Medication comparison
Wegovy vs Ozempic
Wegovy and Ozempic are both GLP-1 receptor agonist medications used for Chronic weight management and Type 2 diabetes. The table below compares FDA-approved indications, dosing, weight-loss outcomes, side effects, contraindications, and current pricing — all sourced from the manufacturer prescribing information.
This is general drug information, not medical advice. Talk to a licensed clinician before starting, stopping, or switching medication.
Drug A
Wegovy
semaglutide
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Novo Nordisk
See full overviewDrug B
Ozempic
semaglutide
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Novo Nordisk
See full overview| Property | Wegovy | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | semaglutide | semaglutide |
| Drug class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
| Approved indications | Chronic weight management | Type 2 diabetes |
| Brand names | Wegovy | Ozempic |
| Typical dosing | Titrate to 2.4 mg (weekly SC injection) | Titrate to 2.0 mg (weekly SC injection) |
| Top side effects | Nausea (44.2%), Diarrhea (31.5%), Vomiting (24.8%) | Nausea (20.3%), Vomiting (9.2%), Diarrhea (8.5%) |
| Contraindications | — | — |
| Boxed warning | Yes | Yes |
| Pregnancy | C — Discontinue at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. | C — Discontinue at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy. |
| Storage | Refrigerate before first use. After first use, room temperature up to 28 days. | Refrigerate before first use. After first use, room temperature up to 56 days. Protect from light. |
| Avg monthly cost | $1349.02 | $935.77 |
FDA boxed warning
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).
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).
Already on Wegovy and considering Ozempic?
Same drug, different label — usually a cost / insurance driver, not a clinical one.
Read the switching guideFrequently asked
What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Wegovy is semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist) and Ozempic is semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist). Both contain the same active ingredient, dosed differently for different FDA-approved indications.
Is Wegovy or Ozempic more effective for weight loss?
Head-to-head trial data favors tirzepatide-based medications (Mounjaro, Zepbound) over semaglutide-based medications (Ozempic, Wegovy) in average percent weight loss. See each drug's clinical-trials section for SURMOUNT and STEP trial data.
Can I switch between Wegovy and Ozempic?
Yes — see our directional switching guide at /switching/wegovy-to-ozempic for FDA-label dose conversion and what to expect during the transition.
More medication context
Tools and guides that pair with this comparison.
Overview
Wegovy full overview
semaglutide mechanism, dosing, side effects, and pricing.
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Ozempic full overview
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12-month price trends
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Common questions readers ask
- Does Ozempic cause hair loss?
- Not directly. Hair shedding (telogen effluvium) is reported by some patients ~3 months into rapid weight loss — typical of any rapid-weight-loss state, not unique to GLP-1. Full evidence-graded answer
- Can you drink alcohol on Wegovy?
- No hard contraindication, but alcohol tolerance often drops sharply on GLP-1. Many patients also report reduced desire for alcohol — likely a secondary effect of GLP-1 on the brain reward system. Full evidence-graded answer
- Can I take GLP-1 while pregnant?
- No. All FDA-approved GLP-1s carry a pregnancy contraindication. Stop GLP-1 at least 2 months before planned conception due to its long half-life. Full evidence-graded answer
- How much does Wegovy cost without insurance?
- List price runs ~$1,350/mo at retail. NovoCare Pharmacy cash-pay direct from Novo Nordisk is $499/mo for all dose strengths. The Wegovy Savings Offer caps copay at $0-$225/mo for commercially insured patients depending on coverage status (not a flat $225 for everyone). Full evidence-graded answer
- Is it safe to take GLP-1 long-term?
- Liraglutide has 15+ years of post-marketing data (Victoza approved 2010). Semaglutide has 8+ years (Ozempic approved 2017). No new class-wide safety signals have emerged in extended follow-up. Chronic use is the FDA-approved indication for both T2D and obesity. Full evidence-graded answer
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