SUMMARY

Ozempic® and Trulicity® are both prescription medications in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class.

Ozempic® contains semaglutide, while Trulicity® contains dulaglutide. Both are administered once weekly by injection, but they have different active ingredients, formulations and product instructions.

Because they belong to the same medication class, they have some important similarities. However, they aren't the same medication or interchangeable products.

Understanding the similarities and differences can help you have a more informed conversation with your practitioner or pharmacist.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• What Ozempic® and Trulicity® have in common
• How semaglutide and dulaglutide differ
• How both medications work
• How they are administered
• How their available pen presentations differ
• What clinical research has found when comparing them
• How their costs may differ
• Whether they can be used together
• What to consider before switching between them

If you've searched for Ozempic® vs. Trulicity®, you may be wondering why these two medications are compared so often.

Unlike some medication comparisons, there is a clear reason here: both are GLP-1 receptor agonists and both are administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection.

The main difference is their active ingredient.

That means they work through the same general hormone pathway, but they are different medications with different formulations and prescribing considerations.

Ozempic® vs. Trulicity® at a glance

What do Ozempic® and Trulicity® have in common?

At a high level, Ozempic® and Trulicity® are used in a similar way: both are taken once a week by injection and work through the GLP-1 pathway.

The main difference is what’s inside each medication: semaglutide in Ozempic® and dulaglutide in Trulicity®.

What is the difference between semaglutide and dulaglutide?

Semaglutide and dulaglutide belong to the same medication class, but they are not chemically identical. Both are designed to remain active in the body much longer than naturally occurring GLP-1, but they achieve this through different molecular structures.

Semaglutide has a fatty-acid side chain that helps it bind to proteins in the bloodstream and remain active longer. Dulaglutide uses a different structure, linking its GLP-1 analogue to part of an IgG4 antibody, which also slows its removal from the body.

These differences affect their pharmacokinetics, that is, how a medication is absorbed, distributed and eliminated. Semaglutide has an elimination half-life of about one week, while dulaglutide's is approximately five days.

So, although both act on the same GLP-1 receptor, their molecular structures and pharmacokinetic profiles are different. This helps explain why they have different formulations, strengths and product instructions.

How do Ozempic® and Trulicity® work?

Both medications activate GLP-1 receptors, which are part of a signalling system that helps the body respond to food and changes in blood glucose. GLP-1 receptor activity influences insulin and glucagon secretion, blood glucose regulation and the rate at which the stomach empties.

Naturally occurring GLP-1 is broken down within minutes. Semaglutide and dulaglutide are modified to resist this rapid breakdown, allowing their effects to persist for several days and supporting once-weekly administration.

Although they act on the same receptor, their different molecular structures affect how long they remain active and how they behave in the body.

How are Ozempic® and Trulicity® taken?

Both medications are administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection.

However, the injection devices are different.

Ozempic® is supplied in a multidose prefilled pen. Depending on the specific pen, it can contain multiple doses. (Health Products Canada)

Trulicity® is supplied in a single-use prefilled pen. The Canadian product monograph lists several strengths in this format. (HRES PDF)

Because the devices work differently, the instructions for using one pen should not be applied to the other.

Your pharmacist or practitioner can show you how to use the specific device prescribed to you.

Are Ozempic® and Trulicity® equally effective?

Clinical trials have directly compared semaglutide and dulaglutide. One of the best-known studies, SUSTAIN 7, was a randomized Phase 3b trial involving adults whose treatment plan included metformin.

The study measured changes in HbA1c, a blood test that reflects a person's average blood glucose levels over roughly the previous two to three months, as well as changes in body weight.

At the doses studied, the semaglutide groups had greater average reductions in HbA1c and body weight than the dulaglutide groups. SUSTAIN 7 study on PubMed

However, these results do not mean that Ozempic® is automatically the better choice for everyone. The study looked at specific doses, a specific patient population and a defined treatment period. Clinical trials show average results across a group of participants, so they cannot predict exactly how an individual will respond.

That distinction is important when comparing prescription medications: a difference observed in a clinical trial does not necessarily mean one medication will be more suitable for every person.

Does one have an advantage over the other?

There isn't a simple answer here.

Clinical research can show differences between medications under specific study conditions, but a practitioner's decision involves more than comparing one clinical outcome.

Factors that may be considered include:

• Your health history
• Other medications you're taking
• Your prescription history
• How the medication is administered
• The available product and strengths
• Insurance coverage
• Cost
• Other individual considerations

So rather than asking which medication is universally “better,” a more useful question is which option is appropriate for your individual circumstances?

A practitioner can help answer that question.

What about side effects?

Because Ozempic® and Trulicity® belong to the same medication class, they have some similarities in their safety information.

However, they are different active ingredients, so their product monographs contain product-specific safety information.

Rather than assuming that the risks are identical, review the Canadian product information for the medication prescribed to you and speak with your practitioner or pharmacist about any concerns.

