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Compare Saxenda vs. Ozempic

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

Key takeaways

Saxenda (liraglutide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both medications that belong to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist class and are used to help manage weight and Type 2 diabetes, respectively. While Saxenda is FDA-approved for weight management in adults and children with a high body mass index (BMI), Ozempic is approved for treating Type 2 diabetes and reducing the risk of heart problems in adults with diabetes and heart disease. Saxenda is injected daily, while Ozempic is injected once a week. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Saxenda and Ozempic are both available as a prefilled pen for subcutaneous injection. Both medications have warnings about the risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis, and neither should be used if you have a personal or family history of certain thyroid cancers. Additionally, Ozempic is sometimes used off-label for weight loss, but it is not FDA-approved for this purpose under the Ozempic brand name.

Saxenda (liraglutide)
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Saxenda (liraglutide)
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Summary of Saxenda vs. Ozempic
Summary for GLP-1 agonist
Prescription only
Saxenda (liraglutide) is used along with a balanced diet and exercise to help with weight loss in certain adults and children. This prescription weight loss medication is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It works by slowing down your gut and making you feel less hungry. Saxenda (liraglutide) is a prefilled pen of medication that's injected once daily under the skin on the stomach or thighs. You can inject Saxenda (liraglutide) at home by yourself after your healthcare professional (HCP) trains you on how to prepare and use it. Some common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
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 Saxenda vs. Ozempic
Indications for

•To help with weight management along with a lower-calorie diet and exercise in:

•Adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2, or greater than 27 kg/m2 with a weight-related health problem (e.g., high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol)

•Children 12 years of age and older who weigh over 132 lbs and have a high BMI

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 Saxenda vs. Ozempic
Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
Pros

•Can help you lose weight in addition to balanced nutrition and exercise

•Can take with or without food

•Safe to use for children 12 years of age and older (with certain BMI)

Cons

•Must be given as once-daily injections under the skin

•Can cause stomach upset

•Not safe for use for people with personal or family history of thyroid cancer

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 Saxenda vs. Ozempic
Common Side Effects for
Adults:

•Nausea (39%)

•Diarrhea (21%)

•Constipation (19%)

•Vomiting (16%)

•Redness, itching, and other injection site reactions (14%)

•Headache (14%)

•Low blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes (13%)

•Indigestion (10%)

Children 12 years of age and older:

•Nausea (42%)

•Vomiting (34%)

•Diarrhea (22%)

•Low blood sugar levels (15%)

•Dizziness (10%)

Common Side Effects for

•Nausea (16-20%)

•Diarrhea (9%)

•Vomiting (5-9%)

•Stomach pain (6-7%)

•Constipation (3-5%)
Warnings of Saxenda vs. Ozempic
Common Side Effects for

•Possible risk for thyroid cancer

•Inflamed pancreas

•Gallbladder problems

•Low blood sugar

•Faster heart rate

•Kidney problems

•Serious allergic reactions

•Possible risk for self-harm

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
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Compare Saxenda vs. Ozempic

Key takeaways

Summary of Saxenda vs. Ozempic

Indications of Saxenda vs. Ozempic

Pros and Cons of Saxenda vs. Ozempic

Common Side Effects of Saxenda vs. Ozempic

Warnings of Saxenda vs. Ozempic

Prices with our coupons for Saxenda vs. Ozempic

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