Recent trial data shows that both Victoza and Trulicity can lower blood sugar levels. But beyond that, the two medications differ. They vary in how often they’re taken, how much weight people tend to lose, and how likely they are to cause side effects.
These differences matter. Choosing the wrong one can lead to poor adherence, more side effects, or higher costs. In the US, a month’s supply can run over $1,000 without insurance. That’s a big expense if the results don’t match your needs.
This article breaks it down simply. We compare Victoza vs. Trulicity by cost, dosing, effectiveness, and safety, so you can make a more informed decision.
Effectiveness of Trulicity Versus Victoza
Here’s how they compare according to available evidence:
Victoza vs. Trulicity for Type 2 Diabetes
In the AWARD-6 trial, researchers compared Trulicity (1.5 mg weekly) to Victoza (1.8 mg daily) in people with type 2 diabetes who were already on metformin but still had high blood sugar. Trulicity lowered HbA1c by 1.42%, while Victoza lowered it by 1.36%.
A separate observational study using US insurance data was presented at the ADA’s 78th Scientific Sessions in 2018. It followed people who were newly starting GLP-1 receptor agonists like Trulicity, Victoza, or exenatide. At the 6-month mark, Trulicity reduced HbA1c by 1.10% compared to 0.86% with Victoza. At 12 months, the numbers were 0.98% and 0.77%, respectively. What stood out was that people on Trulicity were more likely to stick with it and take it consistently.
Another study called TROPHIES showed similar findings. After a year, Trulicity dropped HbA1c by 1.18%, and Victoza by 1.15%. Nearly half (48.2%) of those on Trulicity hit their target A1C, compared to 41.2% on Victoza. Treatment persistence was also slightly better, with 88% staying on Trulicity versus 83% for Victoza.
Trulicity and Victoza are comparable in terms of lowering blood sugar. However, weekly dosing with Trulicity may be one reason more people stay on it. Fewer doses to remember often means better follow-through and steadier results.
Victoza vs. Trulicity for Weight Loss
When it comes to weight loss, the findings vary across studies.
In the TROPHIES study, people who stayed on treatment for 24 months lost a similar amount of weight, about 3.5 kg (7.7 pounds) with Trulicity and 3.3 kg (7.3 pounds) with Victoza. However, the AWARD-6 trial found that Victoza users lost slightly more weight than Trulicity users, with an average difference of 0.71 kg (around 1.6 pounds).
A separate study reported average weight losses of 2.2 kg (4.9 pounds) in the Trulicity group and 2.4 kg (5.3 pounds) in the Victoza group.
In yet another study, researchers looked at how much of their body weight people lost. About 53.3% of Trulicity users and 50.0% of Victoza users lost between 5% and 10% of their starting weight. But only the Victoza group had patients (6.7%) who lost more than 15% of their body weight. No one in the Trulicity group reached that level in this dataset.
Both medications support weight loss, with only small differences between them. Results can vary, but depending on your response and treatment goals, either option may help.
Further Reading
If you’re curious about how Victoza and Trulicity may support weight loss beyond blood sugar control, you might find these articles helpful:
- Victoza for Weight Loss – Learn how Victoza, while mainly used for type 2 diabetes, can also help with weight reduction in some individuals.
- Trulicity for Weight Loss – Explore how once-weekly Trulicity may contribute to gradual weight loss and what the research says about its effectiveness.
Both offer unique insights into the weight-related benefits of these medications!
Side Effects
Victoza and Trulicity share a similar side effect profile, which isn’t surprising since both are GLP-1 receptor agonists. The most commonly reported side effects include:
-
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal discomfort
- Constipation
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
The details can differ slightly between Victoza’s side effects and those seen with Trulicity.
In the AWARD-6 trial, nausea occurred in 20% of Trulicity users and 18% of Victoza users. Diarrhea was equally reported in 12% of both groups. Indigestion affected 8% of people taking Trulicity and 6% of those on Victoza. Vomiting rates were close, 7% with Trulicity and 8% with Victoza.
In a 2019 meta-analysis, Trulicity was linked to fewer gastrointestinal side effects, including less nausea and vomiting, compared to Victoza.
