Saxenda
liraglutide · Novo Nordisk
Trulicity
dulaglutide · Eli Lilly
Side by side
| Saxenda | Trulicity | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | liraglutide | dulaglutide |
| Maker | Novo Nordisk | Eli Lilly |
| Class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Approved for | Weight management | Type 2 diabetes |
| How you take it | once daily injection | once weekly injection |
| Starting dose | 0.6 mg | 0.75 mg |
| Highest dose | 3 mg | 4.5 mg |
| Main trial result | 8.0% avg loss (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes, 3 mg, 56 wk) | A1C fell about 0.8 to 1.6 points depending on dose and background therapy, with modest weight loss |
| Nausea (label) | 39% vs 14% placebo | 12% to 21% vs 5% placebo |
| Missed-dose window | resume the next day (more than 3 days missed: restart titration) | until 3 days (72 hours) before the next dose |
| Out of the fridge | Up to 30 days after first use at 59°F to 86°F | Up to 14 days at or below 86°F (30°C) |
| List price | $1,349/mo | $986/mo |
| Lowest self-pay | not offered | not offered |
Prices compiled mid-2026 from manufacturer announcements; re-checked monthly.
Key differences
- Different molecules. Saxenda is liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist); Trulicity is dulaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist).
- Different approvals. Saxenda is approved for weight management; Trulicity is approved for type 2 diabetes. That shapes insurance coverage.
- Different routine. Saxenda is a once daily injection; Trulicity is a once weekly injection.
Trial weight loss
Which one fits you
That's a decision for you and your prescriber. The factors that usually decide it:
- Your diagnosis, which decides the approved option and often the coverage
- Whether your plan covers one and not the other
- A shot or a pill, weekly or daily
- How you tolerate side effects
- Cost if you pay yourself: see the cost index
How to use it
- Enter your numbers. Switch between US and metric units at any time.
- Results update as you type, and the formula is shown so you can check it.
- Copy the link, save the plan on this device, or print it for your next appointment.
These are estimates, not a diagnosis. A clinician can account for your health history and medicines.
Common questions
Is Saxenda the same as Trulicity?
No. They contain different medicines: liraglutide and dulaglutide.
Which works better for weight loss, Saxenda or Trulicity?
Their main trials were separate, so a direct ranking isn't possible from that data. Your prescriber can weigh your history.
Can I switch from Saxenda to Trulicity?
Only with your prescriber. Switching usually means a new starting dose, not a direct swap.
Which is cheaper, Saxenda or Trulicity?
List prices are $1,349/mo and $986/mo a month; lowest self-pay options we track are not offered and not offered. Coverage usually matters more.
Sources
Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error