If you’re considering injectable medicines to aid in weight loss, you may have heard of Ozempic and Wegovy. Both medications contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but they have different FDA approvals and dosages. This article provides a detailed comparison of Ozempic and Wegovy to help you understand the key differences and make an informed decision about whether switching from Ozempic to Wegovy is right for you.
Introduction to Ozempic and Wegovy
Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are brand-name injections that belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1, or glucagon-like peptide 1, is a hormone produced in the small intestine that encourages the body to produce more insulin to lower blood sugar when blood sugar levels rise.
- Ozempic is FDA-approved for managing blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to lower the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease and to lower the risk of kidney failure, worsening kidney disease, and death from cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
- Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss and long-term weight management in adults and children ages 12 years and older with obesity, as well as in adults with overweight and at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. It is also approved to lower the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in adults with obesity or overweight and cardiovascular disease and to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate to advanced liver scarring.
While Ozempic is primarily intended for type 2 diabetes management, doctors may sometimes prescribe it off-label for weight loss and management. Wegovy, on the other hand, is specifically formulated and FDA-approved for chronic weight management.
Key Differences Between Ozempic and Wegovy
The main differences between Ozempic and Wegovy lie in their approved uses, dosages, and delivery methods.
Approved Uses
- Ozempic: FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes management and reducing cardiovascular risks in adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Wegovy: FDA-approved for weight loss and long-term weight management in adults and children (12+ years) with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition.
Doctors may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss, meaning it is used for a purpose not explicitly approved by the FDA.
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Dosage and Dose Forms
- Ozempic: Typically prescribed at lower dosages than Wegovy. Ozempic pens contain multiple doses of the medication.
- Wegovy: Prescribed at slightly higher dosages for weight loss. Wegovy pens are prefilled with a single dose of the medication.
Generic Status and Active Ingredient
Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but they are brand-name drugs and are not currently available in generic form.
Uses of Ozempic vs. Wegovy
The FDA has approved Ozempic and Wegovy for specific uses:
Ozempic is FDA approved to:
- Help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with a healthy diet and exercise.
- Help lower the risk of serious cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) problems in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Help lower the risk of kidney failure, worsening kidney disease, and death from cardiovascular disease in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic (long-term) kidney disease.
Wegovy is FDA approved to:
- Help with weight loss and long-term weight management in:
- Adults and children ages 12 years and older with obesity.
- Adults with overweight and at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
- Help lower the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in adults with obesity or overweight and cardiovascular disease.
- Treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) (fat buildup and inflammation in the liver) in adults who have moderate to advanced liver scarring (not cirrhosis). Wegovy is prescribed with a healthy diet and exercise.
Doctors sometimes prescribe Ozempic off-label to help with weight loss and long-term weight management, along with a healthy diet and exercise.
Ozempic or Wegovy and Children
Wegovy is FDA approved to help with weight loss and long-term weight management in children ages 12 years and older with obesity. Ozempic isn’t approved for any uses in children (people under age 18 years). However, doctors may sometimes prescribe Ozempic off-label to help with weight loss and long-term weight management in certain children.
Dosages, Forms, and Administration
Both Ozempic and Wegovy are administered via subcutaneous injection (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Your doctor or a healthcare professional will teach you how to use the injection pen, and detailed instructions are included in the medication guide.
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Dosage for Adults
Here are the recommended dosages of Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management in adults. Doses are in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL) of solution.
Because Ozempic is not FDA approved for weight management, the manufacturer does not provide dosages for this purpose. If your doctor prescribes Ozempic for weight management, they will recommend the dosage that is right for you.
Note that these are the same dosages of Ozempic and Wegovy for helping lower the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in certain adults. To see the dosages of these drugs for their other uses, refer to these Ozempic dosage and Wegovy dosage articles.
Ozempic injection pens come with disposable single-use needles. You will need to attach a new needle to the pen each time you administer a dose. You will turn the dose selector on the pen to select your dose. You can use each pen for 4 or 8 doses, depending on the strength and dose your doctor has prescribed.
Wegovy injection pens come with a needle attached. Each pen is for single use only. It delivers one dose of medication. You’ll use a new pen each time you take a dose.
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Children’s Dosage
Wegovy is FDA approved for weight management in certain children ages 12 years and older. The recommended dosage is the same as the adult dosage described previously.
Sometimes, doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label to aid weight loss in certain children. In this situation, the child’s doctor will prescribe the dosage that’s right for your child.
Administration
Both Ozempic and Wegovy are administered via subcutaneous injection (under the skin) in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Your doctor or a healthcare professional will teach you how to use the injection pen, and detailed instructions are included in the medication guide.
With Ozempic, your pen may contain four or eight doses, depending on the strength and dose used. You’ll need to attach a new needle to the pen each time you take a dose.
With Wegovy, each pen comes with a needle already attached. Each pen contains a single dose. You’ll use a new pen for each dose.
Side Effects of Ozempic and Wegovy
As both Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, they share many of the same potential side effects. However, side effects may be more common or pronounced with Wegovy due to the typically higher dosages prescribed for weight loss.
Mild Side Effects
The following table lists some of the more commonly reported mild side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy. The table may also include mild side effects that are less common but that you might have concerns about.
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious Side Effects
The following table lists the reported serious side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy.
Ozempic and Wegovy have a boxed warning for risk of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Precautions for Ozempic and Wegovy” section.
