Both Wegovy and Ozempic are developed by Novo Nordisk and contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. However there are some differences in how they are used.
- Indication and Usage:
- Wegovy: Specifically approved for weight management. It is used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol).
- Ozempic: Primarily prescribed for the management of type 2 diabetes. It improves blood sugar control in adults with this condition. It is not authorised for weight loss, but has been used off-label for that purpose.
- Dosage:
- Wegovy: Typically comes in higher doses of semaglutide compared to Ozempic, as it's designed for weight loss. The dosage may be adjusted based on the individual's response and tolerability.
- Ozempic: Available in lower doses than Wegovy, since its primary use is for managing blood sugar levels in diabetes.
- Administration:
- Both medications are administered as a subcutaneous injection. The frequency of dosing might differ based on the patient’s condition and the doctor's prescription.
- Side Effects:
- Common side effects for both Wegovy and Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation. These side effects are often dose-related and may decrease over time.
- If you would like to switch from Wegovy to other GLP-1 drug then you can do it to Mounjaro which is available in the UK. Read more here.
- Efficacy:
- Both medications have been shown to be effective for their respective indications. Wegovy shows significant weight loss results in clinical trials, while Ozempic improves blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes patients.
Find out more about eMed's weight management programme that includes a Wegovy prescription for eligible patients.
