Wegovy vs. Ozempic: choosing the right semaglutide medication for you
Key highlights
- Wegovy and Ozempic contain the active ingredient semaglutide, a medication that helps with blood sugar control and weight loss.
- Ozempic is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction. Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in people with obesity or overweight.
- The higher dose of semaglutide (Wegovy 2.4 mg) caused more weight loss than 1 mg of semaglutide.
- Wegovy is more expensive than Ozempic but savings programs are available for both medications.
- Both medications can cause similar side effects like nausea, vomiting, and stomach issues but may differ in frequency and intensity with dosage.
- Talk to your healthcare provider if you are interested in Wegovy or Ozempic. They will help you decide if either medication is right for you.
If you’re dealing with overweight, obesity, or type 2 diabetes, you’ve probably heard of Wegovy and Ozempic. Both are glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) medications with the same active ingredient, semaglutide. You might be wondering, are Wegovy and Ozempic the same?
While Wegovy and Ozempic are similar medications containing the same active ingredient, semaglutide, they have different approved uses and dosage strengths. Wegovy is FDA-approved for chronic weight management and Ozempic is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, although some doctors may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight management.
Semaglutide has quickly become a game-changer in managing weight loss and type 2 diabetes, offering impressive results for many. Whether you’re looking to shed pounds or control blood sugar, this powerful medication can make a significant difference.
Wegovy vs Ozempic: What’s the difference? Learn how these semaglutide medications compare in dosage, uses, cost, and effectiveness for weight loss and diabetes.
What are Wegovy and Ozempic?
Wegovy and Ozempic are once-weekly subcutaneous injectable prescription drugs containing the same active ingredient, semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Both medications are manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Other drugs in this class include Rybelsus (oral medication), Saxenda, Trulicity, and Victoza.
Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists known for its dual benefits: it helps control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes and supports weight loss in people with or without diabetes when used in combination with diet and increased physical activity.
Semaglutide works for weight loss by mimicking the action of incretin, a natural gut hormone particularly GLP-1, and targeting GLP-1 receptors in the brain that control appetite and slow down how quickly the stomach empties, making you feel fuller for longer. By increasing GLP-1 activity, semaglutide helps to reduce hunger and suppress appetite.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Novo Nordisk
Wegovy is an FDA-approved medication for
FDA approvals
Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same drug, semaglutide, and are sold under different brand names. The main differences are the amount of semaglutide in each pen and what they are approved to treat.
- Wegovy: Approved by the FDA on December 5, 2017, to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and off-label for weight loss in people with obesity and overweight. It was also approved in 2024 for reducing the risk of serious heart problems in adults with obesity or overweight.
- Ozempic: Approved by the FDA on June 4, 2021, for chronic weight management in patients with obesity (body mass index of 30 or more) and overweight (body mass index of 27 or more) with a weight-related condition like cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy vs Ozempic: key differences
While they share many similarities, the FDA has approved Wegovy and Ozempic for different uses.
Ozempic is FDA-approved for Improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise. Also, reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
Wegovy is an FDA-approved medication for chronic weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, and to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with a history of cardiovascular disease.
Another key difference between the two drugs is how the pens are used. Wegovy pens have a built-in needle, which you dispose of after each use in a sharps container. Ozempic pens come with separate needles that you attach to the injector pen before each dose. After using the needle, you dispose of it in a sharps container but keep the pen for multiple uses.
If you’re considering Wegovy or Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, weight loss, or both, talk to your healthcare provider for medical advice. They can help you choose the right medication and create a safe, effective treatment plan.
FDA-approved uses and indications
Semaglutide was first approved in 2017 under the brand name Ozempic to treat type 2 diabetes. In 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Wegovy for chronic weight management. Although doctors often prescribe both for weight loss, there are some key differences between them.
Wegovy is FDA-approved for:
The FDA has approved Wegovy for chronic weight management in adults and children aged 12 years and older with:
- Obesity: body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or;
- Overweight: BMI of 27 or higher with at least one weight-related health condition, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
In 2024, the FDA approved Wegovy to help reduce the risk of heart problems in adults with obesity or overweight and existing heart disease.
