Suppose you are one of those people who have ever tried to lose weight without any effort before and now are suffering from obesity. In that case, you understand the pain and challenges of being overweight. You might have heard of some medications for weight loss treatments. Saxenda vs Wegovy are two drugs that have recently gained popularity for weight loss. However, these medications are different. We will explain the comparison of Saxenda vs Wegovy. They are usually given to patients whose diet and exercise are useless and need caloric restriction.

These injectable medications are specifically prescribed for the management of obesity. They belong to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists. Though these medications appear the same, their mechanisms for achieving the desired body weight reduction differ. This blog post will explain an extensive comparison of Saxenda vs Wegovy. We will discuss Wegovy vs Saxenda side effects that will assist you in making the right treatment choice.

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is an FDA-approved injectable drug that is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It works as a weight loss management plan for adults suffering from high blood pressure or any thousand more weight-related issues. It is an active form of Liraglutide that is taken once per day. It acts similar to the body hormone GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1).

It was earlier named Victoza and was initially considered for managing type-2 diabetes. However, it was also observed to be effective in helping people lose weight, so the FDA approved it as a weight loss supplement in 2014.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy contains the same ingredient as Saxenda. However, it is more appealing to customers because it is a weekly single-dose injection. It is used alongside vinegar diets and exercises. Considering these circumstances, Saxenda controls the body’s outbound rates of the GLP-1 hormone. Wegovy has a similar working mechanism to Saxenda’s. However, it is considered more potent. Thus, it is taken along with a healthy lifestyle for long-term weight loss.

Nowadays, states fully license Wegovy as a drug for weight reduction. Clinical studies confirm its extreme effectiveness.

saxenda vs wegovy

How do These Injectable Medications Work?

Both Saxenda vs Wegovy target the same hormone, GLP-1. This hormone in the intestines helps manage insulin levels and control hunger. Using these medications can help you be satisfied with reduced portions and decreased food intake. What sets the two drugs apart is the ingredients that the drug contains and uses. The two drugs help manage weight, and both contain the GLP-1 receptor agonist, namely Liraglutide (Saxenda) or Semaglutide (Wegovy), with the latter being more potent. This suggests that Wegovy is more effective in weight loss than Saxenda.

Effectiveness of Saxenda vs Wegovy

Saxenda is a weight loss drug that recommends its users lose approximately 5 to 10% of their overall weight every year. Users of this drug, as well as those on diet and exercising, have successfully lost weight. 

Wegovy has been more effective. Many who have used the drug recently to manage their weight have lost between fifteen and twenty percent of their body weight, with some patients losing more than twenty percent. This renders Wegovy more potent in weight loss than Saxenda. 

The more substantial results stem from the difference in concentration between semaglutide and liraglutide, meaning Wegovy is more effective because it works at a higher concentration.

Wegovy vs Saxenda Side Effects

Saxenda vs Wegovy are GLP-1 agonist drugs. They may have some of the same adverse reactions and even some of the same others. Below are some Saxenda vs Wegovy side effects reported in clinical trials for these drugs.

Mild Side Effects

Here is a table with some of the more frequently mentioned mild adverse effects noted with Saxenda vs Wegovy. The table may also include mild side effects that are less common but that you might have concerns about in some cases.

Mild Side EffectsSaxendaWegovy
Nausea And Vomiting✅✅
Abdominal Pain✅✅
Bloating✅✅
Flatulence (Gas)✅✅
Diarrhea ✅✅
Constipation✅✅
Indigestion✅✅
Headache✅✅
Injection Site Reactions ✅✅
Dizziness ✅✅

These side effects may be mild and even subside within days or weeks. However, if they persist for extended periods, cause discomfort, or worsen, see your physician or pharmacist.

saxenda vs wegovy

Serious Wegovy vs Saxenda Side Effects

The following table demonstrates the reported serious adverse effects of Saxenda vs Wegovy.

Serious Side EffectsSaxendaWegovy
Gallbladder Problems✅✅
Acute (Sudden) Kidney Failure✅✅
Acute Pancreatitis (Pancreas Inflammation)✅✅
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)✅✅
Increased Heart Rate✅✅
Possible Risk Of Thyroid Cancer✅✅
Severe Allergic Reaction✅✅

If you use Saxenda vs Wegovy and experience severe side effects, please contact your doctor immediately or dial 911 or your local emergency number.

Cost of Saxenda vs Wegovy

The prices of Saxenda vs Wegovy are determined by the medication prescribed by your doctor and your pharmacy. Patients can check online stores to obtain price estimates for requests concerning Saxenda and Wegovy. 

Both Saxenda and Wegovy are brand-name medications and are not available in generic form. Brand drugs tend to be pricier than office medications. If you want to know how much both medicines cost, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Who should not be taking Saxenda and Wegovy drugs? 

These injectable medications are not appropriate for everyone. Avoid these medications in case you: 

  • Suffered from MTC or MEN 2 at some point in their lives prion disease and prion diseases as these two are also closely related diseases.
  • Ever had hx of pancreatitis because there is an increasing risk with both medications.
  • Those with significant GI tract disorders (gastroparesis) due to delayed stomach emptying.
  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding females because the effects on developing offspring are poorly described.
  • Have previously exhibited hypersensitivity to the ingredients used in Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy semaglutide.
  • Sustained adverse effects include allergic reactions on or similar medications.

Saxenda vs Wegovy: Which is Better?

Which medication best meets your needs will depend on your weight loss goals, medical conditions, and lifestyle. If multiple daily injections are not a problem for you and you have previously been treated with liraglutide for diabetes, then Saxenda would make sense. It is also effective for weight loss, although less effective than Wegovy. 

Wegovy is a more effective weight-loss product than Saxenda. Therefore, this is highly recommended if you want to lose more weight and are okay with weekly injections. However, due to the higher potential cost, not everyone would benefit from it.

Both medications have advantages and disadvantages. Talk to your physician to determine which therapy best suits your plan and medical condition.

Is it possible to switch from Saxenda to Wegovy? (Or Vice Versa)

Yes, it is okay to switch from Saxenda to Wegovy. If Saxenda is not compelling enough, you should change. It’s worth noting that Wegovy might provide significantly more weight loss. Your prescriber may suggest you take a lower dose of Wegovy at first and then increase it to avoid side effects.

There has been a rise in the demand for Wegovy. Hence, if it’s hard to fill your prescription, your prescriber might give you the option of changing from Wegovy to Saxenda. But no Saxenda dose is equivalent to the recommended dosage of Wegovy loss weight.

If you switch from one medication to another, speak to your prescriber. They can provide assistance for your choices and the next best steps.