For individuals exploring medical options to aid in weight loss, Ozempic® has gained significant attention. While primarily FDA-approved for treating type 2 diabetes, its active ingredient, semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has demonstrated a strong capacity for promoting weight loss. However, Ozempic® is not the sole GLP-1 medication with these beneficial traits. Victoza®, containing liraglutide, stands as one of the earlier GLP-1 medications used in diabetes treatment, also offering moderate weight loss benefits. This article explores the similarities and differences between Ozempic® and Victoza® to help determine which might be a better fit.
Understanding GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Ozempic® (semaglutide) and Victoza® (liraglutide) are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, meaning they function similarly to regulate blood sugar levels and support weight loss. They mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which effectively lowers appetite and slows digestion. However, a key distinction lies in how long each medication remains active in the body post-injection. Semaglutide binds more effectively to GLP-1 receptors, leading to stronger appetite suppression and longer-lasting metabolic benefits.
Ozempic® and Victoza®: Similarities and Differences
Both Ozempic® and Victoza® are manufactured by Novo Nordisk, but they were introduced to the market at different times. Victoza® received FDA approval in 2010, while Ozempic® was approved later, in 2017. Wegovy®, another medication from the same manufacturer containing semaglutide, gained approval for weight management in 2021, and Saxenda® was approved for weight loss in December 2014.
Key Similarities:
- Blood Sugar Control: Both medications effectively lower A1C levels, a crucial marker for long-term blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
- Dosage Adjustment: Doctors typically initiate treatment with the lowest dose for both Ozempic® and Victoza®, gradually increasing it based on patient tolerance and effectiveness in controlling blood sugar and appetite. This gradual approach minimizes side effects like nausea and digestive discomfort.
- Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes: Both Ozempic® and Victoza® are FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes and can be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Key Differences:
- Active Ingredients: While both belong to the same class of medications, Ozempic® contains semaglutide, and Victoza® contains liraglutide. Semaglutide remains in the body longer, necessitating only once-weekly administration, while liraglutide requires daily injections.
- Dosing Frequency: Ozempic is injected weekly, while Victoza is injected daily.
- Pricing Structure: Ozempic® has a consistent monthly price regardless of the dose, whereas Victoza®'s price is based on the amount of medication used, potentially increasing costs with higher doses.
- Weight Loss Effectiveness: Ozempic® is often regarded as more effective for weight loss due to the longer-lasting effects of semaglutide, leading to stronger appetite suppression and metabolic benefits.
- Approved Use in Children: Victoza® is approved for both adults and children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes, while Ozempic® is approved for adults only.
- Additional Approved Use: Ozempic® is also approved to reduce the risk of kidney disease progression and cardiovascular death in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, an indication not shared by Victoza®.
Effectiveness in Weight Loss and Blood Sugar Control
Ozempic® generally leads to more significant weight loss than Victoza®. Semaglutide's longer duration of action results in more effective blood sugar regulation, slower digestion, and reduced appetite compared to liraglutide. Victoza® needs to be taken daily because it lasts only about 12 to 14 hours, whereas Ozempic® lasts approximately a full week due to molecular modifications that slow its breakdown.
One trial directly compared semaglutide to liraglutide, concluding that semaglutide is likely to result in more weight loss than liraglutide. A 2022 review of studies also indicated that Ozempic showed higher success rates for weight loss than Victoza in adults with obesity or overweight, but without diabetes.
Read also: Transformations with Ozempic
In one study, over half of the participants lost at least 5.5 pounds or at least 5% of their body weight after using liraglutide for 56 weeks. Ozempic has been found to lead to an average weight loss of up to 14 pounds, according to Novo Nordisk. In a study directly comparing liraglutide and semaglutide, semaglutide patients lost more weight, an average of 12.8 pounds, compared to 4.2 pounds for liraglutide.
Research has suggested that Ozempic may offer more effective A1C reduction, a measure of average blood sugar over 3 months.
Switching Between Medications
Switching between Ozempic® and Victoza® is possible under a doctor's guidance. A significant difference to note is the dosing frequency: Ozempic® is a once-weekly injection, while Victoza® requires daily dosing. If switching from Ozempic to Victoza, it's advisable to wait one week after the last Ozempic dose before starting Victoza. Conversely, when switching from Victoza to Ozempic, the first Ozempic dose should be administered the day after the last Victoza dose.
