WeGovy vs Ozempic: An Overview

WeGovy vs Ozempic is an ongoing debate; there are many pros and cons to consider for both of them. The reason they both target the pancreas and aid it in secreting more insulin is semaglutide, the common active ingredient in both drugs.

Semaglutide is the ingredient that gets involved with the pancreas. Once the pancreas secretes sufficient amounts of insulin with the help of semaglutide, the insulin moves the sugar content in the blood to other tissues that utilize it as energy.

Also Read:Liraglutide vs Semaglutide for Weight Loss

Another function of semaglutide is that it slows the digestion of the food we consume. This results in a decrease in appetite, that in turn helps in weight loss.

Although both WeGovy and Ozempic are drugs that function as semaglutide, their FDA-approved functions vary.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a popular medication often recommended by healthcare professionals to help control blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It contains an active ingredient called semaglutide, which mimics a natural hormone in the body called GLP-1. This hormone helps to increase insulin production after eating, slow down the digestion process, and reduce the amount of sugar released by the liver. By doing these things, Ozempic helps to lower and manage blood sugar levels effectively.

Doctors usually prescribe Ozempic as an injection that is taken once a week.

While Ozempic can be very effective in managing diabetes, it may also have side effects, so it's crucial to discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional. If you want to discuss any concerns regarding Ozempic, you can reach out to one of the medical professionals at Science & Humans.

What is WeGovy?

WeGovy is a prescription medication designed for weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes.

The active ingredient in WeGovy is also semaglutide, similar to Ozempic. However, WeGovy is specifically formulated for weight loss. It works by mimicking the GLP-1 hormone, which helps reduce appetite and calorie intake.

WeGovy is administered weekly as an injection under the skin. When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, WeGovy can help patients lose significant weight.

The most common side effects of WeGovy include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. It's important to use WeGovy under the supervision of a healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective weight loss.

Ozempic vs WeGovy: Indications & FDA-Approvals

While both drugs have the same active ingredient, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they both have different primary uses. WeGovy is FDA-approved to treat obesity, in contrast to Ozempic, whose primary function is to treat Type 2 diabetes and regulate blood sugar levels. However, either can be prescribed to reduce cardiovascular risks.

Both require a prescription and since both of them are effective against weight gain, many doctors prescribe either of them to deal with weight management.

WeGovy is prescribed to patients who are adults or adolescents aged 12 and older. It is given to those people who do not have diabetes. Ozempic is approved to treat Type 2 diabetes in adults. It is also prescribed if there is a chronic heart disease as it lowers the risk of cardiovascular issues as well.

Although Ozempic is not approved to treat obesity, several medical professionals prescribe Ozempic off-label to manage weight. Since it is given off-label, the highest dosage given is quite less as compared to WeGovy.

Ozempic vs WeGovy: Dosage Comparison

The doses prescribed by medical professionals for both drugs are quite different. Both of them begin with a low dosage. Typically, the dosage is increased every 4 weeks, but it differs from individual to individual as everybody reacts to the drug in a unique way.

WeGovy dosage (once weekly):

• Month 1: 0.25 mg (starting dosage)

• Month 2: 0.5 mg 

• Month 3: 1 mg 

• Month 4: 1.7 mg 

• Month 5: 2.4 mg (recommended target dosage)

Ozempic dosage (once weekly):

• Month 1: 0.25 mg (starting dosage)

• Month 2: 0.5 mg

Ozempic dosage may be increased up to 2 mg once weekly (maximum dosage).

While the gradual increase of dosage is similar, the rate at which both of these drugs impact the human body is different. While WeGovy shows a significant difference within 5 months, Ozempic may take a while to show improvements.

The administration of these drugs differs only slightly. They both have to be injected via a pen, the main difference is that while WeGovy comes as a single dose, one-time-use pen, Ozempic pens can be used multiple times and their doses have to be manually altered.

Ozempic vs WeGovy: Results of Clinical Trials

WeGovy and Ozempic had different agendas for their clinical trials. WeGovy was tested for its efficiency in reducing body weight, on the other hand, Ozempic was tested to reduce blood sugar levels in people.

Few clinical trials have been conducted in this field, one of which states that adults taking WeGovy lost an average of 10% of their body weight, and another 8% post 68th week. The starting dose of Ozempic is proved to not make a significant difference to blood glucose levels at first.

Another study states the effectiveness of WeGovy vs. Ozempic. Taking the highest dose of 2mg Ozempic vs 2.4mg WeGovy, there is an average of 2.1% reduction in A1C (used to evaluate a person’s blood glucose levels) by Ozempic and 3% by WeGovy. The former showed an average weight loss of 14lbs, as compared to the latter which is at 35lbs on average.

Side Effects Comparison of WeGovy and Ozempic

Ozempic and WeGovy, both have a number of side effects that should be noted before starting any treatment. Due to the dosage difference (WeGovy’s highest being 2.4mg and Ozempic’s at 2mg), there is a chance you may face more intense side effects when you take WeGovy. The intensity also depends on your age, lifestyle, other medications you consume, any medical condition you may have, etc.

