The realm of metabolic health and weight management has expanded with the introduction of medications like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide). Both drugs fall under the category of GLP-1 receptor agonists, designed to aid individuals in their journey toward combating excess weight and obesity. Understanding the nuances of Saxenda vs. Wegovy is crucial to determining which medication might be the right fit.
What are Wegovy and Saxenda?
At first glance, Saxenda and Wegovy appear quite similar, primarily because they both belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist category. These medications mimic the body's natural glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone, which plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and managing blood sugar levels. Research suggests that individuals who are overweight may experience diminished natural GLP-1 signaling, contributing to overeating and increased hunger between meals.
GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Saxenda are used to promote effective regulation of blood sugars. However, it's crucial to remember these medications aren't a magic weight loss silver bullet. They complement lifestyle changes encompassing exercise, healthy food choices, stress reduction, and quality sleep.
Comparing the Active Ingredients: Liraglutide vs. Semaglutide
The primary difference between Saxenda and Wegovy lies in their active compounds. Saxenda contains liraglutide, while Wegovy’s active ingredient is semaglutide. Both medications have undergone rigorous FDA scrutiny and approval, initially for diabetes and now for weight management.
Liraglutide is also the active ingredient in Victoza, a medication for managing diabetes approved by the FDA in 2010. Liraglutide is a daily injection. In 2014, the FDA approved liraglutide for weight loss, naming it Saxenda. Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy. Semaglutide is a weekly injection. The FDA approved Ozempic for treating diabetes in 2017. Wegovy was FDA-approved for weight loss treatment in 2021.
Read also: Sustainable weight loss using Wegovy
Intended Use
Both Wegovy and Saxenda are manufactured by Novo Nordisk, with FDA-approved indications for weight management. Saxenda is indicated for adults with a BMI ≥27 (overweight) who have weight-related medical issues or those with a BMI ≥30 (obese) in general. Wegovy is meant for adults with a BMI ≥30 or ≥27 if coupled with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
Wegovy is also FDA approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, and death, in adults with heart disease and either overweight or obesity and to treat noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, a liver disease, in adults who also have moderate to advanced liver fibrosis.
Dosage and Administration
Understanding the dosing schedules of Wegovy and Saxenda is essential for their proper use in weight loss. Saxenda demands daily self-administration, while Wegovy offers more convenience with a once-weekly dosage.
Saxenda comes in an injecting pen, with each pen containing an 18mg/3 ml solution, delivering doses of 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, and 3.0 mg. It is meant to be taken at the same time every day. Wegovy comes in five doses: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 1.7mg, and 2.4mg, with each dose in an injecting pen that requires refrigeration.
Each of these medications is slowly increased over time. After week 4, the maximum daily dose of 3.0mg is reached with Saxenda.
Read also: Weekly Wegovy Progress
Both Saxenda and Wegovy are given as an injection in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will teach you (or a caregiver) how to use the Saxenda or Wegovy pen to administer these injections at home.
Wegovy vs. Saxenda: Which Is More Effective?
Determining which medication is "better" for weight loss largely depends on the individual. People can react very differently to medications, with varying effectiveness and tolerance.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Wegovy, boasts a longer duration of action than liraglutide, making it more convenient for many. Recent research, including a 2022 JAMA study, suggests Wegovy has an edge in terms of results, showcasing greater weight loss over 68 weeks compared to Saxenda. Specifically, the study participants on Wegovy reported significantly greater weight loss with semaglutide over liraglutide when added to counseling for diet and physical activity.
Several other clinical trials demonstrated that Wegovy induces an average weight loss of 15.8% after 68 weeks, whereas Saxenda achieves a clinically significant weight loss of 8% in the same timeframe.
Metabolic Health Considerations
While studies focus on weight loss, it’s important to note that both Saxenda and Wegovy can improve metabolic health by regulating hunger signals and overall metabolic function. The goal is to lose enough weight to improve health and reduce the risk of diabetes, heart attacks, strokes, and joint pain, ultimately improving quality of life. For some patients, losing just 5-10 pounds can lead to significant improvements.
Read also: Duration of Wegovy Treatment
Can Wegovy and Saxenda Be Used Together?
Using Wegovy and Saxenda concurrently is not recommended. While GLP-1 medications share the same mechanism of action, they don't necessarily synergize when used together. Using more than one prescription weight loss medication could lead to unforeseen side effects.
Weight Loss as Part of a Healthy Lifestyle
Wegovy and Saxenda may not be the perfect fit for everyone. The decision isn't so much about superiority as it is about finding what aligns with your medical history, health profile, and overall well-being. The road to consistent, long-term weight loss and improved metabolic health is multifaceted.
Saxenda and Wegovy are injectable drugs that can help with weight loss when combined with reduced-calorie diets and physical activity. Weight loss programs should always include an individualized exercise routine to build strength and endurance throughout the weight loss journey, as any weight loss will cause both loss of fat and muscle.
Potential Side Effects
Saxenda and Wegovy can cause some of the same side effects, as well as some different ones. Side effects of Saxenda and Wegovy are similar. The most common side effects of both medications are stomach-related, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. For most people, episodes are mild or moderate and occur more often during the time the dose is raised. The side effects in children were similar to those reported by adults.
Common mild side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and injection site reactions. Serious side effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, and increased heart rate.
Both Wegovy and Saxenda carry Boxed Warnings for an increased risk of thyroid tumors, including cancer.
Cost and Availability
Saxenda and Wegovy are available as brand-name products only. The prices are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans. If you have insurance, the amount you pay for these medications will depend on your coverage for prescription drugs, deductible, and copay.
The list price for a month’s supply of Saxenda is about $1,350, with Wegovy having a similar price, typically around $1,350 per month.
Wegovy and Saxenda are prescription medications available at most retail, local, and online pharmacies.
Switching Medications
Switching between Saxenda and Wegovy is possible but requires medical supervision. When switching between these medications, it is important to start at the lowest dose and slowly increase it. The transition process can take several weeks and may involve slight side effects as the drugs leave your system and the new one takes effect.
Alternative Weight Management Options
Beyond Saxenda and Wegovy, other options exist for weight management. Contrave (phentermine/topiramate) may be a good option for those who prefer a non-injectable medication. Other medications such as Zepbound, Ozempic, and Mounjaro are also available, with Ozempic and Mounjaro being diabetes medications used off-label for weight loss.
Precautions and Warnings
Saxenda and Wegovy may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Both drugs share some of the same precautions, but they also have different ones.
Both Saxenda and Wegovy carry a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer. Due to the possible risk of thyroid cancer, your doctor likely will not prescribe either drug if you or a member of your immediate family have ever had medullary thyroid cancer, or you have a rare genetic (inherited) condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.
They may also impact kidney function, especially in those with moderate to severe kidney impairment. If you have severe gastrointestinal issues or digestive problems, these side effects could be particularly problematic.