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Health Guide / GLP-1

Ozempic vs. Victoza: differences and similarities

felix gussone

Reviewed by Felix Gussone, MD, written by Nikita Gourishetty

Last updated: Mar 07, 2022
5 min read

table of contents

  1. What are Ozempic and Victoza?
  2. What is Ozempic?
  3. What is Victoza?
  4. Conditions treated with Ozempic and Victoza
  5. Side effects of Victoza and Ozempic
  6. Ozempic and Victoza warnings
  7. Victoza and Ozempic drug interactions
  8. Differences and similarities between Victoza vs. Ozempic

If you are being treated for type 2 diabetes but still have high blood sugar levels, your healthcare provider might suggest drugs like Ozempic or Victoza.

Read on to learn about the similarities and differences between these two injectable diabetes medications.

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What are Ozempic and Victoza?

Ozempic and Victoza are injectable medications used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. They belong to a drug class known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs). Healthcare providers typically prescribe these medications when other drugs—such as metformin—aren’t effective enough at controlling a person’s blood sugar (Collins, 2021).

Other examples of GLP-1 receptor agonists include Trulicity and Rybelsus. These drugs work by improving the effects of insulin in the body and increasing feelings of fullness after eating, which can sometimes help with weight loss. 

The key difference between Ozempic and Victoza is how often you use them. Those who use Ozempic inject it once per week, and those who use Victoza inject it daily.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic (see Important Safety Information) is a brand-name drug that contains the active ingredient semaglutide. 

After your provider shows you how to use Ozempic, you administer it yourself as an injection, or via the help of someone else, once a week through subcutaneous injection (under-the-skin) in your stomach or thigh (FDA, 2017). 

The starting dose is usually .25 mg once weekly. After four weeks, your healthcare provider may increase the dose to .5 mg weekly. If, after an additional four weeks, you require more blood sugar control, they may increase the dose again to 1 mg weekly, which is the maximum dose (FDA, 2017). 

You can take your weekly semaglutide with or without food (FDA, 2017).

What is Victoza?

Victoza is the brand name of a generic drug called liraglutide. It is an injectable liquid that healthcare providers use to improve blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. 

You administer it daily subcutaneously in your stomach or thigh, and you can take it with or without food (FDA, 2019). 

The starting dose of Victoza is typically .6 mg daily for one week. If you need more blood sugar control, your healthcare provider may increase your dose to 1.2 mg daily. If your body does not respond to this dose increase after one week, your healthcare provider may increase the dose again to 1.8 mg daily (FDA, 2019).

Conditions treated with Ozempic and Victoza

The FDA approves medications like Ozempic and Victoza for specific uses which are described in detail on each drug’s official labeling and summarized in the sections below. 

Healthcare providers may also decide to prescribe glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic or Victoza for off-label (“non-official”) uses like weight loss.

Ozempic uses

The FDA first approved Ozempic for adults with type 2 diabetes—who also have heart disease—to improve their high blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events—such as heart attack or stroke. 

Healthcare providers may also choose to prescribe Ozempic off-label to help people achieve and maintain their weight loss goals, even if they don’t have diabetes or heart disease (Collins, 2021). 

Clinical trials have shown semaglutide can help with weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes, and many people with type 2 diabetes achieve healthier blood sugar levels after losing weight (Granhall, 2019; Pratley, 2019). However, only one brand of semaglutide, an injectable drug called Wegovy (see Important Safety Information), is FDA-approved for weight loss.

Victoza uses

Like Ozempic, Victoza is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and reduces cardiovascular events in those with type 2 diabetes. 

Some people have also experienced weight loss while on Victoza. The active ingredient in Victoza, liraglutide, is also available under the brand name Saxenda, which is FDA-approved for weight loss if combined with a reduced-calorie diet in people with obesity (Victoza, n.d.).

Side effects of Victoza and Ozempic

The most common side effects of Ozempic and Victoza are (FDA, 2017; FDA, 2019):  

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Decreased appetite
  • Dyspepsia (indigestion)
  • Constipation

While rare, severe side effects of Ozempic and Victoza may include (FDA, 2017; FDA, 2019): 

  • Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to Ozempic and Victoza. Medication allergy symptoms include rashes or hives, facial flushing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing.
  • Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis): Signs of pancreatitis include vomiting, abdominal pain, and back pain. Pancreatitis can be very dangerous if you do not treat it quickly.
  • Thyroid cancer: Ozempic and Victoza both carry black box warnings from the FDA about an increased risk of developing medullary thyroid carcinoma. However, this rare side effect has only been seen in animal studies. Researchers aren’t clear if the same risk applies to people. 
  • Vision problems: Lowering your blood sugar too quickly may cause blurred vision and sometimes worsen a condition called diabetic retinopathy.

