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Drug Info

Wegovy vs. Ozempic: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you

Wegovy is approved for weight loss, while Ozempic is for Type 2 diabetes. Compare the dosage, costs, and side effects of these medications.
Gerardo Sison medical writer headshot
By | Updated on Oct. 1, 2024
Rx injection pens: Wegovy vs. Ozempic

Key takeaways

  • Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss, while Ozempic is approved for Type 2 diabetes.

  • Wegovy is given at a higher dose than Ozempic, making it more effective for weight loss, with clinical trials showing a 15% average weight reduction.

  • Wegovy may be more expensive and may not be covered by insurance, while Ozempic is more likely to be covered for diabetes treatment.

  • Both drugs can cause side effects like nausea and diarrhea, and they may increase the risk of serious conditions such as pancreatitis and thyroid cancer.

In this article:

If you have Type 2 diabetes or are having trouble managing your weight, you might have heard about two medications that are given as weekly injections: Wegovy and Ozempic. Both of these drugs can help control blood sugar levels and assist with weight loss. However, Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss, while Ozempic is approved for treating diabetes.

Both medications are manufactured by Novo Nordisk and come as prefilled injection pens. They also contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide, which is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Although they contain the same active ingredient, Wegovy and Ozempic differ in several ways. 

Continue reading to learn about the similarities and differences between Wegovy and Ozempic, including their cost and potential side effects.  

What are the main differences between Wegovy and Ozempic?

The main differences between Wegovy and Ozempic lie in their dosages, approved uses, and age restrictions. 

Although they both contain semaglutide, Wegovy is given in higher doses than Ozempic. The maintenance dosage of Wegovy is 2.4 mg or 1.7 mg once weekly, while the typical maintenance dosage of Ozempic is 0.5 mg to 1 mg once weekly. However, they are both started at an initial dosage of 0.25 mg once weekly, which is gradually increased to the target dosage.

Wegovy is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a weight loss medication. On the other hand, Ozempic is FDA approved to treat Type 2 diabetes, although it is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss. Wegovy is approved for adults and children 12 and older, while Ozempic is only approved for adults 18 and older.

Main differences between Wegovy and Ozempic
Drug class GLP-1 agonist GLP-1 agonist
Brand/generic status Brand only Brand only
What is the generic name? Semaglutide Semaglutide
What form(s) does the drug come in? Subcutaneous injection Subcutaneous injection
What is the standard dosage? 0.25 mg injected under the skin once weekly for 4 weeks. The dosage is then increased to 0.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, 1 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, 1.7 mg once weekly for weeks, and then 2.4 mg once weekly. 0.25 injected under the skin once weekly for 4 weeks. The dosage is then increased to 0.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks and then  1 mg weekly. The dosage may be increased to 2 mg once weekly after 4 weeks on the 1 mg dosage, depending on the treatment response.
What does it treat? Obesity or excess weight with weight-related health conditions Type 2 diabetes
How long is the typical treatment? Long-term Long-term
Who typically uses the medication? Adults 12 years and older Adults 18 years and older

Wegovy is FDA approved for managing weight in people who are obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. It is also approved to manage weight in people who are overweight with a BMI of 27 or more and at least one weight-related condition, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes. 

In addition to chronic weight management, Wegovy is also approved to lower the risk of cardiovascular death, heart attacks, and stroke in people who are obese or overweight with heart disease. Although Wegovy is not approved for Type 2 diabetes, it may be used off-label to manage blood sugar levels, especially in people who may also be overweight or obese. It is prescribed to be used along with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise plan. 

Ozempic is FDA approved to treat Type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death, in people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Due to its effects on weight reduction, some healthcare providers may prescribe Ozempic off-label for long-term weight management. 

Condition Wegovy Ozempic
Type 2 diabetes Off-label Yes
Lower the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, and death Yes Yes
Obesity Yes Off-label
Excess weight with a weight-related condition Yes Off-label

Is Wegovy or Ozempic more effective?

Both Wegovy and Ozempic are effective when used as directed by a healthcare provider. The most effective drug will depend on what they are used for, a person’s overall condition, and their response to treatment.

Wegovy is given at a higher dosage than Ozempic. In other words, it contains a higher strength of semaglutide and is more potent than Ozempic. Wegovy is specifically approved for weight management and is more effective for promoting weight loss than Ozempic. 

Clinical trials show patients who took Wegovy 2.4 mg weekly lost an average of around 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks. In the SUSTAIN 3 trial, patients who took 1 mg of Ozempic weekly for 56 weeks lost around 6% of their body weight. 

Keep in mind, Ozempic is meant to be used as a diabetes medication rather than a weight loss drug. Both drugs should be used alongside lifestyle changes, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity for maximum effectiveness. 

In addition, other GLP-1 receptor agonists are available, including Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide). Therefore, you may want to consult a healthcare provider for the best treatment option. 