Common side effects include:

• Constipation 

• Nausea 

• Kidney failure

• Diarrhea

• Gastroparesis 

• Headache 

• Dizziness

• Fatigue 

• Bloating, and gas

There are ways to tackle such side effects if advised by the medical provider. For instance, constipation can be handled by consuming more fiber-rich foods, and headaches can be reduced by taking magnesium supplements. Regardless, if the symptoms get worse, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.

Rarer side effects could include:

• Gallbladder problems 

• Increased heart rate 

• Pancreatitis 

• Low blood sugar 

• Severe allergic reaction

Be informed and ensure regular check-ups with your concerned medical provider.

WeGovy vs. Ozempic: Costs Comparison

People who choose to take either WeGovy or Ozempic usually do so on insurance. Without it, patients are looking at approximately $1,349 for WeGovy’s monthly supply. In comparison to that, Ozempic’s pen injector costs approximately $935 and lasts for 4 weeks. Most healthcare providers recommend utilizing your insurance for this.

WeGovy and Ozempic, both are brand-name medications as compared to generic medicines. The latter are copies of the active ingredient, which may be available at a much cheaper price than on-brand medications. This is also a reason why both of these are so expensive.

Patient Assistance Programs & Insurance

A lot of companies do not cover Ozempic and WeGovy in their insurance. Ensure that you clarify which if either is allowed under your insurance plan. Some websites have coupons for these medicines.

Ensure that you talk it through with your doctor as well as your insurance company before you get the medications, otherwise, you might have to pay the full price. At times the prescription can be filled for a long period, so it is suggested that you run this through with your insurance company in complete detail. With certain insurances, you may get WeGovy for free and Ozempic for as cheap as $25.

Novo Nordisk, the brand that sells WeGovy and Ozempic, has a Patient Assistance Program to aid people who need medical assistance. There is no fee charged, and everyone who is eligible gets their medications for free.

Eligibility criteria for the PAP:

• Be a US citizen or legal resident 

• Have a total income of ≤ 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL) 

• Have Medicare or no insurance

• Not be enrolled in or qualify for any other state, federal, or government program such as Medicaid, Low Income Subsidy, or Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits

Eligibility criteria for WeGovy & Ozempic treatments

People have different eligibility criteria to meet for WeGovy or Ozempic, as they are meant to treat separate things. WeGovy, for starters, requires a BMI of 30 or above, or a BMI of 27 or above with the addition of health risks. If the criteria are not met, then medical providers may give the drug “off-label”. It is okay to take as long as your doctor advises so. Adults or adolescents over the age of 12 have to meet these criteria in order to use WeGovy for chronic weight management.

Ozempic is a drug FDA-approved for Type 2 diabetes in adults. It is also prescribed if the adult has a heart disease, as Ozempic can reduce the risks of cardiovascular issues. People who are eligible to take Ozempic have less than 1% hemoglobin A1C levels.

Managing weight & Diabetes with WeGovy & Ozempic

FDA has clearly defined the functions of both of these drugs: WeGovy is to treat people with chronic weight management issues/obesity, whereas Ozempic is for people with Type 2 diabetes and to manage their blood sugar levels.

Regardless, they both share common solutions as well. They both have shown clear signs of managing body weight and blood glucose levels, as well as lowering the risks of cardiovascular ailments.

Ozempic focuses on creating a balance of sugar levels by provoking the pancreas to secrete more insulin. Semaglutide is also known for its interference with digestive processes. It convinces the brain that you are “too full”, thereby decreasing appetite. Maintaining blood glucose levels, semaglutide also reduces the risks of heart disease.

On the other hand, WeGovy is approved as a drug for weight loss, but since it has a higher dose of semaglutide, it helps with treating people for diabetes as well. Of course, as WeGovy is not certified to treat diabetes, it may be prescribed off-label, similar to Ozempic for weight control.

Ozempic or WeGovy: Which one should you choose?

It is always best to make an informed decision after consulting your medical provider. Not just your critical symptoms, but several other factors like your age, lifestyle, diet, exercise schedule, etc. play a role in deciding the most appropriate treatment for you.

Also Read: Natural Weight Loss Methods

For Type 2 diabetes, there are drugs other than Ozempic that you can consider, as is the case of WeGovy in the matter of weight management, like Saxenda, Contrave, etc. Discuss risks, pros, and cons with your healthcare provider. Be honest about any symptom or medical condition that you may have, as some drugs can have adverse reactions to certain ailments.

Whichever one you choose, you must stick to the doses, practice a healthy diet, and consistently exercise. Without these few lifestyle changes, drugs may not work as they are supposed to. It is a collective effort for a healthier body.

Also Read: How Magnesium helps with weight loss

WeGovy vs. Ozempic: Prescription Requirements

While several medical providers give off-label medications, it is essential to follow FDA’s guidelines. To take either of these drugs, you will require a proper prescription in Canada. Science&Humans provides healthcare consultants that you may talk to for these prescriptions. It is important to consider all the options before deciding on one. You can buy Ozempic or WeGovy in Canada by consulting professionals.