Ozempic & Wegovy
Definition of GLP-1: Glucgaon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a drug class used to aid individuals with type two diabetes and weight management. GLP-1 operates by lowering glucose levels, which affects patients' metabolism and improves blood sugar control. Additionally, GLP-1s can lower the risk of cardiovascular events and improve factors such as myocardial contractility and cardiac output.
Definition of Ozempic: Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide injections. Semaglutide injections are within a classification of medications called incretin mimetics. Ozempic, alongside physical health management, can improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, it can also reduce cardiovascular events.
Definition of Wegovy: Wegovy is the brand name for semaglutide injections. Just like Ozempic, Semaglutide injections are within a classification of medication called incretin mimetics. Wogovy is a prescripted medication used to reduce calorie intake while increasing physical activity. Wegovy helps individuals with weight management and reduces cardiovascular events.
Pros and Cons of Ozempic & Wegovy?
PROS:
The drugs are effective
Helps reduce blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes
Weight loss over time with constant use.
CONS:
$700 a month without insurance for Wegovy
$900 to $1,200 per pen without insurance for Ozempic
Needs to be taken forever to maintain weight loss and to promote cardiovascular health
The long-term effects aren’t fully known
Nausea due to use
Possibility of pancreatitis
So what’s the difference?
There is no difference. At the biochemical level, there is no difference between Ozempic and Wegovy. They are both brand names for the same semaglutide. However, they are marketed differently.
Ozempic:
Approved to lower blood sugar if patient has type two diabetes
Helps reduce cardiovascular events
Isn’t officially known to be safe or effective for children
Dosages: 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg
Wegovy:
Approved to manage weight in adults and kids ages 12 and up who have obesity.
Helps reduce cardiovascular events
Dosages: 2.4mg
What’s going on now?
As of right now, Ozempic and Wegovy are still considered in short supply, and supplies will remain limited in 2025. Moreover, for both Ozempic and Wegovy, they will still be prescribed and supplied but will still need circumstantial approval.
Additionally, the Ozempic brand is currently facing lawsuits from patients with gastroparesis or gastrointestinal conditions. This is due to the recent discovery that Ozempic can cause gastroparesis at higher dosages. As of right now, there aren’t any verdicts or settlements on these cases.
April 8th, 2025, not all insurance plans cover Ozempic and/or Wegovy. Also, not all states within the USA cover these for weight loss with Medicaid.
Did you know?
Ozempic was first only meant to aid patients with type two diabetes, and it was later found that a side effect was weight loss.
Work Cited
Buchler, Emily Gaines. “The Pros, Cons, and Unknowns of Popular Weight-Loss Drugs.” The Hub, 11 Jan. 2024, https://hub.jhu.edu/2024/01/11/ozempic-wegovy-weight-loss-drugs-pros-cons/.
“Check Your Cost and Coverage.” Wegovy® (Semaglutide) Injection 2.4 Mg, https://www.wegovy.com/coverage-and-savings/check-your-cost-and-coverage.html?showisi=true&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=wegovy&utm_campaign=1_All_Shared_BR_Wegovy_Core&mkwid=s-dc_pcrid_645289260650_pkw_wegovy_pmt_e_slid__product_&pgrid=146393443618&ptaid=kwd-1296426946962&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw782_BhDjARIsABTv_JC2qvQ59MS1XDUvtxG5C1TTI46m-5q1bNBlMCYUJFNyL216SM_SIa8aAlwYEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
Costello, Ryan. “NCBI.” WWW Error Blocked Diagnostic, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
Morgan, Kendall. “Possible Side Effects of Ozempic® (Semaglutide) Injection.” Ozempic® (Semaglutide) Injection, https://www.ozempic.com/how-to-take/side-effects.html. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
“Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound: What’s the Difference?” WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/obesity/mounjaro-ozempic-wegovy-zepbound-difference. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
“Ozempic (Semaglutide) Shortage 2022 - 2025.” Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), 8 Dec. 2022, https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/shortages/information-about-major-medicine-shortages/ozempic-semaglutide-shortage-2022-2025.
