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Medication comparison

Saxenda vs Wegovy HD

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jane Novak, MD, MPH 8 min read Fact checked Editorial integrityUpdated Jun 5, 2026

Saxenda and Wegovy HD are both prescription medications (GLP-1 receptor agonist (daily injection) vs GLP-1 receptor agonist) used for Chronic weight management (adults + adolescents 12+) and Chronic weight management (BMI >=30, or >=27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity). 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 overview

Drug B

Wegovy HD

semaglutide 7.2 mg

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Novo Nordisk

See full overview

Overview

PropertySaxendaWegovy HD
Generic nameliraglutidesemaglutide 7.2 mg
Drug classGLP-1 receptor agonist (daily injection)GLP-1 receptor agonist
ManufacturerNovo NordiskNovo Nordisk
Brand namesSaxendaWegovy HD

Approved uses

PropertySaxendaWegovy HD
Approved indicationsChronic weight management (adults + adolescents 12+)Chronic weight management (BMI >=30, or >=27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity)

Dosing

PropertySaxendaWegovy HD
Typical dosing—Titrate to 7.2 mg (weekly SC injection)

Side effects & warnings

PropertySaxendaWegovy HD
Top side effects—Nausea (common), Vomiting (common), Diarrhea (common)
Contraindications—Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC); Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2); Hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any product component
Boxed warningNoYes

Special populations

PropertySaxendaWegovy HD
Pregnancy—Discontinue >=2 months before planned pregnancy

Storage

PropertySaxendaWegovy HD
Storage—Refrigerate 2-8 C unopened. After first use: room temp up to 28 days.

Cost

PropertySaxendaWegovy HD
Avg monthly cost$1349.00tied$1349.00tied

FDA boxed warning

Wegovy HD: Not established in humans, rodent C-cell tumor signal only; human relevance unknown per FDA label. Contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2.

Frequently asked

What is the difference between Saxenda and Wegovy HD?

Saxenda is liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist (daily injection)) and Wegovy HD is semaglutide 7.2 mg (GLP-1 receptor agonist). They have different active ingredients and slightly different side-effect profiles.

Is Saxenda or Wegovy HD 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 Wegovy HD?

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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