If you have serious side effects while using Ozempic or Wegovy, call your doctor immediately. If the side effects feel life threatening or you believe you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Allergic Reaction
For some people, Ozempic and Wegovy can cause allergic reactions. In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
Ways to manage For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Wegovy or Ozempic, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Common Side Effects
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Dizziness
- Bloated stomach
- Burping/gas
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Gastroenteritis
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nose and throat infections (nasopharyngitis)
- Injection site reactions
- Hair loss
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Weight Loss Results: Ozempic vs. Wegovy
Ozempic has not been directly compared with Wegovy for helping with weight loss. However, based on a review of studies, Wegovy may lead to more weight loss than Ozempic. This is likely because doctors typically prescribe Wegovy at a higher maintenance (long-term) dosage than Ozempic.
The review found that people who took 2.4 milligrams (mg) of semaglutide lost more weight than those who took 1 mg of semaglutide. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in both Wegovy and Ozempic. The typical maintenance dose of Wegovy is 2.4 mg or 1.7 mg. The typical maintenance dose of Ozempic is 1 mg (maximum 2 mg).
Clinical trials for Wegovy have demonstrated significant weight loss results. In studies, most people who took Wegovy lost at least 5% of their body weight over 68 weeks, and almost half of the participants lost at least 15% of their body weight during that time.
While Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight loss, some people using Ozempic in clinical studies reported weight loss.
Treatment Guidelines and Expert Recommendations
Guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommend semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) as a treatment option for people with type 2 diabetes. It’s recommended for those who can benefit from help with weight management.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) includes Wegovy in its treatment recommendations for obesity.
Cost and Availability
How much Ozempic or Wegovy costs depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes, your insurance plan, and your pharmacy. For more details about the cost of these two drugs, see our articles about Wegovy cost and Ozempic cost.
Both Ozempic and Wegovy are brand-name drugs. They are not currently available in generic form.
The cost of both medications can be significant, potentially reaching around $1,000 per month without insurance coverage. Insurance coverage may vary depending on the drug's approved use and your specific plan.
Precautions and Warnings
Ozempic and Wegovy may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. The two drugs share some of the same precautions, but they also have different ones. The following text highlights some of these precautions.
Semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) has a boxed warning for a possible risk of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
Semaglutide can cause thyroid cancer in rats and mice. It is unknown whether the drug can cause thyroid cancer in humans. Due to the possible risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Ozempic or Wegovy if:
- You or an immediate family member have had medullary thyroid cancer (MTC)
- You have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, a rare inherited condition that raises your risk of thyroid cancer
If you take Ozempic or Wegovy, talk with your doctor if you develop possible symptoms of thyroid cancer. These may include a hoarse voice that does not get better, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a lump in your neck.
In addition to boxed warnings, Ozempic and Wegovy have other warnings. If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before using Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss or management purposes.
- History of allergic reaction to semaglutide or any other ingredients in the medication
- Pregnancy or plans to become pregnant
- Breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed
- History of pancreatitis or other pancreatic problems
- History of diabetic retinopathy
- Kidney problems (Wegovy-specific)
- Gastroparesis or other conditions that slow digestion
- Planned surgery requiring sedation or general anesthesia
- Depression, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health conditions
Switching from Ozempic to Wegovy: Is It Possible?
It might be possible to switch between Ozempic and Wegovy.
If you’d like to know more about switching between Ozempic and Wegovy, talk with your doctor. They can give you additional details and help determine the best course of action for your personal situation. Even if two drugs treat the same condition or are in the same drug class, your body can still respond differently.
It is important that you do not stop, start, or switch any of your drug treatments without your doctor’s recommendation.
Switching from Ozempic to Wegovy requires careful planning and should always be done under medical supervision. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process:
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Before making any changes, consult your healthcare provider. Discuss your weight loss goals, reasons for considering the switch, and any concerns you may have.
- Understand the Dosage Differences: Wegovy is a higher-dose formulation of semaglutide than Ozempic. Your doctor will determine the appropriate starting dose of Wegovy based on your current Ozempic dosage and individual needs.
- Plan a Dosing Schedule: Since Wegovy has a higher dose, you may start with a lower amount and increase gradually.
- Monitor Your Symptoms: As you begin Wegovy, keep track of any side effects or changes in how you feel.
- Stick to a Consistent Routine: GLP-1 medications are generally taken weekly, but consistency is essential for them to be most effective.
Reasons to switch from Ozempic to Wegovy:
- Enhanced Focus on Weight Loss: Although Ozempic aids weight loss, it was initially developed to help control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Wegovy, however, is specifically formulated for chronic weight management.
- Higher Dosage for Effectiveness: Wegovy is administered at a higher dosage of semaglutide than Ozempic.
- Improved Weight Loss in Clinical Trials: Studies have shown that patients on Wegovy tend to experience greater weight loss than those on Ozempic, likely due to its increased dosage and targeted use.
- Wegovy is the medicine licensed for weight loss. Therefore, it has been trialled and tested for this condition. This means you can be reassured that the medicine is being used for its purpose.
Before making the switch, it’s essential to consider the potential side effects, which may include:
- Gastrointestinal discomfort: Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common side effects when adjusting to GLP-1 medications.
- Fatigue: Some individuals report feeling tired as they adjust to the medication.
- Appetite changes: The main benefit of GLP-1 medications is appetite suppression, but this can sometimes lead to a sudden lack of interest in food.
Alternatives to Ozempic and Wegovy
Besides Ozempic and Wegovy, other injectable medications are available for weight loss and diabetes management. These include:
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide): A dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes. Some studies suggest it may lead to greater weight loss than semaglutide.
- Zepbound (tirzepatide): The same drug as Mounjaro but specifically approved for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with related health conditions.
Mounjaro vs. Ozempic and Zepbound vs. Wegovy
Mounjaro and Zepbound are different drugs, although they work in a similar way. Mounjaro is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. Ozempic acts only on GLP-1. They’re both approved to lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes in combination with a healthy diet and exercise. While both Mounjaro and Ozempic are really diabetes drugs, they also can help you lose weight.