Byetta vs Ozempic are injectable medications approved for the treatment of diabetes. Clinical evidence suggests that Byetta and Ozempic can also help with weight loss. This has led to a substantial rise in the popularity of both drugs.
Although Byetta and Ozempic belong to the same class of medication, there are differences in how they work and the outcomes you can expect from using them. This makes it difficult for patients to choose the right drug suitable for managing diabetes or obesity.
This article discusses the difference between Byetta and Ozempic in terms of their benefits, mechanisms of action, and pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.
Key Takeaways
- Both Ozempic and Byetta are injectable medications prescribed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, Ozempic is comparatively more effective than Byetta in controlling diabetes and regulating blood sugar levels.
- These drugs support weight management primarily by reducing appetite. However, the weight loss effect of the Ozempic is significantly higher than that of Byetta.
- Ozempic is more convenient as it is administered once a week, whereas Byetta injections must be administered twice daily.
- Both Byetta and Ozempic can cause side effects, primarily affecting the digestive system. Some common side effects of both these drugs include nausea, vomiting, and loose motions.
- Although Ozempic is priced higher per unit, it is comparatively more affordable in terms of per milliliter cost.
What is Byetta?
Byetta is an anti-diabetic medication. It is an injectable drug approved by the FDA for the management of type 2 diabetes. [1]
The primary ingredient of Byetta is exenatide. Exenatide belongs to the class of drugs called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists. GLP-1 is a peptide produced in the intestine and released in response to food intake. It reduces appetite and stimulates the release of insulin.
Byetta works by activating GLP-1 receptors. The activation of GLP-1 receptors helps improve blood sugar levels by stimulating the pancreas to release a higher amount of insulin after food intake. In addition, it also prevents the liver from releasing glucose stored in the form of glucagon. These actions of Byetta help lower blood sugar levels and improve diabetes
control. [2]
The weight loss-promoting effect of Byetta is attributed to its action on gastric emptying. Byetta delays gastric emptying, which means it slows down the movement of food from the stomach into the intestine, allowing you to feel fuller after eating a smaller quantity of food. This can reduce your total food intake, thus promoting weight loss.
Byetta should preferably be used in combination with a healthy and balanced diet and a regular exercise plan to control blood sugar levels and lose weight more efficiently.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is another prescription medication used along with a balanced diet and exercise for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. It has also been proven to reduce the risk of heart attacks and cerebrovascular stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Ozempic might also help mitigate the mortality associated with the complications of diabetes and heart diseases.
The primary ingredient of Ozempic is Semaglutide, which belongs to the class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists. Hence, the mechanism of action of Ozempic is similar to that of Byetta.
Just like Byetta, Ozempic also works by improving the release of insulin in the pancreas. In addition, it also stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin, making it a more effective option for treating diabetes.
Ozempic also slows gastric emptying, thereby keeping the stomach fuller for a longer duration. This can help reduce appetite and lower your total food intake, supporting weight loss. Clinical research has revealed that the treatment with Semaglutide can promote sustained and clinically relevant weight reduction. [3]
So, both Byetta and Ozempic work by activating the GLP-1 receptors, supporting diabetes management and weight loss. You can consult our weight management experts at Amp Health to know more about the difference between Byetta and Ozempic. Our healthcare experts will provide a customized weight loss plan based on your age, medical conditions, current diet, lifestyle, and other preferences to help you shed excess pounds safely and effectively.
Indications of Byetta Vs Ozempic
Ozempic is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It also lowers the risk of mortality associated with stroke and heart attack. However, Ozempic is not approved by the FDA for weight loss. However, the primary ingredient of this drug, Semaglutide, is approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. Wegovy has a higher dose of Semaglutide than Ozempic. [4]
Byetta is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults in combination with a balanced diet and exercise plan. The FDA has not approved Byetta as a weight loss medication., However, studies suggest it supports weight loss in adults and hence, is often prescribed off-label for weight management.
