Medication Comparison
Ozempic vs Wegovy
Ozempic and Wegovy contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide). Wegovy is FDA-approved for weight loss at a higher dose (2.4mg vs 2mg) and has more weight-loss data. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes and is often prescribed off-label for weight loss.
| Category | Ozempic | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Brands | Ozempic | Wegovy |
| Class | GLP-1 RA (diabetes) | GLP-1 RA (obesity) |
| Administration | Weekly injection | Weekly injection |
| Average weight loss | ~6-10% | ~15% |
| Compounded cost | $900-1,100/mo (brand) | $1,300-1,400/mo (brand) |
| Brand cost | $900-1,100/mo | $1,300-1,400/mo |
| Half-life | ~7 days | ~7 days |
| Dosing frequency | Once weekly | Once weekly |
| Key trial | SUSTAIN (6-10% weight loss) | STEP 1 (16.9% weight loss) |
Best for Ozempic
Patients with type 2 diabetes seeking weight loss as a secondary benefit
Best for Wegovy
Patients primarily seeking FDA-approved weight management treatment
Ozempic tradeoffs
Pros
- Approved since 2017
- Covered by more insurance for diabetes
- Max dose 2mg
Cons
- Not FDA-approved for weight loss
- Lower max dose than Wegovy
- Off-label use for obesity
Wegovy tradeoffs
Pros
- FDA-approved for weight management
- Higher max dose (2.4mg)
- Cardiovascular benefit proven (SELECT trial)
Cons
- More expensive than Ozempic
- Insurance coverage varies for obesity
- Supply shortages
Common questions
Are Ozempic and Wegovy the same drug?
Yes, both contain semaglutide made by Novo Nordisk. Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes (max 2mg), while Wegovy is approved for weight management (max 2.4mg).
Can I use Ozempic instead of Wegovy for weight loss?
Many doctors prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss. However, Wegovy reaches a higher dose (2.4mg vs 2mg) and is specifically approved for obesity treatment.
Why is Ozempic cheaper than Wegovy?
Insurance coverage differs because Ozempic is approved for diabetes (commonly covered) while Wegovy is for weight management (less commonly covered). The list prices are similar.
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