Saxenda vs. Wegovy for weight loss

Weight management has become increasingly important in health care today, with many people seeking treatments for obesity or weight-related health issues. Two prescription medications that have become popular potential options for controlling weight are Saxenda and Wegovy. These brand-name injectable drugs are part of a drug class called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. They mimic a natural hormone in the body that helps control hunger and how much you eat, which can help promote weight loss when combined with diet and exercise.

Although both drugs are manufactured by Novo Nordisk and work in very similar ways, there are some differences to explore. For example, they differ in their active ingredients and dosages. In addition, insurance coverage for Saxenda and Wegovy can vary, with out-of-pocket costs being a potential concern for many. In any case, a healthcare provider can provide medical advice and guidance for the best treatment option. 

Read on to learn more about the similarities and differences between Saxenda and Wegovy.

Saxenda vs. Wegovy: Key differences

The main difference between Saxenda and Wegovy is they contain different active ingredients. Saxenda’s active ingredient is liraglutide, while Wegovy’s active ingredient is semaglutide. However, both active ingredients work as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Wegovy is a relatively newer drug that came onto the market in 2017, seven years after Saxenda’s approval in 2010.

Another major difference is in their dosing schedules. Saxenda is administered as an injection once daily, whereas Wegovy is given as an injection once weekly. That’s because Saxenda has a shorter half-life of 13 hours versus a half-life of around one week with Wegovy. In other words, Wegovy is cleared from the body more slowly than Saxenda.

Saxenda can be used by children 12 and older who weigh more than 132 pounds and are considered obese based on adult body mass index (BMI) values. Wegovy, on the other hand, is approved for children in the same age group but is specifically for those who are in the top 5% for weight and height compared to other kids their age and sex, which means they may have more severe obesity.  

Saxenda vs. Wegovy: Conditions treated

Saxenda and Wegovy are both approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration for chronic weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 or greater (obese) or 27 or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol. In addition, both medications are approved to treat obesity in certain children ages 12 and older. 

Neither drug is a cure for obesity or weight-related health issues, but they may help support weight-loss treatment plans. Both drugs are meant to be used along with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity.

Is Wegovy better than Saxenda?

Both Wegovy and Saxenda are effective weight-loss medications backed by clinical studies. They both work similarly to increase insulin production and suppress appetite, which can help promote weight loss. Still, some studies suggest that one may lead to greater weight loss than the other.

One study over 68 weeks found that adults with obesity or who were overweight and took semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) once per week lost significantly more weight than those who took liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda) daily. Both medications were combined with diet and exercise, but semaglutide led to higher rates of greater weight loss—over one-third of the participants taking semaglutide lost 20% or more of their body weight, while only 6% of those taking liraglutide experienced the same weight loss. 

Another analysis found that Wegovy may be more effective and offer better value than Saxenda. While both drugs help reduce body weight, semaglutide led to a higher average weight loss and was less expensive per percentage of weight lost than liraglutide.

Consult a healthcare provider to determine the most effective medication for your specific condition. The weight loss benefits of either drug can depend on various factors, including overall medical history and the response to the medication. 

Saxenda vs. Wegovy: Insurance coverage and cost comparison

Insurance coverage for these medications can vary depending on the plan. However, insurance plans don’t typically cover weight-loss treatments. While some insurance plans may cover Saxenda or Wegovy, others may not. Therefore, many patients may have to pay full retail price. The average retail price of a month’s supply of Saxenda injection pens is around $1,802. In contrast, the average retail price of a month’s supply of Wegovy is around $1,234. 

RELATED: How much is Saxenda without insurance? 

* Insurance coverage varies by plan and by patient.

Some people without adequate insurance coverage may find that using a prescription discount card helps lower the costs. SingleCare offers a discount card for Saxenda and Wegovy, among other prescription drugs, that may help lower the retail price.  

Saxenda vs. Wegovy side effects

As GLP-1 receptor agonists, Saxenda and Wegovy can cause similar side effects, such as gastrointestinal problems like nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, and stomach pain. Other side effects may include headaches and dizziness. 

Although both medications may cause injection site reactions, such as swelling, itching, or redness around the area of injection, Saxenda may be more likely to cause these reactions than Wegovy. Saxenda may also cause increased lipase enzyme levels, while Wegovy is known to cause common cold symptoms like runny nose and sore throat. 

Potential serious side effects of Saxenda and Wegovy include serious allergic reactions, with symptoms such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, and throat. Other serious potential side effects may include inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), gallbladder problems, and kidney failure. 

Frequency is not based on data from a head-to-head trial. This may not be a complete list of adverse effects that can occur. Please refer to your doctor or healthcare provider to learn more.

Source: DailyMed (Saxenda), DailyMed (Wegovy)

Saxenda and Wegovy drug interactions

Because Saxenda and Wegovy can delay the emptying of the stomach, they may slow the absorption of over-the-counter and prescription medications taken by mouth. As a result, there’s a possibility that taking Saxenda or Wegovy could prolong how long it takes for a drug to work or reduce the effectiveness of the medication. 

Saxenda and Wegovy may interact with drugs that lower blood sugar levels. Taking these medications with other medicines for diabetes, such as insulin or sulfonylureas, may increase the risk of low blood sugar levels. 

Consult a healthcare professional for other possible drug interactions.

Saxenda and Wegovy drug warnings

Both Saxenda and Wegovy carry similar warnings and precautions. They both have a boxed warning on their drug labels that indicates a potential risk for thyroid tumors. Individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or those with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) may need to avoid taking Saxenda and Wegovy. 

Saxenda and Wegovy may cause increases in heart rate, which may lead to potential problems for people with cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure. In addition, Saxenda and Wegovy carry a risk of acute pancreatitis, acute gallbladder disease, kidney problems like kidney failure, and suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Hypoglycemia is also a potential risk with both drugs, especially in people taking other medications for diabetes. 

Seek immediate medical help if you experience side effects that persist or worsen. You may need emergency medical attention if you experience signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing. 

Avoid using Saxenda or Wegovy while pregnant, as these drugs may cause harm to an unborn baby. Because of the long half-life of Wegovy, women who are planning pregnancy should stop taking Wegovy at least two months before becoming pregnant. It’s not known whether Saxenda or Wegovy can cause harm to a breastfeeding child. Consult a healthcare provider before taking Saxenda or Wegovy if you plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. 

Frequently asked questions about Saxenda vs. Wegovy

Saxenda vs. Wegovy: Which is better?

Saxenda and Wegovy are effective medications approved to manage weight. The effectiveness of the drugs can vary based on various factors like individual responses and dosage. Still, current research suggests that Wegovy may lead to more significant weight loss than Saxenda. However, healthcare providers may recommend the most appropriate option based on a person’s overall condition.

Will insurance pay for Saxenda or Wegovy for weight loss?

Saxenda and Wegovy, like other weight-loss medications, are not usually covered by insurance plans. These medications can often be expensive, and the Affordable Care Act states that insurance plans aren’t required to cover these types of medications. In addition, weight loss is often considered a cosmetic need instead of a medical one. In some cases, however, insurance plans may cover the medications with prior authorization from a healthcare provider.

Is it OK to switch from Saxenda to Wegovy?

It’s possible that Saxenda may be switched to Wegovy by a healthcare provider. However, this switch should not be done without medical guidance. The appropriate way to switch medications may depend on the reason for the switch and the current dosage of the medication being switched. For example, switching from a low dose of Saxenda may involve starting with a low dose of Wegovy and a gradual increase to the target dose.

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