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Two syringes with "vs." between them: Wegovy vs. Trulicity: Differences, similarities & side effects
Drug vs. Drug

Wegovy vs. Trulicity: Differences, similarities & side effects

Both drugs belong to the same class of medications but have different approved uses
Gerardo Sison medical writer headshot
By | Jun. 18, 2024

Key takeaways

  • Wegovy and Trulicity are both weekly GLP-1 receptor agonist injections but have different active ingredients; Wegovy contains semaglutide, while Trulicity contains dulaglutide.

  • Wegovy is FDA approved for chronic weight management, while Trulicity is approved for Type 2 diabetes management. Both can reduce cardiovascular event risks.

  • Both medications have similar gastrointestinal side effects, but Wegovy is more likely to cause headaches and dizziness.

  • Trulicity is usually covered by insurance for diabetes, while Wegovy is less often covered for weight loss.

In this article:

Wegovy (semaglutide) and Trulicity (dulaglutide) are prescription medications that come as weekly injections. Both drugs belong to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. They work by stimulating insulin release in response to high blood sugar (glucose) levels while simultaneously reducing the liver’s glucose production and promoting a feeling of fullness.

Although they are part of the same drug class, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved these medications for different purposes. They may also differ in their active ingredients, dosing schedules, and potential side effects. Both medications require a healthcare provider’s prescription, and their costs may vary depending on individual insurance plans or Medicare coverage. Consult a healthcare provider to weigh these factors against each other when deciding the best course of treatment.

Read on to learn more about the differences between Wegovy and Trulicity. 

Wegovy vs. Trulicity: Key differences

The key difference between Wegovy and Trulicity is that they contain different active ingredients. Wegovy is a brand-name drug manufactured by Novo Nordisk that contains semaglutide. It is mainly prescribed to promote weight loss in people who are overweight or who have obesity. Trulicity is a brand-name medication manufactured by Eli Lilly that contains dulaglutide. It is primarily used to manage Type 2 diabetes. 

Wegovy and Trulicity are prescribed as once-weekly subcutaneous injections under the skin. However, Wegovy is given at a lower dosage than Trulicity. Wegovy dosage ranges from 0.25 to 2.4 mg weekly versus Trulicity’s dosage of 0.75 to 4.5 mg weekly with Trulicity. 

Wegovy should not be confused with Ozempic, which contains semaglutide but at a lower dose. Unlike Wegovy, Ozempic is FDA approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, not weight loss, although healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for weight loss. 

Wegovy vs. Trulicity: Comparing key differences
Wegovy Trulicity
Drug class GLP-1 receptor agonist GLP-1 receptor agonist
Brand/generic status Brand only Brand only
What is the generic name? Semaglutide Dulaglutide
What form(s) does the drug come in? Subcutaneous injection Subcutaneous injection
What is the standard dosage? 0.25 mg injected under the skin once weekly for 4 weeks. Then, the dosage is gradually increased to 1.7 or 2.4 mg once weekly. 0.75 mg injected under the skin once weekly for 4 weeks. Then, the dosage is increased to 1.5 mg once weekly. The dosage may be gradually increased to a maximum of 4.5 mg once weekly.
How long is the typical treatment? Long-term Long-term
Who typically uses the medication? Adults and children 12 years and older Adults and children 10 years and older

Wegovy vs. Trulicity: Conditions treated

Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. It is also approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events related to heart disease, such as heart attacks and strokes.

Trulicity, on the other hand, is approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. It helps support blood sugar control as part of a complete diabetes management plan. While this medication is not FDA-approved for weight loss, patients may experience it as a side effect, and it may sometimes be used off-label for this purpose. Like Wegovy, Trulicity is also approved to reduce the risk of heart disease-related events like heart attacks and strokes. 

Both Wegovy and Trulicity are meant to be used alongside lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet and exercise plan. 

Wegovy vs. Trulicity: Comparing conditions treated
Condition Wegovy Trulicity
Weight management for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m2 or greater  Yes Off-label
Weight management for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or greater with at least one weight-related health condition Yes Off-label
Reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart disease-related death in people with heart disease Yes Yes
Type 2 diabetes Off-label Yes

Wegovy vs. Trulicity for weight loss: Which is better?

Wegovy and Trulicity both have weight-loss effects. However, based on clinical trials, Wegovy is considered to be a more effective weight-loss medication. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction, while Trulicity is approved for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risks.

One study compared the effects of semaglutide 1 mg, dulaglutide 3 mg, and dulaglutide 4.5 mg on blood sugar levels (HbA1c) and body weight in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide 1 mg lowered HbA1c by 0.24 percentage points more than dulaglutide 3 mg and had similar results to dulaglutide 4.5 mg. In addition, semaglutide 1 mg led to greater weight loss, reducing body weight by around 6 pounds more than dulaglutide 3 mg and by nearly 4 pounds more than dulaglutide 4.5 mg. 

Another study found that patients using Wegovy for six months experienced an average weight loss of around 27 pounds. In contrast, patients taking Trulicity for six months experienced weight loss of around 4 pounds in another study. 

The choice of medication should be made carefully, considering individual factors such as body weight, BMI, and blood sugar levels. The most effective treatment varies by individual and should be determined by a healthcare provider. Other GLP-1 receptor agonists might be considered, such as Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Rybelsus (oral semaglutide), or Saxenda (liraglutide).