Factors Influencing Weight Loss
The speed of weight loss on Ozempic® or Victoza® varies depending on individual lifestyle, eating habits, and adherence to the medication regimen. Individual results can differ significantly.
Approved Uses and BMI Guidelines
Ozempic® is approved for adults with type 2 diabetes and can be prescribed off-label for individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Victoza® is approved for both adults and children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. When prescribed off-label for weight loss, doctors follow the same BMI guidelines as for Ozempic®. Saxenda® is the version of liraglutide that is FDA-approved for weight management.
Read also: Ozempic Meal Plan
Potential for Weight Regain
Weight regain is possible after stopping Ozempic® or Victoza®, particularly without sustained lifestyle changes. These medications reduce appetite, slow digestion, and regulate blood sugar levels, but they do not permanently alter the body's weight control mechanisms. A study on semaglutide indicated that participants regained approximately two-thirds of their lost weight within a year. Gradual tapering of the dose may help stabilize weight and prevent rapid regain.
Since Ozempic® has been shown to lead to greater weight loss than Victoza®, discontinuing it may result in more noticeable weight regain. Maintaining long-term habits like healthy eating and staying active is crucial for sustained weight management.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost of Victoza® and Ozempic® can vary, especially since insurance coverage depends on whether the medication is prescribed for diabetes or weight loss.
- Ozempic®: The list price is approximately $998 per month, regardless of dose. Insurance coverage is more likely for type 2 diabetes but is rare for weight loss. Wegovy® may be a more cost-effective alternative if weight loss is the primary goal.
- Victoza®: The list price varies based on package size, increasing with higher doses. A 2-pen package can last up to 60 days at 0.6 mg per day or 30 days at 1.2 mg per day, while a 3-pen package is needed for a full 30-day supply at the maximum dose of 1.8 mg per day.
Insurance coverage for both medications is more likely for type 2 diabetes than for weight loss. Starting in 2025, the Inflation Reduction Act will cap annual out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 for Medicare Part D enrollees, potentially reducing expenses for those using these medications for diabetes treatment.
Side Effects and Safety Profiles
Ozempic® and Victoza® can cause side effects ranging from mild to more serious. As GLP-1 receptor agonists, they share many of the same side effects, although some may be more common with one than the other. Mild to moderate side effects are common when starting either medication or adjusting to a higher dose, typically improving as the body adapts.
Read also: Alonso's Health Journey
Common Side Effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
Serious Side Effects:
- Thyroid C-cell Tumors: Both medications carry an FDA boxed warning about a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). This risk has only been observed in animal studies, and it is unclear if it applies to humans.
- Pancreatitis: Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that may spread to the back, with or without vomiting.
- Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia): Symptoms include dizziness, shakiness, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, and feeling jittery. This is more common in people taking additional diabetes medications.
- Kidney Problems: Dehydration from diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting can worsen kidney function.
- Allergic Reactions: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or a rapid heartbeat.
To reduce the risk of side effects, doctors typically start with a lower dose and gradually increase it with both medications.
Warnings and Precautions
Both Ozempic and Victoza carry a boxed warning, which is the FDA's most serious warning, due to the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Studies in rats and mice have shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Victoza and Ozempic, can cause these tumors, although it remains unclear whether the same risk applies to humans.
Patients with a history or family history of thyroid cancer, or with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type 2 (MEN 2) should not take Ozempic or Victoza.
Acute pancreatitis may occur. Patients should be carefully monitored for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis, which may include severe, persistent abdominal pain (which may radiate to the back), and may be accompanied by vomiting. If pancreatitis is suspected, Ozempic or Victoza should be stopped and the patient should seek medical care.
Using Ozempic or Victoza with insulin or certain oral diabetes medications can increase the risk of low blood sugar. If you take this combination of medications, your prescriber may adjust the dosing of your insulin or oral medication. Also, because Ozempic and Victoza delay stomach emptying, the absorption of other medications (that are taken by mouth) may be affected if taken at the same time. Narrow therapeutic index drugs should especially be monitored.
Before taking Ozempic or Victoza, review your medication list with a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Deciding between Ozempic® and Victoza® involves considering factors like weight loss goals, insurance coverage, cost, and individual tolerance. While both medications are GLP-1 receptor agonists that regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion, they differ in potency, dosing schedule, and overall effectiveness.
Ultimately, the right medication should align with your body, lifestyle, goals, and budget. Consulting with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most suitable option.