Beyond these common reactions, both medications share serious risks such as:
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- A potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors
- Pancreatitis
- Worsening of diabetic eye disease
- Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas
- Kidney issues
- Gallbladder problems
- Allergic reactions
- Breathing complications during deep sedation or surgery
Keeping your healthcare provider informed about any symptoms or concerns is essential for adjusting treatment safely.
How Victoza and Trulicity Work in Your Body
Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Victoza (liraglutide) work by copying the effects of a natural hormone called GLP-1, which your body releases after meals to help control blood sugar.
Once released, GLP-1 attaches to specific receptors and triggers several helpful actions. It increases insulin release, lowers levels of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), and allows more calcium into cells to further support insulin production. It also helps grow and protect the cells in the pancreas that make insulin.
Beyond blood sugar control, these medications support weight loss. They act on the brain to reduce appetite and slow down how quickly food leaves the stomach, helping you feel fuller for longer. They may also reduce inflammation in parts of the brain related to hunger and metabolism.
Trulicity and Victoza also affect how your body stores and burns fat. They reduce fat storage, help your body use stored fat for energy, and may increase calorie burning through a process called thermogenesis. In some cases, they might also boost metabolism by enhancing thyroid hormone activity. These combined effects contribute to steady weight loss over time.
Approved Indications
Currently, their approved uses largely overlap. However, Trulicity has a slightly broader cardiovascular indication. Here’s how:
| Approved Indication | Trulicity | Victoza |
|---|---|---|
| Improves blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes (with diet and exercise) | ||
| Improves blood sugar in children (10+ years old) with type 2 diabetes | ||
| Reduces risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease | (includes people with only risk factors) |
Dosing Schedule of Trulicity vs. Victoza
Here is a comparison of the dosing schedules for Victoza and Trulicity:
| Medication | Starting Dose | Titration Dose | Maximum Dose | |||
| Month 1 | Month 2 | Month 3 | Month 4 | |||
| Trulicity (dulaglutide) | 0.75 mg once weekly | 0.75 mg per week | 1.5 mg per week | 1.5-3.0 mg per week | 3.0-4.5 mg per week | 4.5 mg once weekly |
| Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | |||
| Victoza (liraglutide) | 0.6 mg once daily | 0.6 mg per day | 1.2 mg per day | 1.2-1.8 mg per day | 1.2-1.8 mg per day | 1.8 mg once daily |
Recommendations Regarding Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Victoza, simply take your next scheduled dose as usual. Don’t try to make up for it by taking extra. However, if it’s been over 3 days since your last injection, you might need to restart at the lowest dose (0.6 mg) to help prevent stomach problems.
If you miss a dose of Trulicity, take it as soon as you remember, only if there are at least 3 days (72 hours) before your next scheduled dose. If less than 3 days remain, skip the missed dose and just take your next dose on your usual day. After that, continue your once-weekly schedule as normal. You can change your weekly dosing day if needed, as long as your last dose was taken at least 3 days before the new day you plan to take it.
Cost of Trulicity vs. Victoza
If you’re in the US, Trulicity and Victoza may cost quite a bit, especially without insurance coverage. Based on manufacturer pricing, Trulicity costs $987.19 for a 30-day supply. Victoza costs around $543.51 for two pens and $815.27 for three. Retail prices at some pharmacies even go beyond $1,200.
Pharma Giant, a Canadian-based online pharmacy service, provides a more budget-friendly alternative:
Ordering in bulk (up to a 3-month supply) can further reduce costs, and discount coupons for Trulicity and Victoza are also available.
Wrap-up
Trulicity and Victoza are both effective for managing type 2 diabetes and can help with weight loss. Studies show that Trulicity lowers blood sugar as well as, or slightly better than, Victoza. People are also more likely to stay on Trulicity, likely because it’s taken once a week instead of daily.
For weight loss, the results are similar. Some studies show Victoza users lost a little more weight, but the difference is small. Both drugs have similar side effects, though Trulicity may cause slightly fewer stomach issues. Trulicity also has a broader approval for reducing heart-related risks in people with diabetes.
If cost is a concern, both drugs are much cheaper through Canadian pharmacy partners like Pharma Giant. In the end, your choice may come down to how often you want to take it, how you respond to side effects, and which one fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
Sources
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