Wegovy and Ozempic both contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide), but they have different FDA-approved indications for use. Ozempic is FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes and lowering cardiovascular risk in certain patients. Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss and, in March 2024, it became the first FDA-approved treatment to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with overweight or obesity.
“They both contain the active ingredient semaglutide, but Wegovy’s maximum dose [2.4 mg] is higher and Wegovy comes in a single-use injectable pen,” Antoni Adamrovich, nurse practitioner and co-owner of weight loss clinic TB2.Health, told Drugwatch.
Wegovy received FDA approval as a weight loss drug in 2021. Patients without insurance pay approximately $1,349 for a month’s supply of four pen injectors. In contrast, Ozempic first received FDA approval in 2017 for Type 2 diabetes. A single Ozempic pen injector lasts four weeks and costs approximately $935 without insurance.
Despite these differences, both drugs are semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Among the most noteworthy are that Novo Nordisk manufactures both formulations and global supply shortages have affected the availability of both Wegovy and Ozempic.
“Ozempic and Wegovy are the same drug. The dosage for Wegovy is a little higher, but other than that, it’s the same,” Dr. Sue Decotiis, a triple board-certified weight loss physician in New York City, told Drugwatch.
“Ozempic and Wegovy have narrow maximal dosage differences (2.0 mg weekly and 2.4 mg weekly, respectively), so they are both effective at controlling blood glucose and promoting weight loss. However, it should be up to a knowledgeable healthcare professional to decide when and if to use these drugs for off-label use.”
Wegovy vs. Ozempic: Use Cases
Though Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, Wegovy is marketed for weight loss and the prevention of heart disease while Ozempic is indicated to treat Type 2 diabetes.
Different Uses for Wegovy and Ozempic
Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat adults with Type 2 diabetes and to reduce cardiovascular disease risk in adults with Type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy is FDA-approved to assist with chronic weight management in adults with obesity or adults with an overweight body mass index and an additional metabolic comorbidity. It also reduces the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attack and stroke in patients who have overweight or obesity.
Wegovy and Ozempic both reduce appetite. Doctors may prescribe Wegovy for weight loss and ongoing healthy weight maintenance. Ozempic may provide weight-related benefits off-label.
Ozempic and Wegovy have different intended uses; however, both medications work by slowing digestion and reducing appetite. As a result, some physicians may prescribe either for weight management. Because prescribing Ozempic for weight loss is an off-label use, many insurance companies will not cover Ozempic for weight loss.
Lawsuit Information
Lawsuits are being filed by people who developed severe gastroparesis after using Ozempic.
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Wegovy vs. Ozempic for Weight Loss
Studies comparing Wegovy and Ozempic show both drugs are effective at helping patients diagnosed with obesity or overweight reduce their body weight, but Wegovy reduces weight more effectively than Ozempic does.
“The reason why [semaglutide] works is not just the fact that it depresses appetite, it’s that it gets insulin to work better. And that’s what GLP-1 is about. GLP-1 is a receptor that’s in the intestine and also has receptors in the brain,” Decotiis said.
Wegovy offers a slightly higher maximum dose of semaglutide than Ozempic. Patients on Wegovy may reach a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg, while Ozempic’s maximum dose is 2 mg. This higher available dose of semaglutide gives Wegovy a slight advantage over Ozempic when considering its effectiveness.
Effectiveness of Wegovy vs. Ozempic
Ozempic
Wegovy
Highest Weekly Dose
2.0 mg
2.4 mg
Average A1C reduction*
2.1%
3%
Average weight loss*
14 lbs.
35 lbs.
*Results achieved at the highest allowed dose of each medication.
Although designed to treat and prevent Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic can also be an effective weight management tool. Many clinicians therefore prescribe Ozempic for weight loss for individuals with Type 2 diabetes who also have overweight or obesity.
Similarly, several studies indicate that Wegovy can also be an effective option for off-label use in patients with Type 2 diabetes. It shows promise for long-term interventions and disease prevention.
Long-term clinical studies demonstrate the positive correlation between taking a 2.4 mg dosage of semaglutide combined with lifestyle modifications and reduced risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. Patients taking Wegovy at 2.4 mg may reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes by as much as 60%.
“The reason why [semaglutide] works is not just the fact that it depresses appetite, it's that it gets insulin to work better. And that's what GLP-1 is about. GLP-1 is a receptor that's in the intestine and also has receptors in the brain.”
Does Wegovy Have More Side Effects Than Ozempic?
Wegovy and Ozempic carry the same side effect profile, but the side effects of Wegovy may be more severe because Wegovy contains a higher dose of semaglutide.
According to Dr. Maria Anton, endocrinologist and educator at the Pritikin Longevity Center, “These medications have the same side effect profiles as they contain the same active ingredient. Your health care provider can help to determine which medication would be most suitable to achieve your personal health goals.”
Medication side effects often resolve over time, but as many as 10% of patients must stop taking the medication because they do not resolve. In extreme cases, patients may require hospitalization for side effects that jeopardize their overall health.
Side Effects of Wegovy and Ozempic
Constipation
Diarrhea
Gastroparesis
Kidney failure
Nausea
Wegovy and Ozempic side effects can range from mildly disruptive to severe. It is imperative to discuss possible adverse effects with your health care provider before beginning treatment. Based on that discussion, you can make an informed decision about whether these drugs are right for you.
“These medications have the same side effect profiles as they contain the same active ingredient. Your health care provider can help to determine which medication would be most suitable to achieve your personal health goals.”
Some patients who took Ozempic (semaglutide) and switched over to Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a GLP-1 and gastric insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor dual agonist, found they had less vomiting and nausea.