Ozempic and Victoza warnings

Before prescribing Ozempic or Victoza, your healthcare provider will go over your current medical and health history. This medication may not be safe for everyone, so they’ll especially need to know if you have any of the following conditions or factors (FDA, 2017; FDA, 2019): 

  • You have a history of pancreatitis
  • You have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
  • You have type 1 diabetes mellitus
  • You have a personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • You have an allergy to other GLP-1 receptor agonists (examples: Byetta, Bydureon, Saxenda, Trulicity)

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, there is not enough research to determine whether either of these medications are safe to take. Let your provider know if you are breastfeeding, currently pregnant, or planning to become pregnant. They can work with you to decide if the benefits of Ozempic or Victoza outweigh their potential risks (FDA, 2017; FDA, 2019).

Victoza and Ozempic drug interactions

Ozempic and Victoza can also interact with other type 2 diabetes medications. You should not take Ozempic or Victoza if you take insulin, sulfonylureas (e.g., Metformin), or glinides. If taken with these medications, there is a chance of hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar) (Dungan, 2022).

Additionally, be sure to follow your healthcare provider’s medical advice regarding any oral medications you are taking. Because Ozempic and Victoza delay gastric emptying (causing you to feel fuller), they may affect how your body absorbs oral medications (FDA, 2017; FDA, 2019).

Differences and similarities between Victoza vs. Ozempic

Key similarities and differences between Rybelsus and Ozempic include:

Disclaimer

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

References

  1. Collins, L. & Costello, R.A. (2021). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. [Updated June 25, 2021]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Retrieved on Feb. 9, 2022 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/ 
  2. Dungan, K., & DeSantis, A. (2022). Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. UpToDate. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/glucagon-like-peptide-1-receptor-agonists-for-the-treatment-of-type-2-diabetes-mellitus 
  3. United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2017). Highlights of Prescribing Information: Ozempic. Retrieved on February 22, 2022, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/209637lbl.pdf 
  4. United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2019). Highlights of Prescribing Information: Victoza. Retrieved on February 22, 2022, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/022341s031lbl.pdf 
  5. Victoza. (n.d.). Victoza FAQ. Retrieved March 2, 2021 from https://www.victoza.com/faq/About-Victoza.html
felix gussone
Felix Gussone, MD

Felix Gussone is a physician, health journalist and a Manager, Medical Content & Education at Ro.

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Important Safety Information for Ozempic®

Important Safety Information for Ozempic (semaglutide) injection

Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

  • In studies with mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Ozempic will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. 
  • Do not use Ozempic if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

What is the FDA-approved use of Ozempic?

Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is used:

  • with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  • to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.

Limitations of Use:

  • Ozempic has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis.
  • Ozempic is not for treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Your Ro-affiliated provider may recommend the use of Ozempic as treatment for chronic weight management (obesity or overweight).

Who should not use Ozempic?

Do not use Ozempic if:

  • You or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
  • You have a known allergic reaction to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy or Ozempic). 

How should Ozempic be administered? 

You can take Ozempic with or without food. The pre-filled injector pen is self-administered as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week on the same day every week. Your Ro-affiliated provider will guide you on a treatment regimen that may include an increase in dose every four weeks. 

You should not change your dosing regimen or stop taking Ozempic as prescribed without discussing with your provider first.  

What should I tell my Ro-affiliated provider before using Ozempic?

  • Ozempic has certain drug interactions. It’s important to tell your Ro-affiliated provider all of the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements. 

Some medications to watch out for include:

  • Medications used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas (such as Amaryl or Glucotrol XL)
  • Ozempic causes a delay in gastric emptying so it has the potential to impact the absorption of medications that are taken by mouth at the same time. Your provider can guide you on how to schedule your medications.
  • Other GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Byetta, or Bydureon
  • If you’re using other products for weight loss, including dietary supplements

It’s important to share your entire medical history with your provider. In particular, tell your provider if you have a past history of:

  • Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Pancreatitis
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior

Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. 

  • If you are pregnant: Ozempic should not be used during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to an unborn baby from exposure to Ozempic during pregnancy. There is no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy and it may cause harm to the unborn baby. 
  • If you are a female or male of reproductive potential: Discontinue Ozempic at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy since the drug can stay in the bloodstream for a long time.
  • If you are breastfeeding: Ozempic was found in the milk of lactating rats. Tell your Ro-affiliated provider if you are breastfeeding before you start Ozempic.

Pregnancy registry: There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Ozempic) during pregnancy. Pregnant women exposed to semaglutide and healthcare providers are encouraged to contact Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500.

Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.

What are the most serious side effects that I or a caregiver should monitor for when taking Ozempic? 

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

These serious side effects can occur with Ozempic. You or a caregiver should carefully monitor for these side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment and with dose changes.

  • Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Ozempic) caused an increase in thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether Ozempic causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans. There were cases of MTC reported in patients who took liraglutide (the active ingredient in Victoza and Saxenda) after the drug was put on the market. Ozempic is contraindicated in patients with a family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. 
  • Inflammation of Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis): Monitor for signs of acute pancreatitis, including severe abdominal pain that does not go away, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: If you have type 2 diabetes, tell your provider right away if you experience changes in vision.
  • Never Share a Pen: Pen-sharing poses a risk of infection. 
  • Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia): Ozempic lowers blood glucose. It can cause too low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who also take another glucose control medication. Monitor your blood sugar and watch out for signs of too low blood sugar such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or fast heartbeat.
  • Acute Kidney Injury: In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink plenty of water to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
  • Serious Allergic Reactions: Stop using Ozempic right away if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or fainting or feeling dizzy.
  • Acute Gallbladder Disease: Ozempic may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems require surgery. Tell your provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools.
  • Increase in Heart Rate: Tell your provider right away if you have a racing heartbeat while at rest. 
  • Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: You should pay attention to any mental health changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.

What are the most common side effects of Ozempic?

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products:

This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information. 

Important Safety Information for Wegovy®

Important Safety Information for Wegovy (semaglutide) injection

Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

  • In studies with mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Wegovy will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. 
  • Do not use Wegovy if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

What is the FDA-approved use of Wegovy?

Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for chronic weight management, along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, for people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:

  • 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or
  • 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia).

Limitations of Use:

  • Wegovy should not be used in combination with other semaglutide-containing products or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist
  • The safety and efficacy of coadministration with other products for weight loss have not been established
  • Wegovy has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis

Who should not use Wegovy?

 Do not use Wegovy if:

  • You or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
  • You have a known allergic reaction to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy or Ozempic).

How should Wegovy be administered? 

You can take Wegovy with or without food. The pre-filled injector pen is self-administered as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week on the same day every week. Your Ro-affiliated provider will guide you on a treatment regimen that may include an increase in dose every four weeks. 

You should not change your dosing regimen or stop taking Wegovy as prescribed without discussing with your provider first. 

What should I tell my Ro-affiliated provider before using Wegovy?

  • Wegovy has certain drug interactions. It’s important to tell your Ro-affiliated provider all of the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements. 

Some medications to watch out for include:

  • Medications used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas (such as Amaryl or Glucotrol XL)
  • Wegovy causes a delay in gastric emptying, so it has the potential to impact the absorption of medications that are taken by mouth at the same time. Your provider can guide you on how to schedule your medications.
  • Other GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Saxenda, Victoza, Byetta, or Bydureon
  • If you’re using other products for weight loss, including dietary supplements

It’s important to share your entire medical history with your provider. In particular, tell your provider if you have a past history of:

  • Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Pancreatitis
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior

Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. 

  • If you are pregnant: Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to an unborn baby from exposure to Wegovy during pregnancy. There is no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy and it may cause harm to the unborn baby.
  • If you are a female or male of reproductive potential: Discontinue Wegovy at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy since the drug can stay in the bloodstream for a long time.
  • If you are breastfeeding: Wegovy was found in the milk of lactating rats. Tell your Ro-affiliated provider if you are breastfeeding before you start Wegovy.

Pregnancy registry: There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) during pregnancy. Pregnant women exposed to semaglutide and healthcare providers are encouraged to contact Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500.

Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death. 

What are the most serious side effects that I or a caregiver should monitor for when taking Wegovy?

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

These serious side effects can occur with Wegovy. You or a caregiver should carefully monitor for these side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment and with dose changes.

  • Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) caused an increase in thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether Wegovy causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans. There were cases of MTC reported in patients who took liraglutide (the active ingredient in Victoza and Saxenda) after the drug was put on the market. Wegovy is contraindicated in patients with a family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. 
  • Inflammation of Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis): Monitor for signs of acute pancreatitis, including severe abdominal pain that does not go away, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting.
  • Acute Gallbladder Disease: Wegovy may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems require surgery. Tell your provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools.
  • Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia): Wegovy lowers blood glucose. It can cause too low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who also take another glucose control medication. Monitor your blood sugar and watch out for signs of too low blood sugar such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or fast heartbeat.
  • Acute Kidney Injury: In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink plenty of water to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
  • Serious Allergic Reactions: Stop using Wegovy right away if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or fainting or feeling dizzy.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: If you have type 2 diabetes, tell your provider right away if you experience changes in vision.
  • Increase in Heart Rate: Tell your provider right away if you have a racing heartbeat while at rest. 
  • Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: You should pay attention to any mental health changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.
  • Never Share a Pen: Pen-sharing poses a risk of infection. 

What are the most common side effects of Wegovy?

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dyspepsia
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal distension
  • Eructation
  • Hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes
  • Flatulence
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products:

This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.