Ozempic vs Wegovy

What are Ozempic and Wegovy? 

Ozempic is a medication that contains the active ingredient semaglutide and is primarily used to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which work by helping the pancreas produce more insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Ozempic is administered as a once-weekly injection and can be used alone or alongside other diabetes medications. It’s important to continue following dietary and lifestyle advice while using this medication (myDr, 2023).  

In Australia, Ozempic is approved for managing Type 2 diabetes, and is not approved as a weight loss drug (Therapeutic Goods Administration, 2023).  

Wegovy also contains semaglutide, but it has higher dosages and is specifically approved for weight loss. It is used supplementary to a reduced-energy diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or adults who are overweight with at least one weight-related condition. It is also approved for use in adolescents aged 12 and above with obesity. Wegovy works by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in regulating appetite and food intake, helping to reduce body weight effectively when combined with lifestyle changes (Healthdirect, 2023). 

How do they Work? 

Both Ozempic and Wegovy activate GLP-1 receptors in your body. This triggers a series of reactions that help your body manage blood sugar, make you feel fuller, and reduce your appetite (Drugs.com, 2023). That’s why both medicines can lead to weight loss, but Wegovy is designed specifically for weight loss. 

The way you take these medications differs also. Ozempic is usually taken once a week via subcutaneous injection, with doses ranging from 0.25 mg to 1 mg (NovoMedlink, 2024). Wegovy also starts at 0.25 mg but is available in higher dosages than Ozempic. Depending on your doctor’s advice, the dosage can increase up to 2.4 mg per week via subcutaneous injection over time. 

What’s the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy? 

Even though Ozempic and Wegovy share the same active ingredient, they’re used for different things and have some key differences: 

1. Why you take it: 

Ozempic is all about managing Type 2 diabetes. It’s approved in Australia for controlling blood sugar, not for weight loss (Therapeutic Goods Administration, 2023). Ozempic when prescribed for these purposes is on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) and its cost to the consumer is subsidised.  

Wegovy is designed for weight loss and is approved in Australia, specifically for people who are obese or overweight with other health issues (Therapeutic Goods Administration, 2023). Wegovy is not on the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme). 

2. How much you take: 

Ozempic comes in doses from 0.25 mg to 1 mg, depending on how well it’s working for your blood sugar levels (WebMD, 2023). It is self-administered once per week via subcutaneous injection. 

Wegovy has a higher dose, starting at 0.25 mg and going up to 2.4 mg (NovoMedlink, 2024). It is also self-administered once per week via subcutaneous injection. 

3. Who it’s for: 

Ozempic is for people with Type 2 diabetes who need help controlling their blood sugar (Medical News Today, 2023). 

Wegovy is for people who are obese or overweight and need help losing weight, especially if they have other health problems like high blood pressure or diabetes (Healthline, 2023). 

4. Side Effects: 

Both drugs can cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and these are usually more noticeable with Wegovy because of the higher dose. That’s why Wegovy’s dosage is gradually increased to help your body adjust (Drugs.com, 2023). 

The Bottom Line 

Even though they share the same active ingredient, semaglutide, Ozempic and Wegovy are used for different things and at different doses. Ozempic is there to help you get your blood sugar under control, while Wegovy helps woth weight management. 

If you’re considering either of these medications, it’s essential you consult a health practitioner.   

Please Note: Chemist2U does not endorse or promote the therapeutic benefit of any medication. Any decision to administer a therapeutic good should be taken in consultation with your doctor.

References: 

– MyDr.com.au. (2024). Consumer Medicine Information: Ozempic. Retrieved from https://mydr.com.au/medicines/ozempic/  

– HealthDirect.gov.au. (2024). Wegovy. Retrieved from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/amt,1675841000168107/wegovy 

– Therapeutic Goods Administration. (2023). Wegovy by Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd. Retrieved from https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/prescription-medicines-registrations/wegovy-novo-nordisk-pharmaceuticals-pty-ltd  

– WebMD. (2023). Differences Between Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/obesity/mounjaro-ozempic-wegovy-zepbound-difference  

– Drugs.com. (2023). What is the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy? Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/difference-between-ozempic-wegovy-3565564/  

– NovoMedlink. (2024). Wegovy (semaglutide) Dosing and Administration: Adult Dose-Escalation Schedule. Retrieved from https://www.novomedlink.com/obesity/products/treatments/wegovy/dosing-administration/wegovy-dosing.html  

– Medical News Today. (2023). Ozempic vs. Wegovy: Differences, similarities, and which is better for you. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-ozempic-vs-wegovy  

– Wegovy. (2023). Wegovy.com. Retrieved from https://www.wegovy.com/