Mechanism of Action: Byetta Vs Ozempic
Byetta and Ozempic are GLP-1 agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes. Although both these drugs belong to the same class of medications, they differ in their mechanism of action.
Byetta works by stimulating the release of insulin in the pancreas, whereas Ozempic promotes the secretion of insulin in this organ more effectively while also stimulating insulin release in response to food intake.
This suggests that Ozempic has a wider scope of action, making it a more suitable option for the management of diabetes.
Byetta and Ozempic: How to Use?
Byetta and Ozempic are injectable medications. These drugs are administered subcutaneously. This means they need to be injected just below the superficial layer of the skin.
The usual recommended dose of Ozempic is once a week, while Byetta is a twice-daily injection.
The starting dosage of Byetta is 5 mcg injected as a subcutaneous injection two times a day before each of your two main meals. The injections can be taken about one hour before meals. Most patients prefer to take one injection about an hour before breakfast and the second before dinner. This dosage regime is particularly suitable for patients who eat a heavy breakfast.
However, if you prefer a light breakfast, you can have your first Byetta injection an hour before lunch. You can take the second injection an hour before dinner, provided you eat these meals at least six hours apart.
Your doctor might advise you to increase the dosage to 10 mcg twice daily after a few weeks, depending on how your blood sugar levels respond to the medication.
Ozempic is available in the form of a solution prefilled inside disposable pens. Ozempic pens are available in different strengths. The strengths are mentioned on the pens in the form of milligrams of Semaglutide per milliliter (mg/mL).
You can start using Ozempic in a lower dose to allow your body enough time to adjust to the effect of Semaglutide. This will help you see how the drug is working. You may increase the dosage over a few weeks based on your blood sugar readings.
You can talk to our healthcare experts at Amp Health to find out the most suitable strength of Ozempic for you depending on your blood sugar levels and weight loss goals.
The recommended dosage of Ozempic is once a week. It is advisable to take the injection on the same day each week to support hormonal balance and improve the effectiveness of the drug. You should also try to inject Ozempic at about the same time on the chosen day to maintain its effectiveness.
Each Ozempic pen contains several doses of Semaglutide. You can discard the pen and start using the new one once you have used all the dosages or after its expiry date.
The injection sites for both Byetta and Ozempic include the abdomen, thigh, and upper arm areas. You can rotate the injection sites to avoid skin complications. It is also important to follow the proper technique for taking subcutaneous injections to avoid local side effects such as redness and swelling and improve the effectiveness of the drug.
Most importantly, it is advisable to monitor your diabetes control by testing your blood glucose level in a laboratory or at home using a glucometer while using Ozempic or Byetta. This will allow you to modify your dosage based on your blood sugar reading. This will help you maintain normal blood sugar levels without the risk of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Comparison of Byetta Vs. Ozempic for Weight Management
Both Byetta and Ozempic are approved for the management of type 2 diabetes. However, it is the weight loss-promoting effect of these medications that has led to a remarkable rise in their popularity. There has been a surge in the usage of Byetta and Ozempic by people trying to lose weight.
A comparison of the effectiveness of Byetta and Ozempic for weight management has revealed that Ozempic could be a better choice.
Ozempic can reduce hunger by delaying gastric emptying. This means it can slow down the movement of food from the stomach to the intestine, as a result of which the stomach feels fuller for a longer duration. This can lower your food intake, thus promoting weight loss. Although Byetta also promotes weight loss by producing a similar effect, it is found to be comparatively less effective than Ozempic in delaying gastric emptying.
In addition, the findings of clinical studies suggest that Semaglutide is more effective for weight loss than most other GLP-1 agonists. Ozempic has consistently led to significant weight loss in clinical trials. In addition, a higher number of people were found to achieve their weight loss goals with Ozempic compared to Byetta and other medications belonging to the class of GLP-1 agonists. [5]
Moreover, the convenience associated with the once-a-week dosage of Ozempic in comparison to the twice-a-day dosage of Byetta makes Ozempic a preferable choice for most patients looking to lose weight.