Ozempic is FDA-approved for:
The FDA has approved Ozempic for:
- Helping control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, and;
- Reducing the risk of serious heart problems, like heart attack, stroke, and death, in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Although Ozempic isn’t FDA-approved for weight loss, a healthcare provider may prescribe it off-label to help with weight management.
Ozempic can help protect your kidneys. It is approved to lower the risk of kidney problems in people with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease, but Wegovy doesn’t have this approval.
Dosage forms and strengths
Ozempic and Wegovy come as pre-filled subcutaneous weekly injections that are injected under the skin of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm. Both medications are injected once per week on the same day of the week and can be taken with or without food.
Your healthcare provider will start you on the lower dose (0.25 mg weekly) and gradually increase the dose based on how you respond, your goals, and your tolerance for side effects.
Wegovy forms and strengths
Wegovy is available in five different pre-filled, single-dose syringes including 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg. Each pen contains one dose, so you’ll need four pens for a 30-day supply.
Doctors usually start patients at 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks and then the dose is gradually increased every 4 weeks until the maximum dose of 2.4 mg once a week is reached.
Ozempic forms and strengths
Ozempic is available in four different pre-filled, multi-dose syringe pen doses including 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, and 2 mg.
Ozempic comes as a prefilled pen with multiple doses, so you can reuse the pen for a month but use a new needle each time. Your pharmacy will give you one pen and the needles.
Each pen has four different doses which is a 30-day supply. The number of pens you get depends on your dose. The maximum dose is 2 mg once a week.
Wegovy vs. Ozempic: dosage comparison
| Wegovy | Ozempic | |
|---|---|---|
| Month 1 | 0.25 mg once weekly (starting dosage) | 0.25 mg once weekly (starting dosage) |
| Month 2 | 0.5 mg once weekly | 0.5 mg once weekly |
| Month 3 | 1 mg once weekly | 1 mg once weekly (typical maintenance dose) |
| Month 4 | 1.7 mg once weekly | 2 mg once weekly (for additional blood sugar control) |
| Month 5 | 2.4 mg once weekly (recommended maintenance dosage) | 2 mg once weekly (for additional blood sugar control) |
Cost and insurance coverage
Ozempic is cheaper than Wegovy. Without insurance, Ozempic costs about $997.58 for a 28-day supply, and Wegovy costs about $1,349.02 for a 28-day supply.
The cost of Ozempic and Wegovy varies based on your dose, insurance coverage, and if you qualify for the manufacturer’s savings program card program.
Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of both drugs, offers a savings card program that can significantly lower the cost if you have private or commercial insurance.
Wegovy cost and insurance coverage
The list price of Wegovy is $1,349.02 per month, according to the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, which is about $337.30 per week or $16,188.20 per year.
Check with your insurance provider if they cover Wegovy. Most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid do not currently cover weight loss drugs.
The Wegovy Savings Card program helps you save money with or without insurance to reduce your out-of-pocket cost of Wegovy to as low as $0/month, making the medication more affordable for eligible individuals.
The program is available to those with commercial insurance or without insurance coverage, and excludes those with government-sponsored insurance like Medicare and Medicaid.
To qualify for the Wegovy Savings Card, you must meet certain criteria. If you qualify for the savings card, you can also join WeGoTogether for free. This program offers personalized support to help with weight loss and maintenance, including a health coach, a progress-tracking portal, and more.
Ozempic cost and insurance coverage
The list price of Ozempic is around $997.58 for a 28-day supply without insurance, which is about $249.40 per week or $11,970.96 per year.
Check with your insurance provider if they cover Ozempic. If you have type 2 diabetes, insurance coverage is more likely as most insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid do not currently cover weight loss medications.
The Ozempic Savings Card program can reduce the cost of Ozempic to as low as $25 per month and is valid for two years. You can check if you qualify and apply here. You must have private or commercial insurance to qualify for the program.
