Wegovy vs Ozempic differences compared

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

In this article, we will explore the differences between Wegovy injection vs Ozempic and how they work for weight loss.

How are Wegovy and Ozempic similar?

Wegovy and Ozempic are brand names, the big similarity between these two branded treatments is that they contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. Other similarities between the two include:

Manufactured by Novo Nordisk
Similar side effects
Injected in the same way
Both are known in the media as weight loss drugs (although Ozempic is actually only a treatment for type 2 diabetes)
They are both injected once weekly

Wegovy ingredients vs Ozempic ingredients

Wegovy and Ozmepic contain the same active ingredients.

The active ingredient is:

Semaglutide

The other ingredients are:

Disodium phosphate dihydrate
Propylene glycol
Phenol
Sodium
Hydroxide/hydrochloric acid (for pH adjustment)
Water for injection [1]

What is the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic?

There is no big difference between Ozempic and Wegovy however, they are not entirely the same.

The main Ozempic vs Wegovy differences are:

They have different licences - this means each can only be used for a certain medical condition, Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for weight management
The brand names
Wegovy (for weight loss) has a higher maintenance dose

While Wegovy is available and licenced in the UK for weight management, Ozempic is only licenced for treating people with type 2 diabetes.

What does medicine licencing mean?

Medicine licensing

To obtain a licence in the UK, the manufacturer (Novo Nordisk) presents evidence demonstrating that the medicine is safe and effective for a particular condition and group of people.

Additionally, they must prove their ability to manufacture the medicine to the necessary standards of quality. [2]

Ozempic only has a licence for treating type 2 diabetes and should not be sold in the UK for weight loss.

The weight loss treatment Wegovy prescription can be sold in the UK for weight loss and management online from Oxford Online Pharmacy.

You will also notice a difference in the appearance and packaging of the pens:

Ozempic

Wegovy

How do Ozempic and Wegovy work?

These injection pens function in more than one way. The active ingredient semaglutide is a revolutionary treatment for type 2 diabetes and weight loss management.

Let's explore how semaglutide works:

Semaglutide for weight loss and weight management

Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which is naturally produced by the gut in response to food.

GLP-1 and other incretin hormones are responsible for making you feel full and satisfied.

When you feel fuller and more satisfied, you eat smaller portions of food and have fewer cravings.

Management for type 2 diabetes

The release of GLP-1 and other incretin hormones prompts the pancreas to release insulin, which helps bring blood sugars down again after eating. This process is vital for those with type 2 diabetes, as their incretin effects are lowered or absent.

Someone with type 2 diabetes will use GLP-1 to replace a function that their body no longer does very well.

How Semaglutide helps blood sugar levels

A person using Wegovy will not get as big a blood sugar spike after food as someone who is not using semaglutide. This is because Wegovy creates a constant higher level of GLP-1 in the body. GLP-1 encourages the production of more insulin, which brings blood sugar down.

Fewer blood sugar spikes reduce food cravings and also contribute to making you feel full and satisfied.

Risks and side effects of Wegovy and Ozempic

Both medicines have similar possible side effects as they contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. These Ozempic vs Wegovy side effects might include:

Common side effects:

Nausea
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Constipation
Stomach (abdomen) pain
Headache
Tiredness (fatigue)
Upset stomach
Dizziness
Feeling bloated
Belching
Gas
Stomach flu
Heartburn
Less than 5% hair loss after you stop using the medication
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Injection site reactions

These medicines can sometimes cause serious side effects. These might include:

Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis)
Gallbladder problems
Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in people with type 2 diabetes, especially those who also take medicines for type 2 diabetes, such as sulfonylureas or insulin
Kidney problems (kidney failure)
Serious allergic reactions
Change in vision in people with type 2 diabetes
Increased heart rate
Depression or thoughts of suicide
Possible thyroid tumours, including cancer

These side effects differ from person to person, and not everyone will experience them. Side effects are more common when increasing your dose of semaglutide. If you do experience common side effects while increasing strength, they usually go away as your body gets used to the new dose of medicine.

