Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Dapagliflozin (Farxiga) and semaglutide (Wegovy) are both medications used to help manage conditions related to diabetes and heart health, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor taken orally once a day, primarily used to lower blood sugar in people with Type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of heart failure and kidney problems. It is available in both brand-name and generic forms. Common side effects include urinary tract infections, yeast infections, and increased urination. Semaglutide, on the other hand, is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist administered as a weekly injection, mainly used for long-term weight management and to lower the risk of heart problems in people with a larger body size. It is not available in a generic form. Other forms of semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus) are used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. While both medications can interact with other diabetes treatments, dapagliflozin has specific interactions with diuretics and lithium.
Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Farxiga (dapagliflozin)
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Summary of Farxiga vs. Wegovy
Summary for SGLT2 inhibitor
Prescription only
Farxiga, the brand name for dapagliflozin, is used together with a nutritious diet and exercise plan to lower blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes. It can also help lower the risk of serious complications, hospitalization, and death in certain adults with heart failure or chronic kidney disease (CKD). Farxiga (dapagliflozin) belongs to the drug class called sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors. It's taken by mouth once a day. Some side effects include yeast infections, urinating more often, and weight loss.
Summary for GLP-1 agonist
Prescription only
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It comes in prefilled pens you use to inject the medication under the skin once a week. Wegovy (semaglutide) also comes as tablets that are swallowed once a day. This medication is approved for weight loss in some people. It can help lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with a larger body size and heart disease. The pens are also approved for certain adults with a liver problem called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). The medication works best when taken with a lower-calorie diet and regular exercise. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Indications of Farxiga vs. Wegovy
Indications for
•Type 2 diabetes (in addition to diet and exercise) in people age 10 and over
•Lowering the risk of hospitalization for heart failure in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
•Lowering the risk of hospitalization and death due to heart problems in people with heart failure
•Lowering the risk of worsening kidney problems, hospitalization for heart failure, and death due to heart problems in adults with chronic kidney disease (CKD)