Wegovy vs ozempic: differences and similarities

Ozempic and Wegovy are FDA-approved medications that are prescribed for different conditions. These two injectable medications have been gaining much attention from celebrities, causing them to shed pounds fast. Even though these two drugs contain semaglutide as an active ingredient, they are not interchangeable. Wegovy vs ozempic: what’s the difference between them?

Wegovy vs Ozempic: what are they approved for?

Wegovy and Ozempic were studied for different reasons during clinical trials. Ozempic is used for Type 2 diabetes treatment, while Wegovy is prescribed for weight loss in patients who are obese. Let’s dive into the topics to find out more about each medication.

How does Ozempic work?

Ozempic, known as semaglutide, is made by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and is approved for patients with type 2 diabetes. This medication helps to control blood sugar levels and avoid serious cardiovascular disease. It belongs to a drug called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, also known as incretin. Its primary action is to increase insulin sensitivity for managing diabetes.

GLP-1 secondary function is to contribute to weight loss as it provokes a feeling of satiety by slowing down the digestive system.

Read more about Ozempic here

How does Wegovy work?

Wegovy is also a semaglutide medication and works the same way as Ozempic, though Wegovy has a slightly different dosing schedule.

While Ozempic is FDA approved for diabetes, Wegovy has full FDA approval for weight loss and chronic weight management in adults and adolescents ages 12 and older. To be eligible, adolescents must have a BMI at or above the 95% percentage. It regulates blood sugar and keeps the body fuller longer between meals, said Kunal Shah, MD, an assistant professor of endocrinology at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Additionally, it slows down the way food goes through the digestive tract so that the satiety feeling will last longer.

Wegovy has been studied in both people with diabetes and non-diabetes people. During clinical trials, individuals taking Wegovy lost an average of nearly 15% of their starting body weight. As a result, adolescents lost about 16% of their starting body weight in a different trial average.

Who is eligible for Wegovy and Ozempic?

Individuals with a specific body mass index (BMI of 30 or greater) are eligible for Wegovy. BMI of at least 27 and other weight-related medical conditions such as blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes may also be indicators for Wegovy use.

People with Type 2 diabetes are usually prescribed Ozempic to manage blood glucose levels, and when Ozempic is prescribed to non-diabetes individuals, it is referred to as off-label use.

Is Wegovy suitable for people with diabetes?

Patients with Type 2 diabetes may be eligible for Wegovy to manage weight plans. Wegovy weight loss medication isn’t approved for Type 2 diabetes treatment, but a recent STEP 2 trial showed the effect of the drug on people with Type 2 diabetes. According to the trial, all participants, who used medication, lost an average of nearly 10% of their starting body weight. Additionally, they got improvements in their A1C levels due to healthy weight loss.

How to take Wegovy and Ozempic?

Ozempic and Wegovy are taken by injection. It is necessary, to begin with a low dosage and gradually increase it every four weeks. Advise the healthcare provider to reach the target amount and avoid negative health effects!

Wegovy is injected via an EpiPen, while an insulin-type device injects Ozempic. The Wegovy dosage starts from 0.25 mg. It was injected once weekly for four weeks before upping the dose in intervals, reaching 2.4 mg.

As regards Ozempic, drug dosage depends on the patient. For managing type 2 diabetes and lowering the risk of heart attack, starting from 0.25 milligrams (mg) and injecting the medication for four weeks is necessary. Then increase the dosage to 0.5 mg.

Make sure to consult with your healthcare provider before using any drug or making changes in your dosage!

Is Wegovy covered by insurance?

Both Wegovy and Ozempic may be covered differently by insurance plans. However, some insurance plans don’t cover Wegovy for managing weight, but they may cover Ozempic.

However, when one has commercial insurance, it is possible to save on the prescription with a savings card from the manufacturer (pay as little as $25 for Wegovy and as little as $25 for Ozempic). Additionally, patient assistance programs are also available for these medications.

How to get Wegovy or Ozempic for weight loss?

Individuals cannot buy medications without a prescription, while some physicians and health care providers prescribe diabetes drugs off-label. However, discussing the nuances with your provider before taking the pill is important. Once you visit the provider, discuss the following:

• risks and all potential side effects
• your dosage
• your health conditions

Indications for Ozempic prescription

As Ozempic isn’t FDA-approved for weight loss, there are no official indications of who should use this injectable medication for managing the weight. However, some requirements allow to prescribe ozempic for weight loss, said Jamie Alan, PharmD, Ph.D., an associate professor of pharmacology at Michigan State University. They are:

• Body mass index 30 or greater;
• inadequate weight loss after lifestyle modifications;
• BMI of 27-29.9, plus a weight-related health condition like diabetes or hypertension.

Wegovy and Ozempic are both contain semaglutide and injected once weekly. However, there are notable differences, such as their approved uses, dosages, and how they’re covered by insurance. Talk to a healthcare provider to determine what medication is right for you and its dosage.