Can you take Wegovy and Trulicity together?

No, you should not take Wegovy and Trulicity together. Both medications work similarly to mimic an incretin hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and appetite. Taking these medications together could increase the risk of side effects, such as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and gastrointestinal problems. Taking Wegovy and Trulicity together does not provide any extra benefits compared to just one alone.

Wegovy vs. Trulicity: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Wegovy and Trulicity are brand-name drugs that may be more expensive than generic alternatives. The extent of insurance coverage and the out-of-pocket costs can vary greatly based on an individual’s insurance plan. Trulicity may be more likely to be covered by insurance for Type 2 diabetes, as insurance plans do not typically cover weight-loss medications like Wegovy. 

Insurance policies may require prior authorization before covering these medications. Patients should connect with their insurance providers to fully understand their coverage specifics. For those enrolled in Medicare Part D, it’s important to consult the plan’s formulary to see if either treatment option is included as a covered medication. 

Individuals paying without insurance may be able to save on the retail costs of these medications with discount programs. The SingleCare discount card may help individuals save on Wegovy, Trulicity, and other medications. Check the website to find Wegovy coupons and Trulicity coupons. 

Wegovy vs. Trulicity: Comparing insurance & cost
Wegovy Trulicity
Typically covered by insurance? No Yes
Typically covered by Medicare Part D? No Yes
Quantity 4 prefilled 2.5 mg/0.75 mL injection pens 4 prefilled 1.5 mg/0.5 mL injection pens
SingleCare cost $1,196 $744

Wegovy vs. Trulicity side effects

Wegovy and Trulicity share similar side effects. They both commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gas, and stomach pain. Wegovy is more likely to cause headache and dizziness, which are not typical side effects of Trulicity. 

RELATED: Does Wegovy make you tired?

Apart from these common side effects, these medications can lead to more serious health problems. For example, Wegovy and Trulicity carry a risk of hypoglycemia, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), gallbladder problems, thyroid cancer, and allergic reactions. 

Wegovy vs. Trulicity: Comparing side effects
Wegovy Trulicity
Side effect Applicable? Frequency Applicable? Frequency
Nausea Yes 44% Yes 21%
Vomiting Yes 24% Yes 13%
Diarrhea Yes 30% Yes 13%
Constipation Yes 24% Yes 4%
Stomach pain Yes 20% Yes 9%
Fatigue Yes 11% Yes 6%
Headache  Yes 14% No –
Indigestion Yes 9% Yes 6%
Dizziness Yes 8% No –
Gas Yes 6% Yes 3%
Frequency is not based on data from a head-to-head trial. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your healthcare provider to learn more.
Source: DailyMed (Wegovy), DailyMed (Trulicity)

Wegovy and Trulicity drug interactions

Wegovy and Trulicity may interact with the same medications. As GLP-1 receptor agonists, they can affect the body’s absorption of oral medications. Therefore, caution is advised when taking any oral medications with Wegovy or Trulicity.

In addition, Wegovy and Trulicity may interact with diabetes medications, including insulin and sulfonylureas. Taking Wegovy or Trulicity with diabetes medications may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially at higher doses. Blood sugar levels may need to be monitored, and dosages of other diabetes medications may need to be adjusted while taking Wegovy or Trulicity.

Before starting Wegovy or Trulicity, tell a healthcare provider about any medications you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicine, and herbal supplements.

Wegovy vs. Trulicity: Comparing drug interactions
Drug Drug Class Wegovy Trulicity
Lantus (insulin glargine)

Levemir (insulin detemir)

Humalog (insulin lispro)

Novolog (insulin aspart)

 Insulin  Yes Yes
Amaryl (glimepiride)

Glucotrol (glipizide)

Micronase (glyburide)

 Sulfonylureas Yes Yes
Januvia (sitagliptin)

Tradjenta (linagliptin)

Onglyza (saxagliptin)

 DPP-4 inhibitors Yes Yes
Starlix (nateglinide)

Prandin (repaglinide)

 Glinides Yes Yes
This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Please consult your healthcare provider before taking these medications.

Wegovy and Trulicity drug warnings

Wegovy and Trulicity carry similar warnings and precautions. Both medications carry a boxed warning for an increased risk of thyroid cancer. Animal studies showed that these medications could lead to thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). While it’s uncertain if the same happens in humans, both drugs are not recommended for individuals with a history of such tumors. 

Both medications have also been linked to acute pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is suspected, treatment should be stopped. In addition, both drugs can cause kidney problems, so it’s important to monitor kidney function regularly, especially in those with existing kidney issues. Hypersensitivity reactions like severe allergic reactions have been reported with both medications, requiring immediate medical attention if experienced.

While Wegovy carries warnings about acute gallbladder problems, increased heart rate, and suicidal thoughts, Trulicity warnings focus on severe gastrointestinal problems and discourage its use in patients with such conditions. Both medications warn about possible complications in individuals with diabetic retinopathy and suggest close monitoring for those with a history of this eye condition.

Wegovy has stricter pregnancy warnings than Trulicity. If you are taking Wegovy and find out you’re pregnant, you should stop using the drug immediately. On the other hand, if you’re using Trulicity for its approved purpose of managing diabetes, you may continue taking it during pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the baby.