“I didn’t have vomiting with Mounjaro like I did with Ozempic. Just a little nausea and a couple of stomach cramps. It was definitely an easier start,” said Stephan T., a patient with Type 2 diabetes who is omitting his last name for privacy.
Severe Safety Concerns
Patients with extreme gastrointestinal distress, including pancreatitis and gallbladder issues, may need hospitalization to stabilize their condition. There are additional concerns about stomach paralysis and malnutrition because of extreme appetite suppression.
Another recent concern is a suspected increased risk of certain cancers with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs, including semaglutide. However, a comprehensive analysis of existing studies and real-world patient data showed no increase in pancreatic, thyroid or other abnormal growths among patients taking the drug. In fact, early research suggests that GLP-1 receptor agonists may decrease the risk of obesity-associated cancers.
Some patients have had severe reactions to semaglutide drugs. As a result, there are currently several Ozempic lawsuits against Novo Nordisk. If you’ve experienced adverse reactions while taking Wegovy or Ozempic, you may be able to seek compensation through these suits.
Should I Take Ozempic or Wegovy?
As with any prescription medication, your doctor will carefully weigh individual factors before making a recommendation about which drug to take. Factors such as your medical records, health history and current FDA recommendations will impact the decision.
There are alternatives if semaglutide causes too many side effects, isn’t effective or is unavailable. Patients with Type 2 diabetes have many other drug treatment options, including other GLP-1 receptor agonists like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Trulicity (dulaglitude). For weight loss, other options include Saxenda (liraglitude) and Zepbound (tirzepatide).
“A medical provider can help determine if a patient would benefit from these other medications and discuss risks versus benefits with the patient. Surgical options are also available and may be especially beneficial in those patients who are metabolically at risk, are severely obese and have been unsuccessful with more conservative management,” Anton said.
Ozempic and Wegovy are different brand names for the same injectable drug, semaglutide. The difference is that Wegovy is approved to manage weight in adults and kids 12 and up who have obesity.Ozempic is approved to lower blood sugar when you have type 2 diabetes.
It is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with an initial BMI of 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least 1 weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes ...
What is the most important information I should know about Ozempic®? Ozempic® may cause serious side effects, including:Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your health care provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
People who have had or have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or an endocrine system condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not take Wegovy. Likewise, you should not take Wegovy if you are allergic to semaglutide or any other ingredient in Wegovy.
The main reasons you're not losing weight on semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) might be that you're not eating in a calorie deficit, you've hit a weight-loss plateau, or the current dose that you're on isn't high enough to lower your hunger to the point where you're eating less.
To obtain the $25 savings card for Wegovy, you cannot be enrolled in a federal or state health care program with prescription drug coverage, including Medicaid, Medicare, Medigap, Tricare, and VA programs.
Who is Eligible for Wegovy? To determine if you meet the criteria for Wegovy, several factors are considered: Body Mass Index (BMI): If your BMI is >30, or >27 and you have a weight-related medical condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, you may be eligible.
Kidney problems: In rare cases, Wegovy can cause damage to the kidneys, including kidney failure. Your risk may be greater if you have chronic kidney disease. Tell your doctor about any kidney problems you have or have had. They'll decide if Wegovy is safe for you to use.
According to the manufacturer, acute pancreatitis was reported in studies in 5 patients taking Wegovy vs. 1 patient on placebo (an inactive shot). Acute pancreatitis can be a severe or even deadly side effect, so call your doctor right away and stop taking Wegovy if you experience any of these signs or symptoms.
“I eat a healthy mix,” she told People. “I dropped weight because I've been listening to my doctor — a couple (of) years I didn't. And 90% of the time I'm really good at it because a protein diet is good for me anyway. I'm a Texas girl, so I like meat — sorry, vegetarians in the world!"
How did Oprah lose weight? Winfrey has lost her latest weight using a weight-loss drug and with a healthy diet and exercising. She told People the weight-loss medication is just part of her regimen for maintaining a healthy weight. “I know everybody thought I was on it, but I worked so damn hard.
FDA‐approved semaglutide products bear a boxed warning, commonly referred to as a “black box warning,” which is the strongest warning FDA requires, indicating that the drug carries a significant risk of serious or even life‐threatening adverse effects. The boxed warning addresses the risk of thyroid C‐cell tumors.
It's also worth noting that certain serious side effects (e.g. suicidal thoughts and a small increase in heart rate) have been reported more often with Wegovy than Ozempic. While these are still rare, it may be a consideration for you.
Semaglutide is primarily used for blood sugar control and type 2 diabetes medication, but the FDA recently approved it to help for weight loss. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, sour stomach, fatigue, changes to the face, rebound weight gain and low sugar levels.
Although the highest dose of Wegovy is higher than the full dose of Ozempic, "the main driver" is the cost of the delivery device, a needle embedded in a pen, said Melissa Barber, who led the research.
On average, participants taking Wegovy lost more than 2% of their body weight after 4 weeks. So, a person who weighs 200 pounds might expect to lose about 5 pounds in the first month. GLP-1s can help you reach your weight loss goals—and stay there. Tap now to see if you qualify.
The cost of Wegovy depends on your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you use. A package of Wegovy contains four pens, each pre-filled with a single dose of Wegovy. Without insurance, the cost of Wegovy is $1,349.02 per month or 28-day package, which breaks down to $269.80 per week or $16,188.24 per year.
Introduction: My name is Geoffrey Lueilwitz, I am a zealous, encouraging, sparkling, enchanting, graceful, faithful, nice person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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