Key takeaways
Victoza (liraglutide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both GLP-1 receptor agonists used to treat Type 2 diabetes and lower the risk of heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. However, they have some differences. Victoza is injected once daily, while Ozempic is injected once a week, so Ozempic may be more convenient for some people. Victoza is approved for use in people aged 10 and older, whereas Ozempic is only for adults. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, but Ozempic may also lead to "Ozempic face," a term for facial changes due to weight loss. Additionally, while neither is FDA-approved for weight loss, both can lead to weight loss as a side effect. Both come as prefilled pens, but you'll need to buy needles separately with Victoza, whereas Ozempic comes with needles. Both medications have similar warnings, such as the risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis. Ozempic may also cause eye problems, including diabetic retinopathy.
