Wegovy vs Ozempic
Wegovy vs Ozempic belong to the drug class known as glucagon-like peptide-1s receptor agonists (GLP-1s). They both come from the brand Novo Nordisk, and contain semaglutide as their active ingredient.
Semaglutide was initially marketed under the trade name Ozempic in 2017 as a diabetes medicine. In 2021, the same manufacturer launched Wegovy, which has a larger dose of semaglutide and is used for treating overweight and obesity.
Wegovy and Ozempic have FDA approval to support managing chronic weight among patients alongside behavioral changes in their diet and general lifestyle.
Both drugs can be used by those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. Additionally, those with a BMI of 27 or higher, who likewise have underlying metabolic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or hypertension, may also benefit from the properties of these medicines.
What Is Wegovy?
Wegovy is the first drug to be FDA-approved since 2014 for chronic weight management.
Wegovy’s greater semaglutide dosages allow for the improved crossing of the blood-brain barrier, which may aid in accelerating overall weight loss. Starting treatment with Wegovy, your doctor will start you on a low dose and progressively raise it over 16–20 weeks.
Wegovy is administered starting at 0.25 mg per week and can be taken as much as 2.4 mg each week. You can reduce the risk of side effects by gradually raising the dose.
Here are the common side effects of taking Wegovy:
- nausea, vomiting
- diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain
- headache, dizziness
- fatigue
- dyspepsia, abdominal distension, eructation
- hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes
- flatulence, gastroenteritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease
More severe side effects also include the following:
- Thyroid C-cell tumors
- Acute pancreatitis
- Acute gallbladder disease
- Acute kidney injury
- Hypersensitivity
- Diabetic retinopathy complications in patients with Type 2 Diabetes
- Heart rate increase
- Suicidal behavior and ideation
After several studies, the FDA cited some outcomes regarding Wegovy’s efficacy as a chronic weight management medication.
In one trial, those who got Wegovy dropped 12.4% of their starting body weight, with the average BMI of the participants being 38. In the other study, comparing individuals who received Wegovy to those who only received a placebo, those who received Wegovy lost 6.2% of their starting weight.
In terms of cost, Wegovy can cost over $1,500 per month without insurance. With coverage, you may pay as little as $25 per month. The price can change depending on several variables, including your insurance coverage and the pharmacy prices in your area.
What Is Ozempic?
For individuals with type 2 diabetes, Ozempic can be taken with a diet and exercise plan to help regulate blood sugar levels. Meanwhile, in adults with preexisting type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, Ozempic can lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or death.
The active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy is the same, but Ozempic has somewhat lower levels than Wegovy.
Your doctor will start you on a low dose of Ozempic, 0.25 mg per week, similar to how they would with Wegovy. If your doctor advises, you can raise your Ozempic dosage by 0.25 mg every four weeks.
Here are the common side effects of taking Ozempic:
- Feeling sick
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
More severe side effects also include the following:
- Thyroid tumors and a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Kidney problems, including kidney failure
- Inflammation of the pancreas
- Severe allergic reactions
- Changes in vision
- Very low blood sugar
Ozempic has demonstrated efficacy in supporting weight loss as a complementary therapy to diet and exercise. Additionally, Ozempic has proven to be a successful management drug for type 2 diabetes.
Several variables, such as whether or not your insurance will pay the cost of the prescription, will affect the cost of Ozempic. The medication’s monthly supply might be $800 or more without insurance. However, you can save and spend as little as $25 if you have coverage.