What is the Difference Between Ozempic Weight Loss Medication & Wegovy Weight Loss Medication?
Ozempic and Wegovy are both injectable medications that contain the active ingredient semaglutide. However, there are a few key differences between the two drugs.
Approval
Ozempic was first approved by the FDA in 2017 to treat type 2 diabetes. In 2021, the FDA approved Ozempic for the prevention of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes.
Wegovy was approved by the FDA in 2021 for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
Dosage
Ozempic is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg pens. The maximum recommended dose of Ozempic is 2 mg once weekly.
Wegovy is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg pens. The target dose of Wegovy is 2.4 mg once weekly. However, people may start on a lower dose and gradually increase the dose over time to reduce the risk of side effects.
Effectiveness
Both Ozempic and Wegovy have been shown to be effective for weight loss. However, Wegovy is generally more effective than Ozempic for weight loss. In clinical trials, people who took Wegovy lost an average of 15% of their body weight, compared to an average of 5% weight loss in people who took Ozempic.
Side effects
The most common side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own after a few weeks of treatment.
Other side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy may include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Injection site reactions
- Allergic reactions
Which one is right for me?
If you are considering taking Ozempic or Wegovy for weight loss, it is important to talk to your doctor about which drug is right for you. Your doctor will consider your individual medical history, weight loss goals, and other factors when making a recommendation.
Important note: Ozempic and Wegovy are not interchangeable. Do not switch between these drugs without talking to your doctor first.