GLP-1 medications are battling head-to-head. Not necessarily to see which one can help manage type 2 diabetes, but which one can drop the pounds the fastest. With options like Bydureon vs Ozempic making the rounds, it’s easy to wonder how they compare. Another common question is, can you take Bydureon and Ozempic together?
Do these medications really fast-forward weight loss? The truth is, these drugs work well for some people. But they don’t come without side effects. Ozempic is known for causing nausea, bloating, and fatigue. Bydureon can come with its own gastrointestinal issues. Both have a hefty price tag and require weekly injections.
For some, the unpleasant side effects are worth it to drown out the food noise and reach their goal weight. At res, we created a potential, natural alternative to these products. Our resM™ GLP-1 Postbiotic supports appetite control, weight, and healthy blood sugar without the weekly jab. Learn more about the science and studies behind it today!
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“I no longer get sugar cravings late at night. That’s a win.” - Jared
“Food noise gone. I have had food noise my entire life. I noticed this stopped after taking ResM for only a couple days.” - Melissa
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a prescription medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes. The FDA first approved the drug in 2017. Ozempic contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Ozempic is FDA-approved to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes and lower the risk of some heart or blood vessel issues in adults with heart disease and diabetes. Weight loss is a side effect of Ozempic, not the primary purpose of the drug. Currently, Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss.
How Ozempic Works in the Body
Ozempic works by mimicking the function of the natural hormone in your body (GLP-1) that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This hormone also helps slow down digestion, reduce appetite, and help you feel full longer.
Mimicking GLP-1 helps your body stimulate insulin production, reduce the release of glucose from the liver, and slow down how quickly food leaves the stomach. The goal is to stimulate insulin secretion. That’s why it helps for type 2 diabetes.
Common Side Effects and Concerns With Ozempic
The most common Ozempic side effects include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, and constipation. These symptoms can range from very mild to severe, depending on the person. Some people respond better to GLP-1 medications than others.
It’s also important to make yourself aware of the more severe or less common side effects if you’re considering a GLP-1 medication. More serious reactions can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney injury, thyroid tumors, severe allergic reactions, vision changes, and low blood sugar. Physicians don’t recommend anyone with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome to take Ozempic.
What is Bydureon?
Bydureon is a brand name for exenatide. It’s a prescription injection used for type 2 diabetes in some adults and children. Bydureon also falls under the GLP-1 category, which helps control blood sugar levels. The FDA approved Bydureon in 2012 to help treat type 2 diabetes. The drug is not FDA-approved for weight loss.
How Bydureon Works in the Body
The active ingredient in Bydureon is exenatide. Exenatide helps your body handle sugar better after eating. Bydureon also mimics the GLP-1 hormone to help your body release the right amount of insulin when you need it.
It also slows down how fast food leaves your stomach, so sugar enters your blood more slowly. A lot of people who use Bydureon also say it helps reduce appetite, which can make it easier to eat less and lose weight.
Risks and Drawbacks of Using Bydureon
In the Bydureon vs Ozempic side effects debate, Bydureon seems to cause less gastrointestinal issues compared to Ozempic. The most common Bydureon side effects are injection site reactions (redness, itching, small bump), nausea, diarrhea, and headaches.
Like with most medications, there are risks of more serious side effects. Some less common Bydureon side effects can include pancreatitis, kidney problems, gallbladder issues, or thyroid tumors. People with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome should not use Bydureon.
Is Bydureon the Same as Ozempic?
No, Bydureon is not the same as Ozempic. Both of these drugs are weekly shots to treat type 2 diabetes, but they are not the same medication. The biggest difference between Bydureon vs Ozempic is the main ingredient. Bydureon uses exenatide, and Ozempic uses semaglutide.
Exenatides helps with blood sugar and may slightly reduce appetite, but it’s a bit gentler and wears off quicker. Semaglutide stays active in the body longer and has a stronger effect on blood sugar control and appetite suppression.
Ozempic vs Bydureon: Key Differences to Consider
Choosing between Ozempic vs Bydureon comes down to a lot more than just a name. Here’s a look at the main differences between the two medications.
Efficacy for Weight Loss and Blood Sugar
You’ve probably heard of both, but is Bydureon the same as Ozempic for weight loss? Ozempic tends to be in the lead for having stronger effects on blood sugar control and weight loss compared to Bydureon. Ozempic can cause significant weight loss by mimicking your natural GLP-1 hormone. Bydureon still helps with blood sugar, but most users experience less weight loss. People using Bydureon vs Ozempic specifically for weight loss usually see better results with Ozempic.
