Saxenda vs. Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a commonly prescribed medication for diabetes and may be used off-label for weight management. Saxenda (liraglutide) is used primarily for weight loss. Ozempic is more widely used overall, but Saxenda is one of the few FDA-approved injectable medications for weight loss.

Despite their differences, both drugs work by augmenting a hormone that controls blood sugar and appetite. This can help people lose weight and improve their blood sugar levels.

Saxenda vs. Ozempic Cost

Ozempic costs about $935 without insurance for 0.25 or 0.5 mg dosage, according to the Novo Nordisk website. Those with eligible private or commercial insurance can pay as low as $25 for up to a three-month supply.

Saxenda’s cost also varies based on insurance coverage, treatment plan and pharmacy. Its list price is $1,349.02 per pen, lasting 6-17 days, depending on the dosage. Saxenda is often much more affordable when it is covered by insurance.

Saxenda vs. Ozempic Side Effects

Both liraglutide and semaglutide can cause constipation and allergic reactions. Common Saxenda side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, heartburn, runny nose, sneezing, cough and fatigue. Common Ozempic side effects are similar, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, hypoglycemia and allergic reactions.

Saxenda vs. Ozempic Ingredients

Ozempic contains  the medication semaglutide. Another Novo Nordisk semaglutide drug, Wegovy, is FDA-approved for weight loss and has proven more effective in causing clinically significant weight loss than Saxenda’s active ingredient, liraglutide.

Usage Differences Between Saxenda and Ozempic

Truveta Research compared Saxenda and Ozempic based on prescribing and dispensing rates, patient characteristics and other criteria. They analyzed electronic medical data from health care institutions providing 18% of the daily clinical care in the U.S. The study reviewed records of over one million patients prescribed a GLP-1 between January 2018 and December 2023.

A 2023 study published in BMJ (formerly the British Medical Journal) suggests tirzepatide — the active ingredient in Mounjaro — may outperform semaglutide in weight loss efficacy. Patients on tirzepatide were almost three times more likely to achieve significant weight loss than those on semaglutide. Tirzepatide is different; instead of being a single GLP-1 receptor agonist like semaglutide, tirzepatide is a GLP-1/glucose insulinotropic peptide (GIP) dual agonist, which explains the greater weight loss it delivers.

For managing Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic shows significant reductions in A1c, but both medications may be effective at promoting weight loss. Comparing Saxenda vs. Ozempic efficacy depends on the context. Both medications are GLP-1 agonists, but they have slightly different indications and clinical trial results.

Saxenda was specifically approved and studied for weight loss. It demonstrates meaningful reductions in body weight for most patients. When choosing between the two drugs, individuals should discuss their goals, the potential side effects and other relevant factors with their doctors to decide which medication is most suitable.

Saxenda and Ozempic share many side effects. These include cold and flu symptoms, signs of hypoglycemia, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue and allergic and adverse reactions.

Other severe side effects shared by both medications include clay-colored stools and yellowing of the eyes or skin. Users have also reported ongoing pain in the upper middle or left stomach areas.

Speak to your doctor about concerns regarding side effects and monitor any adverse reactions you may experience. Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms are severe.

Safety Concerns About Saxenda and Ozempic

Saxenda and Ozempic have each been linked to gallbladder complications. They can reduce gallbladder contraction and gastrointestinal motility, which could lead to cholecystitis and stomach paralysis (gastroparesis), a condition disrupting food movement from the stomach to the intestine.

NAION and GLP-1 RAs

Recent studies have indicated a possible link between GLP-1 receptor agonists semaglutide and liraglutide and an increased risk of NAION, or non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy.

Often referred to as an “eye stroke,” NAION is a rare but serious condition where blood flow to the optic nerve is suddenly reduced, leading to painless and irreversible vision loss.

People who used GLP-1 RAs like Ozempic or Saxenda and experienced stomach paralysis (gastroparesis) or vision loss (NAION) have begun filing GLP-1 lawsuits against the drugs’ manufacturers.

FDA Investigates Counterfeit Ozempic and Other Semaglutide Drugs

The FDA is investigating counterfeit semaglutide products that have caused side effects. Check the lot and serial number of your semaglutide product before using it.

Do not use the medicine with lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057. Contact your local pharmacy or Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500 if you have any concerns. Report any side effects to the FDA’s MedWatch.

Remember that Ozempic is only FDA-approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, while Saxenda is only FDA-approved for weight loss. The FDA warns against off-label uses, so it’s important to take medication as intended.

Before starting either drug, talk to your health care provider about the potential benefits and risks, since both come with side effects and concerns.