower blood sugar levels and is consumed as a tablet every day.

Semaglutide is not to treat people with Type-1 Diabetes.

Also Read: How Semaglutide and Liraglutide Work for Weight Loss

Key Differences: liraglutide vs semaglutide

Dosage and Administration

The administration of these drugs is quite similar. They all come in injection pens; WeGovy is a single-use pen, while Ozempic, Victoza, and Saxenda have multiple doses in each pen.

Here are the doses for various semaglutide and liraglutide drugs:

Victoza (taken daily): 0.6mg for the first week, 1.2mg for the second, and then 1.8mg. The maximum dosage is 1.8mg. The dose is increased till that point gradually with regular check-ups.

Saxenda (taken daily): 0.6mg for the first week, 1.2mg for the second, 1.8mg for the third, 2.4mg for the fourth week, post which it is 3mg. That is the maximum dosage for Saxenda.

WeGovy (once weekly): 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, and 2.4mg. The dosage is increased every 4 weeks.

Ozempic (once weekly): 0.25mg/0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg. The dosage is increased every 4 weeks.

The prescription of all these drugs may be customized to meet your needs. Consult your doctor if you face severe side effects with an increase in the dose.

If you are based in Canada, you can get an online prescription to buy Ozempic in Canada from Science & Humans, through our weight loss program in Canada.

Efficacy in Weight Loss

Several studies have shown that semaglutide proves a better weight manager than liraglutide. Considering STEP 1 and SCALE trials of liraglutide and semaglutide respectively, the data showed a weight loss of 5.4% in the patients who were given liraglutide, and a weight loss of 12.4% in the patients who were given semaglutide.

The costs of the drugs were compared as well. The total cost of liraglutide throughout the trial came up to $17,585, while semaglutide shot up to $22,878. At the same time, if you consider the cost of treating 1% of the body weight reduction, the cost of liraglutide is estimated at $3256, while semaglutide is $1845. Therefore, it is concluded that while liraglutide is effective towards weight loss, semaglutide is more cost-effective.

Efficacy in Diabetes Management

Semaglutide is shown to be slightly better than liraglutide in decreasing blood sugar levels. According to a study done to test the efficacy of liraglutide vs semaglutide, the former showed a change of 1.48%, while the former noted a change of 1.23% in the blood sugar levels. These were recorded at the highest dosage of both drugs.

Side Effects

Below are the side effects of Liraglutide

Common side effects:

• Nausea/vomiting/stomach discomfort

• Low blood sugar

• Diarrhea/constipation

• Headache, fatigue

• Rash

Rare and serious side effects:

• Suicidal thoughts/behaviors

• Gallbladder or pancreas problems

• Increased heart rate

• Dehydration symptoms

• Thyroid tumor

Below are the side effects of Semaglutide:

Common side effects:

• Upset stomach/diarrhea/constipation

• Heartburn

• Nausea/vomiting

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Fatigue

Rare and serious side effects:

• Suicidal thoughts/behavior

• Thyroid tumor

• Low blood sugar

• Gallbladder problems or pancreatitis

• Kidney problems

• Vision changes

Everybody faces different side effects at varying intensity. If you feel extreme discomfort, do not hesitate to consult your doctor.

Safety profile

• You may take the dose with or without food.

• To safely take your dose at home, learn from your doctor the correct method to inject yourself.

• The medicine can be shot under the skin of your thighs, stomach, or upper arm. Ensure using a different area each time you take the shot. The same area shouldn’t be injected twice consecutively.

• Do not mix these with other medications or insulin.

• The liquid in the pen should be clear and colorless. If you find it cloudy or discolored, do not use it.

• Never share medicine pens with others, it can cause infections.

• Follow the prescription and the dietary restrictions strictly.

Cost and Insurance Coverage

Semaglutide vs liraglutide – which will cost you more? These medications come costly, and are usually taken on insurance. WeGovy’s monthly supply estimates around $1,349 and Ozempic’s 4 weeks’ worth of supply costs approximately $935. Some insurances don’t cover these medications, so clarify it with your insurance policy.

Victoza’s retail price is approximately $700, while Saxenda is available at a retail price of $1,700 approx. Some pharmacies give exclusive discounts for some medications, so make sure to check before you buy.

NovoCare has a Patient Assistance Program that lists several medications that, if you are eligible, you can avail for a cheaper price. That list includes Ozempic, Victoza and Rybelsus.

When considering any of these medications, remember that you will have to pay not only for the pens, but also for the needles, regular consultations to keep your doses in check, and any additional medication that you may have to take in order to combat some of the side effects of these drugs.

Patient Preferences and Lifestyle Considerations

The medication you choose depends on several factors including the frequency of the injections, your lifestyle, and if you have any other health condition. Liraglutide is taken once daily, while semaglutide is taken once a week. You must consider what you are more likely to be consistent with.

Your lifestyle, sleep and work schedule, diet, and exercise schedule play a vital role in the efficiency of the medication. Consider all options before you make a decision.

Which is the right medicine for me: Liraglutide or Semaglutide?

The weight loss journey is a lengthy one; most results can be observed only in a long run. To make an informed decision about which medication suits you best, you may want to consider all factors at your disposal.

The efficiency of any medication depends on your age, dosage, and lifestyle. To choose between liraglutide vs semaglutide, you must consider if you have any comorbidities or risk factors. Your diet, sleep and exercise schedule, any other medication that you may be taking, alcohol or opioid consumption, etc., everything plays a vital role. Not just liraglutide or semaglutide, there are several other medications that may suit you for the same goal.

You may make a list of liraglutide versus semaglutide, their pros and cons. Their dosage frequency, cost, insurance policy or no insurance, and side effects must all be considered.

Conclusion

Liraglutide vs semaglutide is a lengthy debate: their dosing is different, price range vary, and list of side effects is unique as well. Liraglutide comes in Victoza and Saxenda which are administered daily once by an injection pen. Their dosage is increased every week, unless your body is not able to cope with it. With liraglutide, you should be able to observe a difference in 12-16 weeks of taking the medication.

Semaglutide comes in WeGovy and Ozempic. While only the former is FDA-approved for weight loss, doctors may prescribe Ozempic for the same. They are taken once a week, and take 4 weeks to increase the dosage each time.

Side effects of both drugs differ amongst people, as are their intensity. According to studies, while both of them are effective in weight loss and diabetes management, semaglutide has an upper hand.

For best results consult a professional healthcare provider who can ensure that you do not accidentally miss a crucial factor. There are several medications to help you regain a healthy body. Just take all the safety precautions and work towards the body that you desire to have.

You can also read the following comparisons between weight loss medications:

Contrave vs Ozempic

WeGovy vs Ozempic

Mounjaro vs Ozempic

Rybelsus vs Ozempic

Contrave vs Saxenda