From the Guidelines
Ozempic and Wegovy are both brand names for the drug semaglutide, but they differ in their approved uses and dosing, with Ozempic primarily used for type 2 diabetes management and Wegovy specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity. The main difference lies in their dosing: Ozempic is typically administered once weekly in doses up to 2 mg, whereas Wegovy is prescribed in higher doses, up to 2.4 mg once weekly, as recommended by the American Gastroenterological Association 1. This higher dosage of Wegovy is designed to maximize weight loss effects, as supported by studies such as the SUSTAIN-6 trial, which demonstrated the efficacy of semaglutide in reducing cardiovascular events in people with type 2 diabetes 1. Despite containing the same active ingredient, these medications are not interchangeable due to their distinct FDA approvals and dosing regimens. The choice between Ozempic and Wegovy depends on the specific medical condition being treated and should be made under the guidance of a healthcare provider, taking into account the patient's individual needs and medical history, as well as the potential benefits and risks of each medication, including the risk of pancreatitis and gallbladder disease associated with GLP-1 receptor agonists 1. Key considerations in the selection of semaglutide for weight management include the presence of weight-related comorbidities, the patient's ability to tolerate the medication, and the potential for adverse effects, such as nausea and vomiting, which can be mitigated by gradual dose titration 1. Ultimately, the decision to use Ozempic or Wegovy should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's overall health and treatment goals, with a focus on minimizing morbidity, mortality, and improving quality of life, as emphasized in the standards of care in diabetes-2025 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
INDICATIONS AND USAGE OZEMPIC is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated as: • an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (1). • to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease (1).
The differences in indications between Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) cannot be determined from the provided information, as the label only discusses Ozempic.
- Key points about Ozempic include its use in:
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Cardiovascular disease However, no information is provided about Wegovy. 2
From the Research
Indications for Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide)
The main differences in indications between Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are:
- Ozempic (semaglutide) is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) 3
- Wegovy (semaglutide) is indicated for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition 4, 5
Key Differences
Key differences between the two indications include:
- Dosage: Ozempic (semaglutide) is typically administered at a dose of 0.5 or 1.0 mg once weekly, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is administered at a dose of 2.4 mg once weekly 4, 5
- Patient population: Ozempic (semaglutide) is intended for patients with T2D, while Wegovy (semaglutide) is intended for patients with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition 3, 4
- Clinical trials: The SUSTAIN and PIONEER clinical trials studied the use of semaglutide in patients with T2D, while the STEP trial examined the effects of semaglutide on patients with obesity 4
Additional Information
Additional information on the differences between Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) includes:
- Regulatory approval: Wegovy (semaglutide) was approved by the FDA for weight loss in 2021, while Ozempic (semaglutide) was approved for the treatment of T2D in 2017 4, 5
- Clinical outcomes: Semaglutide has been shown to have superior efficacy in weight reduction and glycemic control compared to placebo and other antidiabetic medications 4, 5