Side Effect Profiles
Ozempic is more likely to cause digestive side effects. Many users report nausea, bloating, constipation, or fatigue while taking Ozempic. The side effects tend to be the worst for people when they just start taking the drug.
Bydureon users usually report fewer stomach issues, but the drug is more likely to cause injection-site reactions.
Both medications carry rare but serious risks like pancreatitis, thyroid concerns, or kidney problems. Bydureon and Ozempic may harm an unborn baby. There is also concern that the medications may pass into breast milk, which could affect a breastfeeding child.
Cost, Insurance, and Accessibility
Ozempic is expensive. The current out-of-pocket price for Ozempic is $997.58 for a 28-day supply without insurance coverage. Private insurance, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid usually cover or partly cover Ozempic for diabetes, but often not for weight loss. Ozempic is also not always accessible for weight loss because of the high cost, and sometimes even higher demand. Some doses of Ozempic have been on and off backorder.
You can expect to pay $970 for a 28-day supply of Bydureon. It is easier to find discounts or coupons on Bydureon compared to Ozempic. Discounts usually take about 18% off.
Similar to Ozempic, Private insurance, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid will usually cover Bydureon if it’s prescribed for type 2 diabetes. You’ll likely need prior authorization, and depending on your insurance plan, you can still pay several hundred dollars per month out of pocket. As of late 2024, the company that produced Bydureon has discontinued the drug. That said, Exenatide is still sold under other brand names and is available to buy.
Lifestyle Compatibility
The Bydureon vs Ozempic conversation also comes down to how easy these medications are to take. Both drugs are weekly injections and require some lifestyle changes for the best results. If you’re using either medication, it’s important to stay consistent in your dosage schedule and make changes in your diet and activity levels.
Expect to eat smaller, balanced meals and drink a lot of water. Regular follow-ups with your doctor are also important to track your progress or make changes. Finally, one of the biggest considerations is how long you’ll be on these medications. Many people who go off GLP-1 medicines tend to gain weight back quickly.
Can You Take Bydureon and Ozempic Together for the Best of Both Worlds?
You should not take Bydureon and Ozempic together. Doctors usually prescribe only one GLP-1 medication at a time.
Both medications work in similar ways, but taking them together won’t give you extra benefits. Taking them together can cause unwanted side effects like low blood sugar, vomiting, and more serious health issues like pancreatitis.
Why You Might Want to Look for Alternatives to Ozempic and Bydureon
There are so many ways you can regain control of your health and weight without the help of a GLP-1. More people are looking for semaglutide natural alternatives for a gentle, more natural weight loss approach.
Worried about feeling sick all the time on Ozempic? Not sure if you should choose between Bydureon vs Ozempic? Maybe it’s best to leave the needles and opt for alternatives that are cheaper, more accessible, and less likely to cause unpleasant side effects.
Want to learn more about natural ways to look and feel better? Check out our articles for the best fruits for gut health and vitamins for gut health. Otherwise, it’s time we introduced you to the #1 alternative to traditional GLP-1 drugs on the market right now at res.
Introducing a Better Alternative to Ozempic and Bydureon at res!
While there aren't direct natural replacements for medications like Ozempic and Bydureon, which are GLP-1 agonists, certain lifestyle and dietary changes can mimic some of their effects and support weight management and blood sugar control.
You can achieve similar benefits of GLP-1 medications through strategic diet and lifestyle changes. At resM, we created a GLP-1 postbiotic supplement for metabolic weight control to help. We make our top physician-formulated postbiotic with science-backed ingredients like
white mulberry, fenugreek, and essential vitamins. These ingredients help maintain your metabolic health, manage hunger naturally, and maintain healthy sugar levels already in the normal range.
We’ve conducted quite a few clinical trials to show just how powerful resM can be. Learn more about the science behind our gut health supplements today!
Bringing Our Bydureon vs Ozempic Comparison to a Close
The Ozempic vs Bydureon comparison comes down to the main ingredient in these two medications. However, both drugs are expensive, come with side effects, and won’t keep the weight off if you stop taking them.
Ozempic (semaglutide) and Bydureon (exenatide) are long-acting injectable medications used to treat type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. Can you take Bydureon and Ozempic together? It’s not a good idea.
Fortunately, there are natural semaglutide alternatives. You can make simple lifestyle changes like increasing protein intake, prioritizing whole foods, and avoiding processed foods. For an even better boost, pair your lifestyle changes with our GLP-1 postbiotic. One daily resM capsule supports appetite control, weight, and healthy blood sugar.
Ready to support your metabolism without the needles? Try resM today