Coverage and cost comparison of Wegovy vs. Ozempic

In general, Medicare and private insurance plans are more likely to cover Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes than Wegovy for weight loss. Prescription weight loss drugs like Wegovy are not typically covered by Medicare and private insurance plans. However, some plans may help cover Wegovy, although the insurance coverage will depend on the plan. In some cases, insurance plans may help cover Wegovy with prior authorization. 

Without insurance, the average retail cost of these medications is similar but can vary based on the prescribed dosage. For example, a one-month supply of Wegovy may be around $1,349, while a one-month supply of Ozempic can cost around $1,368. A SingleCare Wegovy or Ozempic coupon may help reduce retail costs by several hundred dollars. 

Wegovy  Ozempic
Typically covered by insurance? No Yes
Typically covered by Medicare Part D? No Yes
Quantity 4 prefilled injection pens (2.4 mg/0.75 mL) 4 prefilled injection pen (4 mg/3 mL)
Typical Medicare copay Varies Varies
SingleCare cost $1,194 $808

Side effects of Wegovy and Ozempic

Wegovy and Ozempic can cause similar side effects, as they contain the same active ingredient. However, Wegovy may cause more side effects because it contains a higher dose of semaglutide. 

The most common side effects of Wegovy include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation 
  • Stomach pain
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Gas
  • Heartburn
  • Hair loss
  • Runny nose or sore throat

The most common side effects of Ozempic include: 

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation 
  • Stomach pain
  • Gas
  • Fatigue 
  • Dizziness

Wegovy and Ozempic may also cause injection site reactions, such as irritation, redness, and swelling around the area of injection. Because of their effects on blood sugar, Wegovy and Ozempic may also increase the risk of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia. 

Drug interactions of Wegovy vs. Ozempic

Wegovy and Ozempic may interact with other medications. Using Wegovy or Ozempic while on insulin or oral diabetes drugs, such as glinides and sulfonylureas, may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. The dosages of other diabetes medications may need to be adjusted while using Wegovy or Ozempic. 

Wegovy and Ozempic delay gastric emptying, which could affect the absorption of oral medications. A healthcare provider may recommend waiting at least 30 minutes to an hour after using Wegovy or Ozempic before taking another medication.

Drug Drug Class Wegovy Ozempic
NovoLog (insulin aspart)

Humalog (insulin lispro)

Lantus (insulin glargine)

 Insulin  Yes Yes
Glucotrol (glipizide)

Amaryl (glimepiride)

 Sulfonylurea Yes Yes
Prandin (repaglinide)

Starlix (nateglinide)

 Glinide Yes Yes

Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions

Wegovy and Ozempic warnings

Wegovy and Ozempic have important warnings from the FDA about the possible risk of thyroid cancer. People who have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, or those with a condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), should not use these medications.

The use of Wegovy or Ozempic may also increase the risk of other complications, such as:

  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) 
  • Gallbladder problems 
  • Vision problems (due to diabetic retinopathy complications) 
  • Acute kidney injury 

If you are sensitive to semaglutide, you might have an allergic reaction to Wegovy or Ozempic. Signs of an allergic reaction can include severe hives, rashes, trouble breathing, and swelling of the face or throat. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to get medical help right away.

Before treatment, tell your healthcare provider about other health conditions you have or other medications you take, such as prescription drugs, over-the-counter medication, or herbal supplements. 

Frequently asked questions about Wegovy vs. Ozempic

Are Wegovy and Ozempic the same?

Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. However, Wegovy provides a higher dose of semaglutide than Ozempic. Still, both medications are started at lower dosages, and the dosage is gradually increased to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. 

Which is better for weight loss, Ozempic or Wegovy?

Wegovy is more effective for weight loss than Ozempic. Studies showed that people who took Wegovy lost an average of around 15% of body weight after 68 weeks of treatment. In contrast, people who took Ozempic in clinical trials lost an average of around 6% of body weight over 56 weeks. However, Wegovy may cause more side effects than Ozempic. Consult a healthcare provider for the best treatment option. 

Can I use Wegovy or Ozempic while pregnant?

It is not recommended to use Wegovy or Ozempic while pregnant. Using Wegovy or Ozempic during pregnancy may have harmful effects on an unborn baby. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you become pregnant while taking Wegovy or Ozempic. They will determine the potential risks and benefits of continuing or discontinuing the medication.

Can I use Wegovy or Ozempic with alcohol?

It is not recommended to drink alcohol while using Wegovy or Ozempic. Alcohol can affect blood sugar levels and increase the risk of hypoglycemia with Wegovy or Ozempic. Alcohol may also increase certain side effects of Wegovy and Ozempic, such as nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about drinking alcohol in moderation while using Wegovy or Ozempic. 

How is phentermine different than Wegovy?

Phentermine and Wegovy are both weight loss medications, but they work in different ways. Phentermine is an anorectic or appetite suppressant that works by decreasing hunger and making you feel full longer. It is typically only used for short-term weight management. Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist that stimulates insulin release and is intended for long-term use.