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 years old 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 four differences between Wegovy and Saxenda to consider.

1. 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 daily.

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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. Wegovy results in greater weight loss than Saxenda

Although Wegovy and Saxenda 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 receiving Wegovy lost significantly more weight compared to those receiving 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.

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. Some people may tolerate Wegovy better than Saxenda

The 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 gallstones and insomnia 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 more pronounced when starting treatment and after dose increases. But for many people, they usually improve over time.

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

4. 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 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. 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 (MACE). MACE is the first occurrence of heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death.

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). Additionally, there were fewer heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths with Wegovy.

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 has seen an increase in demand, so if you’re having difficulty filling your prescription, your prescriber may switch you from Wegovy to Saxenda. 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.

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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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