For a full list of side effects and precautions, you can refer to the Wegovy patient information leaflet.

Wegovy vs Ozempic: is one stronger?

These medicines are as strong as one another and the Ozempic vs Wegovy dosage schedule is very similar. Both medicines are gradually increased to help you tolerate the medicine and reduce the risk of side effects.

The Wegovy vs Ozempic dosage schedules are as follows:

Weeks	Wegovy dose (Weight)	Ozempic dose (Diabetes)
1 - 4	0.25mg once a week	0.25mg once a week
4 - 8	0.5mg once a week	0.5mg once a week
8 - 12	1mg once a week	1mg once a week
12 - 16	1.7mg once a week	2mg once a week
16 - 18 (maximum dose)	2.4mg once a week	2mg once a week

Wegovy vs Ozempic: which one is better for weight loss?

Due to its licensing, Wegovy is the only treatment that should be used for weight loss. Sticking to the dosing schedule will ensure the best weight loss results.

So, is Wegovy better than Ozempic?

No. Ingredient-wise, they are exactly the same.

Ozempic is only prescribed for treating type 2 diabetes and Wegovy is only prescribed for weight loss and weight management.

Can I take Ozempic and Wegovy together?

No, you can’t use these medicines together as Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide.

If you feel like you’re not getting the best results from your medicine, you should consult your prescribing doctor, who will support you in getting the most out of your treatment.

Wegovy and Ozempic should never be used together. Not only is it unsafe and not recommended by any healthcare professional, but you will also experience very uncomfortable side effects. You must always take these medicines as directed by your doctor.

Can I switch from Ozempic to Wegovy for weight loss?

Before Wegovy was launched in the UK, some clinics sold Ozempic for weight loss. This is why most people still associate the Ozempic product with weight loss.

If you were using Ozempic for weight loss previously and want to move to Wegovy, we can support you with that, please get in touch.

If you are using Ozempic for treating type 2 diabetes and want to learn more about semaglutide for weight management, please speak to your diabetes specialist.

Why do people take Wegovy instead of Ozempic?

People use Wegovy vs Ozempic for weight loss as it is readily available online from private pharmacies for those who meet the specific criteria.

You can also purchase other Wegovy alternatives online, like Mounjaro and Saxenda, which are also weight loss injections. Although Saxenda isn’t available in the UK any more.

Ozempic vs Wegovy weight loss

Wegovy outperforms Ozempic for weight loss and balancing blood sugar levels because it offers higher doses while maintaining similar rates of side effects.

Buying Wegovy online

Wegovy is a weight loss medication that contains the active ingredient semaglutide.

Wegovy has been proven to be a successful weight loss aid by reducing hunger and increasing fullness.

According to clinical trials, you should expect to lose between 5 – 15% of your starting body weight using Wegovy.

The drug has recently been approved for weight loss in the UK, following the approval by the FDA (food and drug administration) in the USA in 2021.

To get Wegovy online for chronic weight management, you must meet specific criteria:

These pens can be used by adults aged 18-74 if their body mass index BMI is over 30. Those who have weight-related medical conditions such as diabetes could qualify if their BMI is over 27.

Other weight-related health conditions include high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease.

For the best weight loss results, you must eat a reduced-calorie diet and get around 150 minutes of exercise per week when using Wegovy pens.

Take a look at our Wegovy weight loss page online for full information about this weight loss injection and how to buy it.

Complete a consultation to order Wegovy

Start Consultation

Buying Ozempic online

Ozempic is not available to buy online like Wegovy, you can only get Ozmepic through a specialist diabetes service accessed via your GP.

For more information check out our dedicated where can I buy Ozempic article.

Wegovy cost vs Ozempic

Wegovy is available from Oxford Online Pharmacy using our online doctor service. Our GMC-registered doctors can prescribe Wegovy starting from £168.99 per pen.*

One pen contains treatment for one month.

*These prices are as of 09.05.24 and are subject to change.

References

Wegovy patient Information leaflet
Nice.org, Information for the public medicines
Oxford online pharmacy, Wegovy
Ozempic patient information leaflet