Medication comparison
Saxenda vs Ozempic
Saxenda and Ozempic are both prescription medications (GLP-1 receptor agonist (daily injection) vs GLP-1 receptor agonist) used for Chronic weight management (adults + adolescents 12+) and Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic). The table below compares FDA-approved indications, dosing, weight-loss outcomes, side effects, contraindications, and current pricing — all sourced from the manufacturer prescribing information.
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This is general drug information, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or switching medication.
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Drug A
Saxenda
liraglutide
GLP-1 receptor agonist (daily injection)
Novo Nordisk
See full overviewDrug B
Ozempic
semaglutide
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Novo Nordisk
See full overviewOverview
| Property | Saxenda | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | liraglutide | semaglutide |
| Drug class | GLP-1 receptor agonist (daily injection) | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
| Brand names | Saxenda | Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus |
Approved uses
| Property | Saxenda | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| Approved indications | Chronic weight management (adults + adolescents 12+) | Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic), Chronic weight management (Wegovy) |
Dosing
| Property | Saxenda | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| Typical dosing | — | Titrate to 2.4 mg (weekly SC injection) |
Side effects & warnings
| Property | Saxenda | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| Top side effects | — | Nausea (44.2%), Diarrhea (31.5%), Vomiting (24.8%) |
| Contraindications | — | — |
| Boxed warning | No | Yes |
Special populations
| Property | Saxenda | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy | — | C — Discontinue at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to long half-life. |
Storage
| Property | Saxenda | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | — | Refrigerate 36-46°F (2-8°C) before first use. After first use, may be stored at room temperature 59-86°F (15-30°C) for up to 56 days. Protect from light. Do not freeze. |
Cost
| Property | Saxenda | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| Avg monthly cost | $1349.00 | $997.58 |
FDA boxed warning
Ozempic: Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Frequently asked
What is the difference between Saxenda and Ozempic?
Saxenda is liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist (daily injection)) and Ozempic is semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist). They have different active ingredients and slightly different side-effect profiles.
Is Saxenda or Ozempic more effective for weight loss?
See each drug's clinical-trials section for the registrational outcome data (SURMOUNT for tirzepatide; STEP for semaglutide; SCALE for liraglutide). Average weight loss varies by trial duration, dose ceiling, and adherence.
Can I switch between Saxenda and Ozempic?
Switching between GLP-1 medications requires re-titration when crossing active ingredients (semaglutide ↔ tirzepatide). Always coordinate with your prescriber before switching.
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