Saxenda vs. Ozempic: Comparing Weight Loss Medications

Saxenda and Ozempic are similar medications prescribed through your medical provider. They are both glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists, which help manage blood sugar and slow gastric emptying. However, the active ingredient in the medications is different. They also do not have FDA approval to treat the same health conditions.

Read on to learn about the differences between Saxenda and Ozempic, intended use, side effects, cost, and availability. 

What is Saxenda (Liraglutide)?

Saxenda (liraglutide) is a daily injectable prescription medication taken in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and physical activity for weight management. The medication is for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater or 27 or greater with at least one weight-related serious comorbidity. 

It belongs to the class of medications called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. The active ingredient, liraglutide, works by stimulating insulin production in the body, decreasing glucagon release from the liver, and slowing food emptying from the stomach during digestion.

Saxenda comes in a pre-filled pen which you use to give yourself daily injections. It’s a subcutaneous injection, which means it’s given in the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh. You should alternate the injection site and give your injection at the same time each day. You can take Saxenda with or without food. 

What is Ozempic (Semaglutide)?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly prescription injection to help control type 2 diabetes. The medication is designed to work alongside diet and exercise. It helps improve blood sugar levels by stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin when blood sugar levels rise and lowering how much glucagon the liver releases. 

It also slows the rate food leaves the stomach, which delays sugar entering the bloodstream. This delay can also help suppress appetite. Because of this, some people lose weight while taking Ozempic. However, it’s not specifically a weight-loss medication.

Ozempic comes in a pre-filled pen, very similar to an insulin pen. You give yourself an injection each week on the same day at a specific time. It can be taken with food or without. 

Saxenda and Ozempic Compared

Saxenda and Ozempic work in the body in a similar manner. However, they have FDA approval to treat different conditions. Read on to learn which medication may be best for your health needs. 

Uses

Saxenda

This medication is used with diet and exercise to assist with weight loss in people with:

• BMI of 30 kg/m2 or higher (or)
• BMI of 27 kg/m2 or higher with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes

Ozempic

This medication is used with diet and exercise to:

• Manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes
• Lower the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease

Side Effects

Saxenda

The most common Saxenda side effects include:

• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Injection site reaction
• Headache
• Hypoglycemia
• Indigestion
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes
• Fever
• Gastritis

Rare but serious side effects include:

• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Hypoglycemia
• Increased heart rate
• Kidney injury
• Allergic reaction
• Suicidal behavior and ideation

Black Box Warning:

• Risk of Thyroid C-cell tumors

Ozempic

The most common Ozempic side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal pain

Rare but serious side effects include:

• Pancreatitis
• Gallbladder disease
• Blurred vision
• Hypoglycemia
• Kidney injury

Cost

The following medication prices are taken from Novo Nordisk, the manufacturing company of both Saxenda and Ozempic. They are based on the list price and do not include insurance.

Availability

Both Saxenda and Ozempic are available with a prescription from your medical provider. If you believe one of these medications would benefit your health, make an appointment with your healthcare professional to discuss your options. With a prescription, you can pick the medication up at your preferred pharmacy. 

K Health medical providers can send an electronic copy of your prescription to your preferred pharmacy, where you can pick it up at your convenience.

Key Differences

Saxenda and Ozempic have several key differences, the main one being that Ozempic only treats adults with type 2 diabetes and is not a weight loss medication. Saxenda treats adults with obesity and overweight and is considered a weight loss medication. 

Other key differences include:

• Ozempic’s active ingredient is semaglutide; Saxenda’s active ingredient is liraglutide
• Ozempic is a once-weekly injection; Saxenda is a daily injection
• Cost is also a significant difference between the two medications

Both medications have a strict “black box” warning from the FDA. During animal trials for each medication, there was an increased risk of thyroid cancer in mice and rats. Currently, it’s unknown if this risk relates to humans as well. 

Takeaway

Both Saxenda and Ozempic are injectable medications used with diet and exercise. Ozempic is intended for people with type 2 diabetes, and Saxenda helps people with overweight or obesity manage weight loss. They are both GLP-1 agonists that help maintain blood sugar levels and curb appetite. While Ozempic is not indicated for weight loss, it may still help aid weight loss. Key differences between these two drugs include cost, availability, side effects, and uses.

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