Saxenda vs. Ozempic - Which is Right for Your Weight Loss Journey

The obesity crisis in the US has escalated, with recent data revealing that 22 states have an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%, marking a significant increase from just a decade ago when no state reached this threshold.

This underscores the urgency for effective obesity prevention and treatment solutions, including medications like Saxenda and Ozempic, which vary in their approved uses, effectiveness for weight loss, dosing guidelines, costs, and side effect profiles.

Saxenda is primarily approved for weight management, making it a potentially more direct option for those aiming to reduce weight. In contrast, Ozempic is approved for managing type 2 diabetes, with weight loss as a secondary benefit for some patients.​

This article contrasts Saxenda vs. Ozempic across approval status, weight loss impacts, dosage guidelines, pricing, and safety profiles to help us make informed choices as we explore the comparison of Saxenda vs. Ozempic for weight loss results.

1. Approved Uses

When exploring weight loss options, understanding what medications are FDA-approved to treat is a key first step. Let’s compare and contrast the approved uses of two injectable diabetes drugs - Saxenda and Ozempic.

Saxenda

The FDA has approved Saxenda for chronic weight management, to be used alongside a diet low in calories and regular exercise, and is approved for use in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or more who have at least one weight-related condition or those with a BMI of 30 or more, indicating obesity.

Saxenda is also approved for use in children aged 12-17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg) and obesity (BMI>30).

Saxenda should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It should not be used with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines, including Victoza, which has the same active ingredient as Saxenda.

Its safety and effectiveness in combination with other prescription, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal weight-loss products in children under 12 and children aged 12 to 17 with type 2 diabetes are not established.​

Ozempic

In 2017, the FDA approved Ozempic for treating type 2 diabetes in adults. This medication, administered through weekly injections, aids in reducing blood sugar levels by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin.

Although not officially sanctioned for weight loss, some healthcare providers do prescribe Ozempic for this purpose.

Additionally, it is used to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have known heart disease.

Ozempic is not approved for use in people with type 1 diabetes or for those under 18 years of age. Its efficacy and safety in patients who have had pancreatitis is not known.​

2. Effectiveness in Weight Loss

Examining the evidence on a medication's ability to deliver meaningful weight loss provides helpful insight. Here's what research shows so far regarding Saxenda and Ozempic's efficacy in facilitating weight reduction.

Saxenda

Saxenda is effective in weight management alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for adults with obesity or weight-related medical conditions.

The European Medicines Agency recommended its approval for weight management in overweight or obese adults. It works as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, regulating appetite and food intake, leading to weight loss.

Clinical trials demonstrated that patients using Saxenda, in conjunction with lifestyle modifications, achieved significant weight loss compared to those on a placebo.

Patients should be evaluated after 12 weeks of treatment, and if they haven't lost at least 5% of their initial body weight, discontinuing Saxenda may be considered.

Ozempic

While Ozempic is primarily used for improving blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, it also has shown effectiveness in weight loss.

Ozempic operates similarly to Saxenda as it is a GLP-1 receptor agonist but is used at different dosages for diabetes management. Its weight loss effects come from its ability to regulate appetite and food intake.

Significant weight loss, similar to Saxenda, has been observed in clinical trials for Ozempic. Still, it's essential to note that Ozempic's primary use is for type 2 diabetes management, and any weight loss effect is considered a secondary benefit.

The specific effectiveness of Ozempic in weight loss has yet to be detailed in this session but has been observed in clinical settings.

3. Dosage Differences

Following strict dosage guidelines is imperative for properly using injectable diabetes medications. In the dosage aspect, essential differences emerge between Saxenda and Ozempic—let's go over the key specifics.

Saxenda

Saxenda's recommended starting dosage is 0.6 mg daily for the first week, intended for adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older. This dosage is gradually increased each week to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.

The schedule is as follows:

• 1.2 mg in the second week
• 1.8 mg in the third week
• 2.4 mg in the fourth week
• Reaching the maintenance dosage of 3 mg daily from the fifth week onward

For adults who cannot tolerate the 3 mg dose, discontinuation is recommended. It's important to assess the change in body weight 16 weeks after initiating Saxenda; if the patient has not lost at least 4% of baseline body weight by then, discontinuation of Saxenda is advised.

Pediatric patients may have their maintenance dose reduced to 2.4 mg daily if they cannot tolerate the 3 mg dose, with the treatment's effectiveness being reassessed after 12 weeks on the maintenance dose.​

Ozempic

Ozempic's initiation dosage is 0.25 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks, primarily to minimize gastrointestinal side effects and acclimate the body to the medication. This dose is not intended for glycemic control.

After this initiation phase, the dosage is increased to 0.5 mg once weekly. Depending on the patient's need for further glycemic control and tolerance to the medication, the dosage may be increased to 1 mg once weekly after at least 4 weeks.