If you experience an unexpected or concerning reaction after taking a prescription medication, seek appropriate medical advice.

Can Ozempic® and Trulicity® be taken together?

Ozempic® and Trulicity® should not be taken together unless specifically directed by a practitioner.

Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists, and taking prescription medications together should only be done according to an individualized treatment plan.

If you're considering switching from one medication to the other, speak with your practitioner rather than taking both or changing your schedule on your own.

Your pharmacist can also help explain how your prescriptions should be managed.

How does the cost of Ozempic® compare with Trulicity®?

There isn't one universal price for either medication in Canada.

What you pay can depend on:

• The specific product and quantity
• The pharmacy
• Applicable dispensing or professional fees
• Insurance coverage
• Public drug coverage
• Eligibility requirements

At Pocketpills, the current listed price is $139 for Ozempic® and {ADD COST} for Trulicity®.

Prices may change and may vary based on your prescription, coverage and applicable fees. Check the current price before filling your prescription.

Are there generic versions of Ozempic® or Trulicity® in Canada?

Canada's semaglutide market has changed in 2026, with generic semaglutide products now authorized and marketed. Health Canada's Drug Product Database lists these as separate products from brand-name Ozempic®. (Health Products Canada)

Health Canada has not yet approved a generic version of dulaglutide.

If you're interested in whether another product is available for your prescription, speak with your pharmacist about current availability and pricing.

Which one is right for you?

There isn't one medication that is automatically right for everyone.

Although Ozempic® and Trulicity® belong to the same medication class and are both taken once weekly, they contain different active ingredients and come in different products.

A practitioner may consider your health history, current medications, prescription needs, administration preferences, insurance coverage and other relevant factors when determining an appropriate treatment approach.

If you're considering changing medications, discuss your options with a licensed Canadian practitioner first.

Getting prescription care with Pocketpills

If you already have a valid prescription for Ozempic®, Trulicity® or another medication, you can transfer it to Pocketpills for pharmacy fulfillment and delivery.

Where available, Pocketpills also offers online assessments with licensed Canadian practitioners for people seeking prescription care.

Your Pocketpills pharmacist can answer questions about your prescription, including how to use your medication as directed.

Learn more about Pocketpills →

When should you speak with a practitioner?

Speak with a licensed Canadian practitioner if you're considering starting, stopping or changing prescription medication.

A practitioner can review your individual circumstances and determine what treatment approach may be appropriate.

Your pharmacist can also answer questions about your medication, administration instructions and prescription costs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Ozempic® and Trulicity® the same medication?

No. They belong to the same medication class but contain different active ingredients. Ozempic® contains semaglutide, while Trulicity® contains dulaglutide.

What is the main difference between Ozempic® and Trulicity®?

Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists administered once weekly by injection, but they contain different active ingredients and come in different pen devices.

Are Ozempic® and Trulicity® taken the same way?

Both are administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection, but the injection devices and product-specific instructions differ.

Which is better, Ozempic® or Trulicity®?

There isn't a universal answer. Clinical research has found differences between the medications at the doses studied, but the appropriate prescription depends on individual circumstances.

Can Ozempic® and Trulicity® be taken together?

They should not be taken together unless specifically directed by a practitioner.

Can you switch from Trulicity® to Ozempic®?

A practitioner can determine whether switching is appropriate and provide instructions for managing the change.

Do Ozempic® and Trulicity® have the same side effects?

They belong to the same medication class and have some similarities in their safety information, but they are different medications. Refer to the applicable Canadian product monograph and speak with your practitioner or pharmacist about individual risks.

How much does Ozempic® cost in Canada?

The price varies depending on the pharmacy, quantity, applicable fees and insurance coverage.

Is there a generic version of Ozempic® in Canada?

Generic semaglutide products are now authorized and marketed in Canada. These are separate products from brand-name Ozempic®. Availability and pricing can vary.

Is there a generic version of Trulicity® in Canada?

Health Canada has not yet approved a generic version of dulaglutide.

How do I know which medication is appropriate for me?

A licensed Canadian practitioner can review your health history, current medications and individual circumstances before determining what treatment approach may be appropriate.

SOURCES

1. Health Canada. Drug Product Database — Ozempic®. (Health Products Canada)
2. Health Canada. Drug Product Database — Trulicity®. (Health Products Canada)
3. Health Canada. Canadian Product Monograph — Trulicity®. (HRES PDF)
4. Pratley RE, et al. Semaglutide versus dulaglutide once weekly in patients with type 2 diabetes (SUSTAIN 7). The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. (PubMed)
5. Health Canada. Drug Product Database — semaglutide products. (Health Products Canada)

This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Prescription required. It is not a substitute for individualized guidance from a licensed Canadian practitioner or pharmacist. Always speak with your practitioner or pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing a prescription medication.