Wegovy vs. Saxenda: 5 Differences Between These Weight-Loss Injections

In 2014, Saxenda (liraglutide) became the first medication of its kind to be approved for weight loss. Its use was then expanded to include adolescents ages 12 to 17 in 2020. A year later, the FDA approved a similar medication called Wegovy (semaglutide).

There are several other medications available for weight loss. Yet, more medications like Saxenda and Wegovy are being studied due to their potential for better results. But is one better than the other? Below are five differences between Wegovy and Saxenda to consider.

1. Dosage: Wegovy is injected less often than Saxenda

Wegovy lasts longer in the body compared to Saxenda. Because of this, you don’t have to inject it as often. Wegovy is injected once a week, while Saxenda is injected once daily.

You should inject your Wegovy dose on the same day each week, at any time of day. Similarly, you can inject your Saxenda dose at any time of day. But it may be helpful to create a routine by picking a specific time and sticking with it, especially with daily injections.

With both Wegovy and Saxenda, you don’t need to time your dose around meals. You also have three injection sites to choose from — just under the skin on the upper arm, thigh, or abdomen. It’s best to rotate where you inject each time to prevent lumps from forming under the skin.

2. Effectiveness: Wegovy results in greater weight loss than Saxenda)

Wegovy and Saxenda are both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Although they work the same way in the body, their results may be different. Current evidence suggests that Wegovy works better for weight loss than Saxenda when combined with a lower-calorie diet and regular exercise.

A 68-week study compared Wegovy and Saxenda in over 300 adults. The results showed that people using Wegovy lost significantly more weight compared to those using Saxenda. The Wegovy group lost an average of roughly 16% of their initial body weight. This is compared to about 6% in the Saxenda group.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• GLP-1 savings guide: Learn about ways to save on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, such as Ozempic (semaglutide), with GoodRx discounts, copay savings cards, and more.

• Stopping Wegovy: Wegovy (semaglutide) is meant to be used long term for weight loss. But here’s what happens if you stop taking it.

• GLP-1 side effects: Feeling nauseated after injecting Wegovy or Saxenda (liraglutide)? Here’s a list of GLP-1 side effects and how to manage them.

Before the results of this study were published, other studies reported similar findings. The largest Wegovy trial had nearly 2,000 participants and reported an average weight loss of nearly 15%. A Saxenda trial with over 3,700 participants reported about 8% average weight loss.

3. Side effects: Some people may tolerate Wegovy better than Saxenda

The head-to-head study mentioned above also compared side effects and discontinuation rates between Wegovy and Saxenda. Based on the findings, it’s possible that some people might tolerate Wegovy better than Saxenda.

During the study, gastrointestinal (GI) side effects were more common with Wegovy. But a larger percentage of people ended up stopping Saxenda, half of which were due to side effects. There were also higher rates of gallbladder problems and insomnia reported with Saxenda.

These differences aside, Wegovy and Saxenda have many overlapping side effects. GI side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach upset, are common. They’re usually worse when starting treatment and after dose increases. But for many people, they usually improve over time.

In the table below, we compare the percentage of people that reported experiencing particular side effects when taking Saxenda and Wegovy during the study.

Keep in mind that everyone responds to medications differently. For example, you may have more difficulty tolerating Wegovy compared to Saxenda (or vice versa).

4. Administration: Wegovy and Saxenda injections pens work differently

Wegovy and Saxenda injection pens work differently, which is good to keep in mind if you switch from one product to the other. Wegovy pens are used one time, while Saxenda pens are meant for multiple uses.

Wegovy comes in a single-use prefilled pen that’s available in five different doses. The pen is ready to use with the needle already attached. Since each Wegovy pen is used one time, you’ll throw it away after injecting your dose. Wegovy pens last the longest when they’re stored in the refrigerator prior to use.

Saxenda comes in a pre-filled multi-dose pen, which means each pen is used more than once. The Saxenda pen contains five different dose options — you need to select your specific dose prior to injecting. It doesn’t come with needles, so those must be purchased separately. Saxenda pens should also be stored properly before and in-between uses.

5. Approved uses: Wegovy may be a better option if you have heart disease

Unlike Saxenda, Wegovy is approved for certain cardiovascular benefits in people with heart disease who are considered overweight or obese. Specifically, it can lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death), or MACE.

During a 5-year clinical trial, Wegovy was shown to lower the risk of MACE by 20% compared to placebo (an injection without medication in it). These benefits began early in treatment, even before participants lost a significant amount of weight.

If you have heart disease, your prescriber may recommend Wegovy over Saxenda due to these additional cardiovascular benefits.

Can you switch from Saxenda to Wegovy (or vice versa)?

Yes. It’s possible to switch from Saxenda to Wegovy. Since Wegovy can result in greater weight loss, you may decide to make the switch if Saxenda isn’t working well enough for you. Your prescriber may have you start with a lower Wegovy dose and work your way up to lessen side effects.

Wegovy remains in high demand and may not be covered by insurance. So if you’re having difficulty filling your prescription, your prescriber may switch you from Wegovy to Saxenda if it’s more accessible. However, there isn’t a Saxenda dose that’s comparable to the Wegovy dose recommended for weight loss.

Talk to your prescriber if you’re considering switching from one medication to another. They can help you understand your options and best next steps.

How to save on Wegovy and Saxenda

There are ways to save on Wegovy and Saxenda, which are available as brand-name medications. Manufacturer copay cards, GoodRx coupons, and direct pharmacy options can help make your prescription more affordable.

• Manufacturer copay cards: If you have commercial insurance that covers Wegovy, you could pay as little as $0 per month with a copay savings card. If your commercial plan doesn’t cover Wegovy or you’re uninsured, the price is as low as $499 per month.

• GoodRx coupons: Save 14% off the average retail price of Wegovy and 15% off the average retail price of Saxenda with a free GoodRx coupon.

• Direct pharmacy options: Get Wegovy delivered to your door for as low as $499 through NovoCare Pharmacy.

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Written by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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