If needed, after at least 4 weeks on the 1 mg dosage, it can be increased to the maximum recommended dosage of 2 mg once weekly. If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible, within 5 days after the missed dose.

If more than 5 days have passed, the missed dose should be skipped, and the next dose should be administered on the regularly scheduled day, resuming the regular once-weekly dosing schedule.

4. Side Effects

While the benefits of these medications may be appealing, accounting for potential side effects is pragmatic. Let's outline what consumers might experience with Saxenda for weight loss versus Ozempic, highlighting the most frequently reported effects.

Saxenda

The common side effects associated with Saxenda include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Injection site reactions
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Headache
• Upset stomach (dyspepsia)
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Changes in blood enzyme (lipase) levels
• Fever and gastroenteritis (more common in teens)

Nausea is notably the most common side effect when starting treatment. Health care providers might suggest managing nausea by eating bland, low-fat foods, consuming foods that contain water, not lying down after eating, and getting fresh air.

Serious side effects can include:

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
• Increased risk of low blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes
• Increased heart rate
• Kidney problems
• Serious allergic reactions, and
• Depression or thoughts of suicide

It's critical to inform healthcare providers of any severe or persistent side effects.

Ozempic

The most common side effects reported by those taking Ozempic include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach (abdominal) pain
• Constipation

Serious side effects of Ozempic may comprise:

• Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Changes in vision
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially when used with other diabetes medications
• Kidney problems (potentially leading to kidney failure)
• Serious allergic reactions
• Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones

Patients are advised to immediately contact their health care provider if they experience severe side effects such as stomach pain that does not go away, symptoms of a thyroid tumor, or severe allergic reactions.

5. Costs

Price tags can sway decisions, so mapping costs gives us perspective. We'll contrast what consumers expect to pay out-of-pocket for the weight loss drug Saxenda vs. Ozempic.

Saxenda

The cost of Saxenda without insurance averages around $1,698 for a one-month supply. This pricing makes it a significant expense for individuals requiring long-term weight management treatment.

However, various savings programs and patient assistance options are available to help reduce this cost. For those with insurance, the out-of-pocket expenses may vary depending on the specifics of their health plan, including deductibles and copays​​.

Ozempic

For Ozempic, the price without insurance for a 30-day supply is approximately $935.77, although this can vary depending on the pharmacy and location. Some patients may find higher prices at certain pharmacies, with a monthly supply costing between $1,014 and $1,135.

Like Saxenda, Ozempic also offers assistance and savings programs for eligible patients, potentially lowering the cost significantly for those with insurance or who meet specific income criteria​​.

In both cases, patient assistance programs and insurance coverage play crucial roles in managing the costs associated with these medications. Patients must explore all available options, including speaking with healthcare providers and insurance companies, to find the most cost-effective solution for their treatment needs.

Wrap Up

The choice between using Saxenda versus Ozempic for weight loss support demands careful consideration of the distinct FDA approval status, clinical effectiveness data, dosage protocols, pricing, and safety profiles.

Saxenda holds specific chronic weight management indications, while Ozempic is sanctioned for type 2 diabetes but confers a secondary weight reduction benefit. Both demonstrate appetite-regulating effects to facilitate weight loss, with Saxenda featuring more flexible daily dosing up-titration to 3 mg and Ozempic capped at 2 mg weekly.

From a budget angle, Saxenda runs steeper with costs of approximately $1,698 for a one-month supply without insurance coverage compared to Ozempic's price of $935.77. A myriad of gastrointestinal side effects plus rare but severe risks like pancreatitis and suicidal ideation mandate close provider oversight to continually evaluate if treatment goals are being met and discontinuation when appropriate.

In the end, it’s important to discuss the benefits and precautions of either agent with a physician to determine if Saxenda or Ozempic is an appropriate adjunct weight loss option to diet and exercise.

FAQs on Saxenda vs. Ozempic

Is it safe to take Saxenda and Ozempic together?

No, providers do not recommend using Saxenda and Ozempic simultaneously as they are both in the same medication class. Combining both medications could increase rare risks like low blood sugar or pancreatitis. Careful medical guidance is vital if transitioning between Saxenda and Ozempic.

What potential advantages does Saxenda have over Ozempic?

Saxenda's specific approval for weight management could be considered an advantage for individuals focused on weight loss. Its daily injection regimen may offer more regular dosing than Ozempic's weekly schedule.

How does Saxenda work for weight loss?

Saxenda works by mimicking an intestine hormone that targets areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation. By decreasing hunger, caloric intake is reduced, leading to weight loss.

Can Saxenda and Ozempic be used interchangeably for weight loss?

While both medications are GLP-1 receptor agonists and can contribute to weight loss, they are not interchangeable and are used to treat different conditions. A healthcare provider can advise which medication suits an individual's health goals and medical history, considering factors like efficacy, side effects, and administration.