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Compare Levemir vs. Ozempic

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Levemir (insulin detemir) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both medications used to manage diabetes, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Levemir is a long-acting insulin used for both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, while Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist specifically approved for Type 2 diabetes. Levemir is injected once or twice daily, whereas Ozempic is injected once a week. Levemir is available in vials and pens, while Ozempic is available as a prefilled pen. Neither medication has a generic available. Common side effects of Levemir include low blood sugar and headaches, while Ozempic can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Both Levemir and Ozempic can be used with other diabetes medications, but this can also increase the risk of low blood sugar. Additionally, Ozempic is not recommended for people with a history of certain thyroid cancers, while Levemir does not have this warning.

  • Levemir (insulin detemir)
    Ozempic (semaglutide)
  • Levemir (insulin detemir)
    Ozempic (semaglutide)

  • Summary of Levemir vs. Ozempic

    Summary for Insulin
    Prescription only

    Levemir (insulin detemir) is a long-acting insulin that helps control high blood sugar levels in children and adults. It's injected under the skin, typically once or twice daily. Like all insulins, Levemir (insulin detemir) can raise your risk for low blood sugar, so make sure to keep fast-acting sugars with you in case your blood sugar level drops too low. This medication comes in vials. But it's also available as a Flexpen for people who have trouble drawing up insulin from the vial.

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription injection used with diet and exercise to help manage Type 2 diabetes in adults. It's also FDA approved to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in those with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. In addition, it can reduce the risk of worsening kidney problems in people with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 agonist that's injected under the skin once a week. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

  • Indications of Levemir vs. Ozempic

    Indications for
    •Type 1 diabetes
    •Type 2 diabetes
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes
    •Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
    •Lower the risk of worsening kidney problems and heart-related death in adults with Type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD)

  • Pros and Cons of Levemir vs. Ozempic

    Pros and Const for Insulin
    Pros
    •Lower risk of weight gain compared to some other types of insulin
    •Doses can be adjusted to meet your body's needs
    •Insulin pens available for people who've trouble using insulin vials
    •Provides blood sugar control for up to 24 hours
    Cons
    •Must be injected
    •Might need to inject it twice daily
    •Can cause low blood sugar
    •No generic option available
    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Only given once per week
    •Might help you lose weight
    •Helps lower the risk of heart problems and kidney problems in people with type 2 diabetes
    •Can store open and used pens at room temperature for up to 8 weeks
    Cons
    •Is an injection given under the skin
    •Commonly causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
    •Risk of low blood sugar if taken with certain diabetes medications
    •Can't be used for Type 1 diabetes

  • Common Side Effects of Levemir vs. Ozempic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Shakiness, hunger, and other symptoms of low blood sugar (up to 93%, depending on what other blood sugar medications you're taking)
    •Common cold involving the nose, throat, and lungs (up to 27%)
    •Headache (up to 23%)
    •Pain or irritation of the throat (10%)
    •Back pain (8%)
    •Fever, chills, and other flu-like symptoms (up to 8%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)

    Please note: These side effects were reported by people who took Levemir (insulin detemir) for type 1 diabetes. Your risk for side effects might be different if you have type 2 diabetes.

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (16-20%)
    •Diarrhea (9%)
    •Vomiting (5-9%)
    •Stomach pain (6-7%)
    •Constipation (3-5%)

  • Warnings of Levemir vs. Ozempic

    Common Side Effects for
    •Infections
    •Low blood sugar
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Low blood potassium levels
    •Swelling from fluids and risk of heart failure
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of thyroid tumors
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Eye problems
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain diabetes medications
    •Kidney damage
    •Severe stomach problems
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during anesthesia or deep sedation

  • Prices with our coupons for Levemir vs. Ozempic

    Learn more about Levemir
    Learn more about Ozempic

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