These facts suggest that Ozempic could be a more suitable medication than Byetta for weight management.
What are the Pros and Cons of Byetta?
Pros
- Can lower HbA1c (average blood sugar levels over 3 months duration).
- Less likely to cause hypoglycemia compared to other diabetes medications.
- Might help you with weight loss.
Cons
- Slows gastric emptying. This may affect how other medications you are using are absorbed.
- Must be used twice daily within an hour before meals.
- Not safe for patients with severe renal impairment.
- Expensive.
What are the Pros and Cons of Ozempic?
Pros
- Needs to be taken only once per week.
- Convenient to use as it is available as prefilled pens.
- Can change injection days, provided the doses are given at least 2 days apart.
- Can store used or opened pens at room temperature for up to eight weeks.
Cons
- Slows gastric emptying. This may affect how other medications you are using are absorbed.
- Risk of low blood sugar, especially if taken with other diabetes medications such as sulfonylureas or insulin.
- Expensive.
Safety and Contraindications of Ozempic and Byetta
Ozempic and Byetta may cause a few side effects. Being aware of these side effects will help you make informed decisions and allow you to take timely intervention in case you develop serious adverse effects.
Some common sides of Ozempic include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Pancreatitis
- Gastroparesis
Some common side effects of Byetta include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Constipation
- Pancreatitis
- Gastroparesis
- Lump at the site of injection-site lump
Making a choice: Byetta or Ozempic?
Research suggests that the beneficial cardiovascular and metabolic actions of Semaglutide and its overall favorable risk/benefit profile make Ozempic a safer and more effective choice for patients with type 2 diabetes. [6]
Comparative clinical trials have also shown that subcutaneous Semaglutide exerts a more effective blood glucose-lowering effect and a greater weight loss compared to most other GLP-1 agonist drugs. [7]
Here are some parameters that will help you choose the best medication between Byetta and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes or weight loss:
- Dosage: Byetta requires you to take injections twice daily, while Ozempic needs to be taken once a week.
- Diabetes management: Ozempic is more effective in maintaining normal blood sugar levels than Byetta.
- Weight loss: Both Ozempic and Byetta can support weight loss, with Ozempic showing a higher effectiveness.
- Side effects: Ozempic and Byetta share similar side effects, most of them affecting the digestive system, such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and loose motions. These side effects are comparatively more severe in patients using Byetta.
Our healthcare experts at Amp Health will help you choose the right medication after analyzing your medical history, dietary habits, and lifestyle. Our doctors will recommend oral or compounded Semaglutide, in addition to a customized diet plan, to help you lose weight more easily.
Byetta vs Ozempic: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ozempic the same as Byetta?
No. Ozempic and Byetta are different medications, although they both belong to the same class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists. These two drugs vary in their primary ingredient, administration, dosage frequency, side effect profiles, and effectiveness for diabetes management and weight loss.
Which medicine is the best for diabetes? Ozempic or Byetta?
Byetta and Ozempic have similar efficacy in diabetes management. However, Ozempic offers a superior alternative to Byetta as it can also stimulate insulin secretion in addition to promoting the release of this hormone in the pancreas.
What is the best medicine for weight loss?
The best medicine for weight loss depends on several factors, including your age, diet, lifestyle, current weight, expected weight loss, and blood sugar levels. Ozempic and Byetta have proven efficacy in weight management. These drugs can help you lose weight more efficiently when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
How much weight can you lose on Byetta?
Byetta can support weight management and potentially allow you to lose 2 to 6 pounds within a few weeks. However, individual results can vary depending on dietary habits, physical activity, and other medical conditions.
Why was Byetta taken off the market?
Byetta was taken off the market before being reapproved due to concerns such as faulty formulation and the potential risk of pancreatic cancer.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17428109/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17252050/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567185/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29363040/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9486455/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34305810/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31486321/
