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We spoke with Dr. Yael Cooperman, M.D. about Saxenda and Wegovy, the similarities between the medications, and the differences.
Saxenda and Wegovy aren’t the same thing
Saxenda and Wegovy are both part of the same class of medications typically prescribed to manage diabetes or obesity known as GLP-1 receptor agonists but they aren’t the same drug: Saxenda is a brand name of a drug called liraglutide while Wegovy is a brand name of a drug called semaglutide.
While not all GLP-1 drugs are approved by the FDA for weight loss, both Saxenda and Wegovy are approved for this use. Both are injectable medications administered in increasing doses, meaning your healthcare provider will typically start you on a lower dose and slowly prescribe higher doses to maximize weight loss while minimizing side effects.
Also, while Wegovy is injected once a week, Saxenda is a daily injection, because Wegovy lasts longer in the bloodstream than Saxenda.
While research has shown that Wegovy typically leads to more weight loss than Saxenda, Saxenda has been shown in trials to be more effective for managing blood sugar levels and also helps reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke, so it’s usually a better option than Wegovy for people with diabetes and a history of heart disease, heart attack, or stroke who are trying to lose weight. Also, medication availability may determine which drug you are prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Saxenda Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
Wegovy Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
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.
Marso, S. P., Daniels, G. H., Brown-Frandsen, K., et al. (2016). Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes. The New England Journal of Medicine, 375(4), 311–322. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1603827. Retrieved from https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1603827
Rubino, D. M., Greenway, F. L., Khalid, U., et al. (2022). Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes: The STEP 8 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 327(2), 138–150. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.23619. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35015037/
