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Compare Victoza vs. Wegovy

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

Key takeaways

Victoza (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, and they share some similarities in their ability to lower the risk of heart-related problems in adults with heart disease. However, they have different primary uses and dosing schedules. Victoza is FDA-approved to treat Type 2 diabetes in people aged 10 and older and is injected once daily. It can also help with weight loss, but this is considered an off-label use and is a side effect of th medication. On the other hand, Wegovy is FDA-approved for long-term weight management in adults and children aged 12 and older with certain BMI criteria and is injected once a week. While both medications can cause side effects like nausea and diarrhea, Wegovy tends to cause these side effects more often. Additionally, both medications carry a risk of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis, but Wegovy also has warnings about potential eye problems and faster heart rates. Victoza is available as a lower-cost generic, while Wegovy is only available as a branded medication.

  • Victoza (liraglutide)
    Wegovy (semaglutide)
  • Victoza (liraglutide)
    Wegovy (semaglutide)

  • Summary of Victoza vs. Wegovy

    Summary for GLP-1 agonist
    Prescription only

    Victoza (liraglutide) is a medication that's injected once a day. It helps lower blood sugar levels in people 10 years and older with Type 2 diabetes when used with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. It can also help lower the risk of heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Victoza (liraglutide) belongs to the drug class called GLP-1 agonists. The medication comes as single-dose prefilled pens and is injected under the skin. It can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Victoza (liraglutide) is available as both a brand-name and generic medication.

    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 Victoza vs. Wegovy

    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in people age 10 and older, together with a balanced diet and exercise
    •Lowering the risk of serious heart-related problems in adults with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease
    Indications for

    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

  • Pros and Cons of Victoza vs. Wegovy

    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Lowers A1C by up to 1% over a year
    •Can take with or without food at any time of day
    •Available as an injectable pen
    Cons
    •Must inject once a day
    •Might have uncomfortable side effects, like nausea, diarrhea, and headache
    •Can slow down gut movement, which can affect how other medications get absorbed into the body
    Pros and Const for GLP-1 agonist
    Pros
    •Available as once-weekly injectable pens and as once-daily pills
    •Injectable pens approved for weight loss in children ages 12 years and older considered obese
    Cons
    •Can cause stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea
    •Can't take with other semaglutide products (Ozempic, Rybelsus) or with other GLP-1 agonists

  • Common Side Effects of Victoza vs. Wegovy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (up to 20%)
    •Diarrhea (up to 12%)
    •Headache (up to 11%)
    •Common cold symptoms (up to 10%)
    •Lower appetite (up to 10%)
    •Vomiting (up to 9%)
    •Indigestion (up to 7%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 7%)
    •Constipation (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea (44%)
    •Diarrhea (30%)
    •Vomiting (24%)
    •Constipation (24%)
    •Stomach pain (20%)
    •Headache (14%)
    •Tiredness (11%)

  • Warnings of Victoza vs. Wegovy

    Common Side Effects for
    •Possible risk of thyroid cancer
    •Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
    •Kidney damage
    •Allergic reactions
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation
    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    •Possible risk of self-harm
    •Lung problems during general anesthesia or deep sedation

  • Prices with our coupons for Victoza vs. Wegovy

    Learn more about Victoza
    Learn more about Wegovy

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