If you have insurance through government-sponsored programs like Medicare or Medicaid, you won’t be eligible for the program. However, you can still save money by using free pharmacy discount cards from places like GoodRx, Optum Perks, and others.
Side effects
Since Ozempic and Wegovy both contain semaglutide, their side effects are very similar. Side effects are most common when you first start using the medication or increase the dose, and higher doses of both drugs can lead to a higher risk of side effects.
Wegovy side effects
Common side effects of Wegovy include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Upset stomach
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Ozempic side effects
The most common side effects of Ozempic are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
Here are some key differences and similarities between these two medications:
Wegovy vs. Ozempic: key differences
| Wegovy | Ozempic | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Semaglutide |
| FDA-approved use | • For weight loss, along with diet and exercise, in adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or greater), or overweight (BMI of 27 or greater) with at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. • To reduce the risk of major cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with heart disease and obesity or overweight. | • To control blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise. • To reduce the risk of major cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. |
| Most common side effects | Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation | Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation |
| Dosing | Once weekly subcutaneous injection | Once weekly subcutaneous injection |
| Maximum weekly dose | 2.4 mg | 2 mg |
| Cost without insurance | $1,349.02 | $997.58 |
Similarities between Wegovy and Ozempic
Ozempic and Wegovy are both prescription medications containing the same active ingredient, semaglutide that you inject under the skin once a week.
Both medications:
- Reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke
- Aid in weight loss
- Have potential cardiovascular benefits
- Have similar side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation
Ozempic works like a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. It makes your pancreas release insulin when your blood sugar goes up, which lowers your blood sugar back to normal so you reach blood sugar stability with type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, so food stays in your stomach longer and prevents too much sugar from getting into your bloodstream. It also makes you feel less hungry so you eat less. These effects on hunger and food intake are why Ozempic is sometimes used for weight loss even though it’s mainly for type 2 diabetes.
Semaglutide is the same ingredient in Wegovy as in Ozempic, so it works the same way as Ozempic does. Wegovy increases the GLP-1 levels in your body, so food stays in your stomach longer and sends signals to your brain to feel full. This controls your hunger and can lead to big weight loss.
If you have type 2 diabetes, you might be able to use Wegovy as part of your weight management plan. The STEP 2 trial showed that people with type 2 diabetes who took Wegovy lost an average of 10% of their starting body weight over 68 weeks and saw improvements in their A1C levels.
While Wegovy isn’t approved for treating diabetes, it can still help lower blood sugar and promote healthy weight loss.
Common side effects
Wegovy and Ozempic have similar side effects such as nausea, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting.
Since Wegovy is usually given at a higher dosage than Ozempic, side effects may be more likely with Wegovy when using the 2.4 mg weekly dose.
Frequency of side effects: Wegovy vs Ozempic
The most common side effects reported in clinical trials by participants using Wegovy 2.4 mg weekly dose include:
- Nausea (44%)
- Diarrhea (30%)
- Vomiting (24%)
- Constipation (24%)
- Abdominal pain (20%)
- Other gastrointestinal issues (73%)
- Gallbladder disease (1.6% of adults and 3.8% of children)
The most common side effects reported in clinical trials by participants using Ozempic 1 mg weekly dose include:
- Nausea (20%)
- Diarrhea (9%)
- Vomiting (9%)
- Abdominal pain (6%)
- Constipation (3%)
- Other gastrointestinal issues (36%)
- Gallbladder disease (1.5% with the 0.5 mg dose and 0.4% with the 1 mg dose)
Serious side effects
Although rare, some people taking Ozempic or Wegovy may experience:
- Severe allergic reaction
- Injection site reactions
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Kidney problems
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallstones
- Gallbladder problems
- Diabetic retinopathy in patients with Type 2 Diabetes
- High heart rate
- Suicidal thoughts
Warnings and precautions
Both drugs have a black box warning from the FDA for the risk of thyroid tumors or thyroid cancer. They must not be given to people with a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
Effectiveness: Wegovy vs. Ozempic for weight loss
Ozempic and Wegovy can control blood sugar and reduce body fat but may work differently for some people.
