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Compare Wegovy vs. Ozempic

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

Key takeaways

Wegovy (semaglutide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) are both GLP-1 receptor agonists used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with heart disease. Both can result in weight loss, but, they have different FDA-approved uses. Wegovy is approved for long-term weight management in adults and children aged 12 and older living with overweight or obesity, while Ozempic is approved for treating Type 2 diabetes in adults. Both medications are injected under the skin once a week, but the dosing schedules differ. Common side effects for both include nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. Additionally, both medications carry risks of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, and gallbladder problems, and should not be used if you have a history of certain thyroid cancers or are allergic to semaglutide.

Wegovy (semaglutide)
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Wegovy (semaglutide)
Ozempic (semaglutide)
Summary of Wegovy vs. Ozempic
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.
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 Wegovy vs. Ozempic
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

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 Wegovy vs. Ozempic
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

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 Wegovy vs. Ozempic
Common Side Effects for

•Nausea (44%)

•Diarrhea (30%)

•Vomiting (24%)

•Constipation (24%)

•Stomach pain (20%)

•Headache (14%)

•Tiredness (11%)

Common Side Effects for

•Nausea (16-20%)

•Diarrhea (9%)

•Vomiting (5-9%)

•Stomach pain (6-7%)

•Constipation (3-5%)
Warnings of Wegovy vs. Ozempic
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

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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Key takeaways

Summary of Wegovy vs. Ozempic

Indications of Wegovy vs. Ozempic

Pros and Cons of Wegovy vs. Ozempic

Common Side Effects of Wegovy vs. Ozempic

Warnings of Wegovy vs. Ozempic

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