Ozempic
semaglutide · Novo Nordisk
Saxenda
liraglutide · Novo Nordisk
Side by side
| Ozempic | Saxenda | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | semaglutide | liraglutide |
| Maker | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
| Class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Approved for | Type 2 diabetes | Weight management |
| How you take it | once weekly injection | once daily injection |
| Starting dose | 0.25 mg | 0.6 mg |
| Highest dose | 2 mg | 3 mg |
| Main trial result | A1C fell about 1.5 to 1.8 points at 1 mg, with average weight loss of roughly 10 to 14 lb in most trials | 8.0% avg loss (SCALE Obesity and Prediabetes, 3 mg, 56 wk) |
| Nausea (label) | 16% to 20% vs 6% placebo | 39% vs 14% placebo |
| Missed-dose window | 5 days | resume the next day (more than 3 days missed: restart titration) |
| Out of the fridge | Up to 56 days after first use at 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) | Up to 30 days after first use at 59°F to 86°F |
| List price | $998/mo | $1,349/mo |
| Lowest self-pay | $349/mo | not offered |
Prices compiled mid-2026 from manufacturer announcements; re-checked monthly.
Key differences
- Different molecules. Ozempic is semaglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist); Saxenda is liraglutide (GLP-1 receptor agonist).
- Different approvals. Saxenda is approved for weight management; Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes. That shapes insurance coverage.
- Different routine. Ozempic is a once weekly injection; Saxenda is a once daily injection.
Trial weight loss
Which one fits you
That's a decision for you and your prescriber. The factors that usually decide it:
- Your diagnosis, which decides the approved option and often the coverage
- Whether your plan covers one and not the other
- A shot or a pill, weekly or daily
- How you tolerate side effects
- Cost if you pay yourself: see the cost index
How to use it
- Enter your numbers. Switch between US and metric units at any time.
- Results update as you type, and the formula is shown so you can check it.
- Copy the link, save the plan on this device, or print it for your next appointment.
These are estimates, not a diagnosis. A clinician can account for your health history and medicines.
Common questions
Is Ozempic the same as Saxenda?
No. They contain different medicines: semaglutide and liraglutide.
Which works better for weight loss, Ozempic or Saxenda?
Their main trials were separate, so a direct ranking isn't possible from that data. Your prescriber can weigh your history.
Can I switch from Ozempic to Saxenda?
Only with your prescriber. Switching usually means a new starting dose, not a direct swap.
Which is cheaper, Ozempic or Saxenda?
List prices are $998/mo and $1,349/mo a month; lowest self-pay options we track are $349/mo and not offered. Coverage usually matters more.
Sources
Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error