Wegovy has been studied in people with and without diabetes. In a clinical trial, people taking 2.4 mg of semaglutide (the highest dose of Wegovy) lost more weight than those taking 1 mg of semaglutide (the maintenance dose of Ozempic).
Another study showed people taking 2.4 mg of semaglutide with a low-calorie diet and exercise lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks and those taking 1 mg with diet and exercise lost about 7% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
In another clinical trial, people taking the highest dose of Wegovy combined with lifestyle changes lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
Both Wegovy and Ozempic can work for weight loss and your healthcare provider can help you decide which one is best for you.
Choosing between Wegovy and Ozempic
Deciding whether Wegovy or Ozempic is right for you is a personal choice that should be made with your doctor. There are several factors to consider including your medical conditions, goals, insurance coverage, and physician recommendations.
For weight loss, Wegovy might be a better fit because it’s specifically approved for weight loss and comes in higher doses. Both medications can also help lower heart disease risk in people with type 2 diabetes (in the case of Ozempic) or obesity/overweight (in the case of Wegovy). Ozempic is more likely to be covered by your insurance provider if used for type 2 diabetes, while insurance coverage for weight loss drugs like Wegovy is less common.
If your primary goal is to manage type 2 diabetes and reduce cardiovascular risk, Ozempic and may be the better choice since it’s FDA-approved for that purpose.
Your tolerance for side effects is another important factor. While both medications have similar side effects, Wegovy has a longer list, including headaches, fatigue, and dizziness.
Common side effects like nausea, vomiting, and stomach issues tend to happen more with Wegovy than with Ozempic. Serious side effects, like suicidal thoughts and a small increase in heart rate, have also been reported more with Wegovy, although these are still rare, they may be a consideration for you.
Insurance coverage and savings programs can affect your choice. Without insurance coverage, Wegovy costs more than Ozempic. Even with insurance, Wegovy might still be more expensive because many plans, including Medicare, don’t cover weight loss medications. However, Wegovy’s new FDA approval for lowering heart disease risk could help some people obtain coverage.
It’s important to discuss your individual needs and medical history with a healthcare professional to determine which medication, Wegovy or Ozempic, is the most appropriate for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ozempic or Wegovy better for weight loss?
Ozempic and Wegovy both help with weight loss, but Wegovy is preferred because it’s made for weight loss. It has higher doses (2.4 mg) than Ozempic that are potentially more effective for weight loss.
Can I switch from Ozempic to Wegovy (or vice versa)?
Ozempic and Wegovy are not interchangeable medications and are approved for different uses with different dosages. If your doctor thinks the other medication may be better for you, it’s safe to switch although you will need a new prescription.
Are there any differences in side effects between the two medications?
Ozempic and Wegovy shaer most of the same side effects because they have the same active ingredient. Both can cause nausea, vomiting, or stomach issues but the side effects may vary slightly depending on the dosage or individual response.
Which medication is more likely to be covered by insurance?
Ozempic is more likely to be covered by insurance because it’s prescribed for type 2 diabetes which is more commonly covered. Wegovy for weight loss may not be covered unless you meet specific criteria set by your insurance company.
Can Wegovy be used for diabetes?
Wegovy is not approved for diabetes even though it has the same ingredient as Ozempic. Ozempic is the medication specifically approved and prescribed for type 2 diabetes.
Is Ozempic effective for weight loss?
Yes, Ozempic can help with weight loss, but it’s primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. Some people lose weight as a side effect, but it may not be as effective for weight loss as Wegovy which is made for that purpose.
Bottom line
Wegovy and Ozempic are similar because they’re both weekly semaglutide injections with the same active ingredient, semaglutide. However, they differ in their approved uses, dosages, and insurance coverage.
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 or overweight.
It’s hard to say which medication is better for you overall because the right medication depends on your medical history, needs, and goals. What works best for you may not work best for someone else. For weight loss, the higher dose of Wegovy (2.4 mg) has shown more weight loss than 1 mg of semaglutide in clinical trials.
Talk to your healthcare provider about both options. They can help you decide which medication is best for you.
