Ozempic Vs. Wegovy in Dallas, Little Elm/Frisco, TX
Wegovy and Ozempic are both brand names of the medication, semaglutide. Semaglutide is a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1) agonists. Wegovy and Ozempic can both be used as weight-loss medications. However, only Wegovy is approved by the FDA as a weight loss medication. Ozempic is approved by the FDA for the management of type 2 diabetes, but can sometimes be prescribed off-label for weight loss.
In this article, we are going to look at the similarities and distinct differences between Wegovy and Ozempic. Continue reading to learn more about these two medications for weight loss to know which is best for you.
How do Wegovy and Ozempic work?
Wegovy and Ozempic both work in the same manner. They contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. Both medications mimic glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1). This hormone regulates your appetite by targeting the receptors in your brain that make you feel hungry. It suppresses your appetite and makes you feel full for a longer period of time. This reduces the amount of food you eat as well as the amount of calories absorbed by your body, which then leads to weight loss.
How do you evaluate the safety and efficacy of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy?
Safety of Ozempic and Wegovy
Ozempic and Wegovy are both safe for use if used according to your doctor’s prescription and dosage. However, both drugs can cause some side effects. Many of the side effects are the same with both drugs, while there are a few distinct side effects.
Also, the side effects of Wegovy may be more than that of Ozempic. This is because doctors typically prescribe Wegovy at a slightly higher dosage than Ozempic.
Mild side effects
Mild side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy are usually temporary. They last for only a few days to a few weeks. If the side effects that you’re experiencing last longer than a few days to a few weeks, or become severe, you should consult your doctor.
Mild side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Mild allergic reaction
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Gas or burping
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Distinct mild side effect of Wegovy
- Headache
Distinct serious side effects of Wegovy
- Increased heart rate
Efficacy of Ozempic and Wegovy
Ozempic and Wegovy are both practical as weight loss and management drugs. They both help to suppress hunger and make you feel full for a longer period of time. This significantly reduces the amount of food you eat, thereby reducing calorie intake, which facilitates weight loss.
Doctors prescribe both drugs for weight loss and management. However, Ozempic is prescribed off-label.
Ozempic is approved by the FDA for the management of blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It helps to lower the risk of serious cardiovascular problems in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Ozempic is only approved for use in adults. It is not approved for children who are under the age of 18. However, doctors may sometimes prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss and management in certain children under age 18.
Wegovy is approved by the FDA for weight loss and weight management. It is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (obesity). It is also approved for use in adults with a BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with at least a weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease.
Wegovy is also approved for use in children who are ages 12 years and older with a BMI in the 95th percentile or higher.
Ozempic and Wegovy should be used along with healthy diets and exercise. This will ensure better efficacy of the drugs and good weight loss results.
Dosages, Forms, and Administration
Dosage of Ozempic
Recommended dosages of Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and weight loss in adults
- Weeks 1 to 4: 0.25 mg
- Weeks 5 to 8: 0.5 mg
- Weeks 9 to 12: 1 mg
- Week 13 onward: 2 mg
Strength of Ozempic
Ozempic is available in prefilled multi-dose injection pens of:
- 2 mg/1.5 mL
- 2 mg/ 3 mL
- 4 mg/3 mL
- 8 mg/3 mL
Form of Ozempic
Ozempic is available as a solution in an injection pen.
Administration of Ozempic
Ozempic is administered subcutaneously once per week. Ozempic can be administered in the thigh, stomach, or upper arm.
In each Ozempic injection pen, there are multiple disposable single-use needles. After taking a dose, you will need to dispose off the needle and attach a new needle to the pen when you want to take another dose.
To select the specific dose you want to take, you will need to turn the dose selector on the pen to the dose you want to take. Each injection pen can be used for 4 or 8 doses, depending on the strength and doses prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor will teach you how to administer Ozempic by yourself in the comfort of your home. Instructions are also available in the medication guide on how to administer the medication by yourself.
Dosage of Wegovy
Recommended dosages of Wegovy for type 2 diabetes and weight loss in adults
- Weeks 1 to 4: 0.25 mg
- Weeks 5 to 8: 0.5 mg
- Weeks 9 to 12: 1 mg
- Weeks 13 to 16: 1.7 mg
- Week 17 onward: 2.4 mg
Strength of Wegovy
Wegovy is available in prefilled single-dose injection pens of;
- 0.25 mg/0.5 mL
- 0.5 mg/0.5 mL
- 1 mg/0.5 mL
- 1.7 mg/0.75 mL
- 2.4 mg/0.75 mL
Form of Wegovy
Wegovy is available as a solution in an injection pen.
Administration of Wegovy
Wegovy is administered subcutaneously once per week. Wegovy can be administered in the thigh, stomach, or upper arm.
Each Wegovy injection pen comes with a single needle. Each Wegovy injection pen is for single use only. After taking the dose, the pen should be disposed off. You will need to use a new injection pen when you want to take another dose.
Your doctor will direct you on how to administer the medication by yourself in the comfort of your home. Directions for use are also available in the medication guide.
Effectiveness of Ozempic vs. Wegovy
There has not been any direct comparison between Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss. However, results from a review of studies showed that Wegovy may lead to more weight loss than Ozempic. This may be because doctors usually prescribe Wegovy at a higher maintenance dosage than Ozempic.
The maintenance dosage of Wegovy is 2.4 mg, while the maintenance dosage of Ozempic is 1-2 mg. It was found that people who took 2.4 mg of semaglutide lost more weight than people who took just 1 mg. Wegovy and Ozempic both contain semaglutide. Hence, the conclusion is that Wegovy may lead to more weight loss than Ozempic.
Also, the fact that Wegovy is specifically approved by the FDA for weight loss and management may be as a result that it works better than Ozempic for weight loss.
Cost of Ozempic vs. Wegovy in Dallas, Little Elm/Frisco, Tx
The cost of Ozempic and Wegovy depends on your treatment plan, insurance plan, and pharmacy. The cost of the drugs may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy.
Ozempic costs about $100 to $250 per weekly dose without insurance.
Wegovy costs about $150 to 270 per weekly dose without insurance.
You can expect to pay less if you have an insurance plan that covers the cost of the drugs.
Who is eligible for Wegovy?
Wegovy is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher (obesity). It is also approved for use in adults with a BMI of 27 or higher (overweight) with at least a weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease.
Wegovy is also approved for use in children who are ages 12 years and older and are overweight or obese.
Who is eligible for Ozempic?
Ozempic can be prescribed off-label for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It can also be prescribed off-label for adults with a BMI of 27 or higher with at least a weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease.
Ozempic is not approved for children who are under the age of 18. However, doctors may sometimes prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss and management in certain children under age 18.
Why are weight loss drugs a big deal?
Weight loss drugs are a big deal because obesity or overweight can lead to serious medical conditions. Obesity can lead to various medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, sleep apnea, stroke, etc.
If obesity or overweight is not timely treated, it can lead to any of these medical conditions, which can severely affect your health and the quality of your life. This is why many people look for effective weight loss treatments to reduce excess weight and maintain healthy body weight.
Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?
Wegovy and Ozempic are both brand names of semaglutide. They both contain semaglutide. However, both medications are not entirely the same.
The main difference between Wegovy and Ozempic is the doses of semaglutide in each pen and what they are approved for.
Ozempic is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but can be prescribed off-label for weight loss. Wegovy is approved for weight loss, and it’s also used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Doctors can prescribe both medications for weight loss, but Ozempic is prescribed off-label for weight loss.
