Saxenda vs Wegovy: Which weight loss drug is right for you?

Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are two prescription medications used with diet and exercise for weight loss and long-term weight management in certain people 12 years and older. Wegovy is additionally approved to lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, like heart attack and stroke, in adults who are obese or overweight.

Both medications are marketed by Novo Nordisk. They come as pre-filled, single-dose pens and the medication is injected under the skin.

When choosing a weight loss treatment, there are several factors to consider. These include side effects, warnings, cost, and dosing. Below is a comparison between Saxenda and Wegovy for weight loss. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have questions about these medications.

What are the approved uses for Saxenda and Wegovy?

Saxenda and Wegovy are FDA approved for long-term weight management, in combination with diet and exercise. In addition, Wegovy has cardioprotective effects and can be used to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, in adults who are obese or overweight.

Saxenda

Saxenda is approved for long-term weight management in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater or 27 kg/m² or greater with at least one weight-related condition. It is also approved in children 12 years and older with a body weight greater than 60 kg and a BMI corresponding to 30 kg/m² for adults.

Wegovy

Wegovy is approved for long-term weight management in adults and children 12 years and older who are obese, and adults who are overweight and have at least one weight-related condition. It is also approved in adults with obesity or overweight to lower the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.

How do Saxenda and Wegovy work?

Both Saxenda and Wegovy belong to a drug class called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. They mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone found in our bodies. They work by slowing down food movement through your stomach, which makes you feel fuller longer. This lowers your appetite and leads to weight loss.

Saxenda and Wegovy should not be used together, or with other GLP-1 receptor agonists.

How are Saxenda and Wegovy given?

Saxenda and Wegovy are given as injections under the skin, but their dosing frequency and doses are different. You or a caregiver can get trained on how to give the injections at home using the pre-filled injector pens.

Saxenda comes in 6 mg/mL in a 3 mL pre-filled pen that provides the following doses:

• 0.6 mg
• 1.2 mg
• 1.8 mg
• 2.4 mg
• 3 mg

The dose is typically started low and slowly raised to the maintenance dose. Saxenda is injected under the skin in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a day. You can inject the medication with or without food.

Wegovy comes in the following pen injectors:

• 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

Similar to Saxenda, Wegovy is started at a low dose and slowly titrated up every 4 weeks. It is injected under the skin in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week. It can be injected without regard to meals.

How do Saxenda and Wegovy compare in studies?

The STEP 8 trial compared Saxenda and Wegovy directly to see the effects of each medication on body weight. Patients took either 3 mg of Saxenda daily or 2.4 mg of Wegovy weekly. Researchers found that patients who took Saxenda lost 6.4% of their body weight over 68 weeks, compared to 15.8% with Wegovy.

Side effects were similar among patients in the study. About 84% of patients reported stomach-related side effects with Wegovy, and 83% reported them with Saxenda.

Related questions

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How do the side effects compare between Saxenda and Wegovy?

Side effects of Saxenda and Wegovy are similar. The most common side effects of both medications are stomach-related, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. For most people, episodes are mild or moderate and occur more often during the time the dose is raised. Slowly raising the dose can help reduce stomach side effects from these medications.

Saxenda side effects

The most common side effects in adults using Saxenda during clinical trials were:

• Nausea (39%)
• Diarrhea (21%)
• Constipation (19%)
• Vomiting (16%)
• Injection site reaction (14%)
• Headache (14%)
• Low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes (13%)
• Indigestion (10%)

Other side effects include feeling tired, dizziness, stomach pain, bloating, belching, urinary tract infection, and excessive gas.

The side effects in children were similar to those reported by adults. These are not all possible side effects from Saxenda. Review potential side effects of this medication with your healthcare provider.

Wegovy side effects

The most common side effects in adults using Wegovy during clinical trials were:

• Nausea (44%)
• Diarrhea (30%)
• Vomiting (24%)
• Constipation (24%)
• Stomach pain (20%)
• Headache (14%)
• Fatigue (11%)

Other side effects reported included indigestion, dizziness, bloating, belching, low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, and excessive gas. These are not all possible side effects from Wegovy.

Both Saxenda and Wegovy carry Boxed Warnings for an increased risk of thyroid tumors, including cancer. While this has been seen in animal studies, it is not known if these medications cause these problems in humans.

Do not use these medications if:

• you or your family has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or
• if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Symptoms of thyroid tumors can include a mass in the neck, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, or persistent hoarseness.

Cost comparison

Saxenda and Wegovy are available as brand-name products only. There are no generic versions available.

Saxenda cost:

• 18 mg/3mL subcutaneous injection: $1,430 for a one month supply

Wegovy cost:

• Wegovy subcutaneous injection: $1,430 for a one month supply

The prices above are for cash-paying customers and are not valid with insurance plans. Prices are based on the Drugs.com discount card and are subject to change.

If you have insurance, the amount you pay for these medications will depend on your coverage for prescription drugs, deductible, and copay. The manufacturer may offer a copay coupon that you might be eligible to use with your commercial insurance.

This is not all the information you need to know about Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full patient medication guide and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.