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Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) are medications that can help lower your blood sugar, especially if you live with conditions such as diabetes or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). These medications may also improve your heart health and encourage weight loss.
While both medications have many similarities, some differences set Ozempic and Wegovy apart—such as what they’re approved for and what they help your body do.
The active ingredient of Ozempic and Wegovy is semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.
These drugs act like the hormone GLP-1, which tells your body to create more insulin to help naturally lower blood sugar levels. High GLP-1 levels send a message to your brain telling your body that you are full, which can help reduce your appetite. Semaglutide also helps slow food digestion, making you feel full faster.
Ozempic
Ozempic is a drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that can help:
- Control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes
- Reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Though not FDA-approved for weight loss, a healthcare provider may also prescribe Ozempic off-label to aid weight management. Off-label means a healthcare provider prescribes a drug for a purpose other than what it is FDA-approved for.
Wegovy
Wegovy is an FDA-approved medication for treating obesity. Currently, the drug is only approved for adults and children over the age of 12 who are living with obesity.
Because these medications are new, research on their effectiveness and uses is ongoing. In March 2024, Wegovy was also FDA-approved to help reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with a history of cardiovascular disease.
Ozempic and Wegovy are both prescription-only medications that you can inject subcutaneously (under the skin) once a week. Both medications can:
- Reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke
- Aid weight loss
- Have similar side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation
The main difference between Ozempic and Wegovy is the FDA-approved reasons for use:
- Ozempic is a once-a-week injection approved to control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Wegovy is a once-a-week injection that can help with weight loss and lower the risk of cardiovascular events in people with a history of heart disease.
Effectiveness
Both Ozempic and Wegovy can help you control blood sugar and reduce body fat. However, their effectiveness can differ.
Numerous studies have found that Ozempic is effective at lowering hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) and weight in people with diabetes when compared to other diabetes medications. One study in adults with type 2 diabetes also found that those taking 1 milligram (mg) of Ozempic once a week lost about 10 pounds over 30 weeks.
Wegovy may have greater weight loss effects. In one study conducted by the drug manufacturer, 50.5% of adults with obesity and no history of diabetes saw nearly a 15% decrease in their body weight when taking 2.4 mg of Wegovy once a week for more than a year. This weight loss was equivalent to about 33.7 pounds over the course of 68 weeks. The study also noticed improved metabolic health, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Ozempic and Wegovy may help with blood sugar management and weight loss, but they do not cure either. Both medications should accompany lifestyle changes, such as eating in a calorie deficit and increasing your activity levels.
Dose and Administration
Ozempic and Wegovy are available as injection pens that come pre-filled with the medication. For both medications, your healthcare provider will prescribe the smallest initial dose. They will increase your dose over time based on your outcomes, treatment goals, and side effects.
Currently, Ozempic is available in four different pre-filled, multi-dose syringe pen doses. These include 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 2.0 mg. Generally, each pen contains four doses, which equals a 30-day supply. The exact number of pens you receive will depend on your exact dosage. The maximum recommended dosage is 2 mg once a week.
Wegovy, however, comes in five different pre-filled, single-dose syringes. The dosages for Wegovy are 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg. Each pen contains one dose, so you’ll need four pens for a 30-day supply. Healthcare providers recommend a maximum dosage of 2.4 mg once a week.
Risks and Side Effects
The side effects for both Ozempic and Wegovy tend to be similar. However, side effects are typically more common and severe if you’re using Wegovy. These may include:
While side effects can occur at any dose, higher dosages of this medication may also increase your risk of other health conditions, such as:
Cost
Generally, Wegovy is more expensive than Ozempic. In the United States, one month of Ozempic (1.0 mg dose) costs about $900 without insurance, while Wegovy (2.4 mg dose) costs about $1,350 without insurance.
The cost of Ozempic and Wegovy depends on various factors, including your dosage, whether the medication is covered by your insurance, and whether you are eligible for a drug savings program. The drug manufacturers of both medications also offer numerous programs to help you save on the cost of Ozempic or Wegovy.
If you’re taking either of these medications, contact your insurance provider or pharmacy to learn more about your coverage and savings options.
Due to the increase in demand for these medications, both Ozempic and Wegovy are listed on the FDA’s Drug Shortages list. You may have difficulty finding these medications in stock at your pharmacy, leading to delays in treatment. However, it’s important to only take the approved versions of these medications from a safe and reliable source instead of taking off-brand alternatives. Alternatives may not be as safe or effective as the FDA-approved products.
Ozempic and Wegovy are not interchangeable medications. They are approved for different reasons and are only available in different dosages. However, if you are taking one medication for weight loss and your healthcare provider believes the other product may be better for you, switching from one medication to the other is safe.
Do not take both Ozempic and Wegovy at the same time. Both medications should also not be combined with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or products used for weight loss, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal remedies.
It’s hard to dictate which of these medications is better overall. The medication that’s right for you may not be right for someone else. It depends on factors like your health history, medical needs, and treatment goals.
While Ozempic is the preferred option for blood sugar control and cardiovascular risk in adults with diabetes, Wegovy may be a better option for people living with obesity.
Talk with your healthcare provider about both options. They can help you weigh the pros and cons and determine which is best for your individual needs.
Ozempic and Wegovy both contain the active ingredient semaglutide. While Ozempic can help lower blood sugar, Wegovy can aid with weight loss. Both medications can also improve your overall heart health.
While these medications are similar, they differ in effectiveness, side effects, dosage, and cost. If you may benefit from these medications, your healthcare provider can help you determine which one is right for you.