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Wegovy and Ozempic are once-weekly injections that contain the same active ingredient: semaglutide. These injectable medications have been gaining a lot of attention recently and, in fact, were both previously in shortage due to increased demand. But they aren’t exactly the same, and they’re not considered to be interchangeable.

Below, we review five differences between Wegovy and Ozempic that you should know about.

1. Wegovy and Ozempic are approved for different uses

Even though they both contain semaglutide, Wegovy and Ozempic were studied for different reasons during clinical trials. Wegovy trials were focused on weight loss. Ozempic trials were focused on Type 2 diabetes and its complications. The results of these trials were used to support each medication’s approved uses.

Wegovy approved uses

Ozempic approved uses

Wegovy and Ozempic work the same way in the body by mimicking the effects of a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). But you may be prescribed Wegovy or Ozempic for different reasons. In either case, a nutritious diet and regular exercise are key to getting the best results with both.

2. Different people are eligible for Wegovy and Ozempic

As covered above, Wegovy and Ozempic have different approved uses. This also means that eligibility criteria can vary depending on your health history and treatment goals.

You may be eligible for Wegovy if you’re:

  • An adult or adolescent considered to be obese
  • An adult considered to be overweight and you have heart disease or at least one weight-related health condition (such as high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes)

You may be eligible for Ozempic if you’re an adult with Type 2 diabetes. If you’re prescribed Ozempic for weight loss but don’t have diabetes, this is considered an off-label use.

Is Wegovy used for diabetes?

Not exactly. Wegovy isn’t approved for diabetes. But if you have Type 2 diabetes, you may be eligible for Wegovy. Because of how it works, you may see some blood sugar (glucose) benefits while using it. And healthy weight loss can have positive effects on your blood sugar levels, too. Your prescriber may decide it’s right for you as part of your weight-management plan.

Will Wegovy and Ozempic start working right away?

Wegovy and Ozempic don’t work overnight. It can take several weeks or months to see their benefits, depending on the reason you’re using them.

If you’re using Wegovy for weight loss, many people begin to notice changes in their appetite shortly after starting treatment. Modest weight loss may begin within the first month. But most weight loss tends to occur within the first 20 weeks (5 months). During clinical trials, adults lost an average of about 10% of their starting body weight during this time.

For Ozempic, the starting dose (0.25 mg) isn’t meant to have a significant effect on your blood sugar levels. Instead, it helps your body adjust to the medication. Most people start seeing blood sugar improvements after the first month. Your dosage may be increased after that to help you reach your treatment goals.

3. Side effects may be more likely with Wegovy than Ozempic

Wegovy is prescribed at a higher dose (up to 2.4 mg weekly) than Ozempic (typically up to 2 mg weekly). Side effects are slightly more likely with higher doses, so they may be more common with Wegovy.

Both medications are known to cause gastrointestinal side effects, especially when starting treatment or after increasing your dose. These include:

To help minimize side effects, both Wegovy and Ozempic are started at a low dose, which is gradually increased over time. This helps your body adjust to the medication.

4. Insurance coverage may be different for Wegovy and Ozempic

Wegovy and Ozempic may be covered differently under your insurance plan. Ozempic is typically covered if you have Type 2 diabetes. Wegovy, on the other hand, may not be covered for weight loss alone. But it may be covered if you have a larger body size and a condition like heart disease. It’s best to check with your plan ahead of time for specific coverage details.

Can you switch from Ozempic to Wegovy?

Ozempic and Wegovy are not technically considered interchangeable. So you typically won’t switch from one to the other. This is especially true if you’re taking Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes, since Wegovy isn’t approved for that use.

That said, sometimes Ozempic is prescribed off-label for weight loss. In this case, your prescriber might decide to switch you from Ozempic to Wegovy.

Wegovy vs. Ozempic: Which is better for weight loss?

Since Wegovy is available in a higher maximum dose compared to Ozempic, it’s possible that it may result in greater weight loss. However, the highest Wegovy and Ozempic doses — 2.4 mg and 2 mg — haven’t been compared directly in studies. So we don’t know for sure if this difference results in significantly more weight loss.

During clinical trials, adults taking Wegovy lost nearly 15% of their starting body weight on average after 68 weeks (almost 16 months). In a separate trial, adolescents lost about 16% of their starting body mass index (BMI) on average.

How to save on Wegovy and Ozempic

There are ways to save on Wegovy and Ozempic, which are available as brand-name medications. Manufacturer copay cards, patient assistance programs, and other savings options can help make your prescription more affordable.

  • Manufacturer copay cards: If you have commercial insurance, you could pay as little as $0 for Wegovy and $25 for Ozempic with a copay savings card.
  • Discount programs: Various prescription discount programs may help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
  • NovoCare pharmacy: If you’re uninsured, or if your plan doesn’t cover Wegovy, you could pay $499 per month for Wegovy through NovoCare Pharmacy.
  • Patient assistance program: If you’re eligible, you could get Ozempic at no cost through a patient assistance program offered by the manufacturer.

The bottom line

Wegovy and Ozempic are both injections that contain semaglutide. But they have a few notable differences, including their approved uses, dosages, and how they’re covered by insurance.

Wegovy is specifically approved for weight loss, while Ozempic is approved for Type 2 diabetes. People taking Ozempic for diabetes can lose weight as a side effect. But it’s not approved for this purpose.

If you’re interested in learning more about Wegovy or Ozempic, talk to your healthcare team. They can determine if either medication is right for you.

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