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Imcivree vs. Wegovy

Imcivree (setmelanotide) is an injectable medication for adults and children with certain rare conditions. It's FDA approved for acquired hypothalamic obesity (HO). It's also approved to help with obesity caused by some genetic conditions. These are Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) and POMC, PCSK1, or LEPR deficiency. The medication works as a melanocortin agonist. It lessens appetite and makes the body use more energy, leading to weight loss. It's injected under the skin once a day. Side effects include darkening of skin color and nausea. More serious risks include depression and suicidal thoughts.

• Weight loss and long-term weight management in people ages 4 years and older with obesity due to damage to the hypothalamus (acquired hypothalamic obesity, HO)

• Weight loss and long-term weight management in people ages 2 years and older with obesity due to certain genetic conditions:

  • POMC deficiency
  • PCSK1 deficiency
  • Leptin receptor (LEPR) deficiency
  • Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS)

• Darkening or discoloration of the skin (58%)
• Nausea (55%)
• Vomiting (38%)
• Headache (37%)
• Moles (new, larger, or darker ones; 15%)
• Constipation (12%)
• Dizziness (12%)
• Mouth or throat pain (11%)

• Problems with sexual function
• Depression and suicidal thoughts
• Allergic reactions
• Darkening of your skin or moles and appearance of new moles
• Adrenal insufficiency in people with acquired HO
• Abnormal sodium levels in people with acquired HO and central diabetes insipidus

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.

Injectable pens:

• Weight loss and long-term weight management in:

  • People ages 12 years and older who are considered obese
  • Adults considered overweight with at least one weight-related condition (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)

• Lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with a larger body size and heart disease

• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in adults with moderate-to-advanced liver scarring, but not cirrhosis

Tablets:

• Weight loss and long-term weight management in adults who are considered obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition
• Lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with a larger body size and heart disease

• Nausea (44%)
• Diarrhea (30%)
• Vomiting (24%)
• Constipation (24%)
• Stomach pain (20%)
• Headache (14%)
• Tiredness (11%)

• Possible risk for thyroid cancer
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Gallbladder problems
• Low blood sugar
• Kidney damage
• Allergic reactions
• Eye problems in people with Type 2 diabetes (diabetic retinopathy)
• Faster heart rate
• Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation