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Medication comparison

Ozempic vs Wegovy

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

Ozempic and Wegovy are both GLP-1 receptor agonist medications used for Type 2 diabetes (Ozempic) and Chronic weight management. 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

Ozempic

semaglutide

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Novo Nordisk

See full overview

Drug B

Wegovy

semaglutide

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Novo Nordisk

See full overview

Overview

PropertyOzempicWegovy
Generic namesemaglutidesemaglutide
Drug classGLP-1 receptor agonistGLP-1 receptor agonist
ManufacturerNovo NordiskNovo Nordisk
Brand namesOzempic, Wegovy, RybelsusWegovy

Approved uses

PropertyOzempicWegovy
Approved indicationsType 2 diabetes (Ozempic), Chronic weight management (Wegovy)Chronic weight management

Dosing

PropertyOzempicWegovy
Typical dosingTitrate to 2.4 mg (weekly SC injection)Titrate to 2.4 mg (weekly SC injection)

Side effects & warnings

PropertyOzempicWegovy
Top side effectsNausea (44.2%), Diarrhea (31.5%), Vomiting (24.8%)Nausea (44.2%), Diarrhea (31.5%), Vomiting (24.8%)
Contraindications——
Boxed warningYesYes

Special populations

PropertyOzempicWegovy
PregnancyC — Discontinue at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to long half-life.C — Discontinue at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.

Storage

PropertyOzempicWegovy
StorageRefrigerate 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.Refrigerate before first use. After first use, room temperature up to 28 days.

Cost

PropertyOzempicWegovy
Avg monthly cost$997.58$1349.02

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).

Wegovy: 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 Ozempic and Wegovy?

Ozempic is semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) and Wegovy is semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist). Both contain the same active ingredient, dosed differently for different FDA-approved indications.

Is Ozempic or Wegovy more effective for weight loss?

Ozempic and Wegovy share the same active ingredient (semaglutide). Average weight loss outcomes track the FDA-approved dose for each brand: STEP 1 reported 14.9% mean weight loss on the higher chronic-weight-management dose vs roughly half that on the lower diabetes-dose. The differentiator is dosing and indication, not molecule potency.

Can I switch between Ozempic and Wegovy?

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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