Ozempic
semaglutide · Novo Nordisk
Wegovy
semaglutide · Novo Nordisk
Side by side
| Ozempic | Wegovy | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | semaglutide | semaglutide |
| 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 weekly injection |
| Starting dose | 0.25 mg | 0.25 mg |
| Highest dose | 2 mg | 2.4 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 | 14.9% avg loss (STEP 1, 2.4 mg, 68 wk) |
| Nausea (label) | 16% to 20% vs 6% placebo | 44% vs 16% placebo |
| Missed-dose window | 5 days | until 2 days (48 hours) before the next dose |
| Out of the fridge | Up to 56 days after first use at 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) | Up to 28 days at 46°F to 86°F (8°C to 30°C) |
| List price | $998/mo | $1,349/mo |
| Lowest self-pay | $349/mo | $199/mo |
Prices compiled mid-2026 from manufacturer announcements; re-checked monthly.
Key differences
- Same medicine underneath. Both contain semaglutide. The differences are the approved use, the doses and how insurers treat them.
- Different approvals. Wegovy is approved for weight management; Ozempic is approved for type 2 diabetes. That shapes insurance coverage.
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 Wegovy?
They contain the same medicine, semaglutide, but are approved for different uses at different doses.
Which works better for weight loss, Ozempic or Wegovy?
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 Wegovy?
Only with your prescriber. Switching usually means a new starting dose, not a direct swap.
Which is cheaper, Ozempic or Wegovy?
List prices are $998/mo and $1,349/mo a month; lowest self-pay options we track are $349/mo and $199/mo. 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