Is Wegovy® the same as Ozempic®?

Reviewed by Dr Mitra Dutt

Wegovy® and Ozempic® share the same active ingredient - semaglutide. However the two drugs are branded to be used by separate groups of people. The dosages in the pens are also different depending on who is using them. In this article we look at how Wegovy® and Ozempic® are similar, how they work and who they’re suitable for. 

What is semaglutide?

Semaglutide belongs to a group of drugs known as GLP-1s. GLP-1s are synthetic versions of a hormone released by the body when you eat. The hormone makes the body release insulin which controls blood sugar levels. 

Semaglutide does the following: 

• Helps the body make insulin but only when needed
• Reduces the amount of unnecessary sugar (glucose) being released by the liver
• Slows the rate at which the stomach digests and empties food
• Reduces appetite resulting in reduced food intake

By causing you to feel fuller for longer and potentially more satisfied after eating, semaglutide helps people lose weight. 

What medication contains semaglutide?

The active ingredient in Wegovy® and Ozempic® is semaglutide. These medicines are known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. These treatments are used by different people who are either managing type 2 diabetes or their weight. 

Who can use Ozempic®? 

Ozempic® is licensed for adults who have type 2 diabetes to use. It’s been available since 2017. Alongside a calorie controlled diet and exercise it lowers blood sugar levels. The treatment also lowers the risk of heart attacks and strokes in adults with type 2 diabetes. 

Although not intended or licensed for weight loss in this instance, using Ozempic® can result in weight loss. So, it can be used by people who are both overweight and have type 2 diabetes. 

Who can use Wegovy®? 

Wegovy is marketed as a weight loss drug, which was approved in the USA in 2021 and will be available in the UK soon. Wegovy®, alongside a calorie controlled diet and healthy lifestyle changes, helps you to lose weight and maintain weight loss. It’s not a diabetes medicine. 

How are Wegovy® and Ozempic® similar? 

These two medications not only have the same active ingredient but they share other similarities: 

• They’re injected once a week
• Can cause serious side effects such as pancreatitis and dehydration
• In studies they both cause weight loss
• They both lower blood sugar levels 
• Other side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting and constipation
• Only available via a prescription 
• Both made by Novo Nordisk

What is the difference between Wegovy® and Ozempic®? 

Essentially Wegovy® and Ozempic® use the same active ingredient. The main difference is how much semaglutide each medication contains.

Another difference between these two medications are their intended patients - who they’re licensed to be used by. There are certain criteria you need to meet to be able to use each treatment. 

To use Ozempic® you must be: 

• Over 18 years old with type 2 diabetes

To use Wegovy® you must have either:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 30 or over
• A BMI of 27 or more with at least one weight-related medical condition, such as high blood pressure 

Find out more about who can take Wegovy® here. 

To make sure the medication you request is safe for you to use, a healthcare professional will assess your health including your BMI. 

Is Wegovy® stronger than Ozempic®?

Wegovy® is available with a higher dose of semaglutide than Ozempic®. The dose you take will depend upon your dosage schedule and individual needs. Your healthcare provider will be able to discuss these with you and set your schedule. 

Can you switch from Ozempic® to Wegovy®?

Although these two medicines contain the same active ingredient they aren’t interchangeable. If you’re using Ozempic® to manage your diabetes you can’t switch to  Wegovy® as it’s not approved for diabetes. 

Can you take Wegovy® and Ozempic® together?

No, you shouldn’t take these medicines at the same time. Wegovy® and Ozempic® contain semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor). While using Wegovy® you shouldn’t use any other medicine containing semaglutide. You also shouldn’t use any GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines or other weight loss medications. 

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8717485/
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8736331/ 
https://www.ozempic.com/ 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7193006/
https://www.novo-pi.com/ozempic.pdf#guide 
https://www.novo-pi.com/wegovy.pdf#guide 
https://www.wegovy.com/about-wegovy/weight-loss-with-wegovy.html