Ozempic vs Wegovy

What are Ozempic and Wegovy (Semaglutide)? 

Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Ozempic are brand names for semaglutide but serve different purposes. Wegovy (Semaglutide) is approved in Australia for managing obesity in adults and adolescents aged 12 and up, while Ozempic is prescribed for managing blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Both medications differ in dosage and target use cases.

Ozempic 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 (Semaglutide) 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. 

Wegovy (Semaglutide) works by mimicking a hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in regulating appetite and food intake (Healthdirect, 2023). Its effects are achieved when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, as recommended by your healthcare provider. 

How do they work? 

Both Ozempic and Wegovy (Semaglutide) 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). 

However, Ozempic is approved for managing blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes while Wegovy (Semaglutide) is approved for obesity management and includes higher doses of semaglutide tailored for this purpose.

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 (Semaglutide) 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 (Semaglutide) share the same active ingredient, they’re used for different things and have some key differences: 

1. Why you take it: 

Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Ozempic both contain semaglutide but are not exactly the same. In Australia, Wegovy (Semaglutide) is approved for obesity management and offers higher doses, while Ozempic is prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Although they share the same active ingredient, their approved uses and dosages differ.

Ozempic is approved in Australia for controlling blood sugar, not for weight loss (Therapeutic Goods Administration, 2023). Ozempic, when prescribed for these purposes, is on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). 

Wegovy (Semaglutide) 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 (Semaglutide) is not currently subsidised under the PBS. Patients can consult their healthcare provider for cost details.

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 (Semaglutide) 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 (Semaglutide) 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 (Semaglutide) because of the higher dose. That’s why Wegovy’s (Semaglutide) dosage is gradually increased to help your body adjust (Drugs.com, 2023).

5. Ozempic vs Wegovy (Semaglutide) cost:

In Australia, the cost of Ozempic and Wegovy (Semaglutide) varies due to their different uses and dosages. Ozempic, for type 2 diabetes, is generally cheaper than Wegovy (Semaglutide), which is designed for obesity management with higher semaglutide doses. Prices depend on prescriptions, insurance and potential government subsidies.

The Bottom Line

The choice between Ozempic and Wegovy (Semaglutide) depends on the condition being treated and individual health needs. In Australia, Wegovy (Semaglutide) is intended for obesity management with higher semaglutide dosages, while Ozempic focuses on blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes.

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/