Weight Loss Drugs: Saxenda VS Wegovy

Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide), two injectable medications for weight reduction, have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Both pharmaceuticals are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, a group of medicines.

The fact that Wegovy is injected once weekly whereas Saxenda is injected once daily is a key distinction between the two. This article will cover differences in effectiveness and dosing of Weight Loss Drugs like Saxenda and Wegovy.

What Is Saxenda?

Liraglutide is an injectable drug that is available under the trade name Saxenda. It is injected using a pen injector just beneath the skin.

Saxenda became the first GLP-1 agonist approved for weight loss in people without diabetes in 2014.

It’s meant to be used along with diet and exercise in people with a body mass index (BMI) at or above 30 kilograms per meter squared (kg/m²). A person's weight in kilograms divided by their height in square meters yields this measurement.

The FDA also approved its use in adolescents 12 to 17 years old who weigh more than 132 pounds (60 kg).

How Does Saxenda Work?

Saxenda is a GLP-1 agonist, simulating the hormone GLP-1 that your body naturally generates. GLP-1 increases the production of insulin in your body, reduces hunger, and prolongs the feeling of fullness. Together, these measures may contribute to weight reduction.

The same medication, liraglutide, is also offered under the brand name Victoza for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They cannot be used interchangeably because this medicine is dosed differently from Saxenda.

What Is Wegovy?

Wegovy, a brand of semaglutide, is a once-weekly injectable medication. Administered using a pen injector beneath the skin, it earned FDA approval in 2021 as the first weight loss drug since Saxenda's approval in 2014.

In addition to Saxenda, semaglutide is available in other brand-name products, such as Ozempic and Rybelsus, approved for treating type 2 diabetes. However, it's important to note that these other brands have distinct dosing regimens from Wegovy.

How Does Wegovy Work?

Belonging to the same drug class, Wegovy operates similarly to Saxenda. It's also a GLP-1 agonist that suppresses appetite and enhances the feeling of fullness, albeit with a much longer duration of action compared to Saxenda. After injection, Wegovy remains effective for approximately 165 hours, whereas Saxenda's effects last around 13 to 15 hours.

While Wegovy involves a weekly injection, Saxenda necessitates daily administration.

Saxenda VS Wegovy: Which Is More Effective?

A study comparing weight loss outcomes between the two medications revealed that individuals using Wegovy experienced significantly greater weight loss than those on Saxenda. After 68 weeks of treatment, the average weight reduction with Wegovy was 15.8% and with Saxenda, it was about 6.4%.

These results were not solely attributed to the medication but also resulted from improvements in exercise and diet.

The findings from this study are in line with the outcomes of clinical trials that both drugs underwent before approval.

For individuals dealing with overweight or obesity and at least one comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia), the weight loss results after 68 weeks of Wegovy or Saxenda use were as follows:

Wegovy led to an average weight reduction of 14.9%.

Saxenda resulted in an average decrease of 7.4%.

The advantages of these medications may extend beyond weight loss. In recent findings, the manufacturer of Wegovy disclosed that the drug reduced the risk of heart problems by 20 percent in specific patient groups.

Dosage: Saxenda vs. Wegovy

Information on how Saxenda and Wegovy are taken and what similarities and differences exist between the two:

Available strengths and pen sizes

Saxenda: Prefilled pen containing 3 milliliters (mL) that can deliver doses

of 0.6 milligrams (mg), 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, 2.4 mg, or 3 mg; the same

pen will be used over many days.

Wegovy: Single-dose pens that come with dosages of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg,

1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg; a different pen will be used for each dose each week.

Recommended dosing

Saxenda: Week 1: 0.6 mg daily

Week 2: 1.2 mg daily

Week 3: 1.8 mg daily

Week 4: 2.4 mg daily

Thereafter: 3 mg daily

Wegovy: Weeks 1–4: 0.25 mg weekly

Weeks 5–8: 0.5 mg weekly

Weeks 9–12: 1 mg weekly

Weeks 13–16: 1.7 mg weekly

Weeks 17 on: 2.4 mg weekly

Available generically

Saxenda: No

Wegovy: No

Pediatric and adolescent dosing

Saxenda: Approved for people 12 years and older, with the same goal

maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly; may reduce to 1.7 mg

weekly if 2.4 mg is not tolerated.

Wegovy: Approved for people 12 years and older, with the same goal

maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly; may reduce to 1.7 mg

weekly if 2.4 mg is not tolerated.

Also Read: Weight Loss Drugs: Saxenda VS Mounjaro

Alternative Approaches for Blood Sugar and Body Composition

Management Beyond drug administration, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and body composition can be achieved through exercise and dietary improvements.

Clinical trials show that combining Saxenda and Wegovy use with these lifestyle changes produces better results.

For individuals with prediabetes, there are strategies to prevent its progression to diabetes, possibly avoiding medication altogether.

The National Diabetes Prevention Program offers programs and education nationwide, lowering the risk of type 2 diabetes development by 58% or more in people over 60.

Maintaining a healthy body composition and controlling blood sugar levels can be achieved through various lifestyle choices and behaviors, as stated by the National DPP:

Incorporating healthy eating without eliminating favored foods.

Adding physical activity in ways that are convenient and enjoyable.

Healthily managing stress.

Navigating challenges that could disrupt your plan, such as choosing healthier foods while dining out.

Getting back on track if deviations occur.

Given the complexity of nutrition changes, consulting a registered dietitian (RD), registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN), or certified diabetes care and education specialist (CDCES) can provide valuable assistance.

Precautions

Both Saxenda and Wegovy carry a black box warning from the FDA due to the potential of causing thyroid C-cell tumors in rats and mice.

The risk in humans remains uncertain, but if you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, it's advised to avoid Saxenda and Wegovy.

Other serious potential effects of GLP-1 agonists like Saxenda and Wegovy include:

Acute pancreatitis

Gallbladder disease

Hypoglycemia

Acute kidney injury

Complications of diabetic retinopathy in type 2 diabetes patients Increased heart rate

Thoughts of suicide

Common Side Effects of Saxenda and Wegovy

Both Saxenda and Wegovy share some common side effects, which may include:

Nausea (particularly during initial use)
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Increased heart rate
Diarrhea
Constipation
Headache
Dizziness
Fatigue

Who Should Avoid Saxenda or Wegovy?

GLP-1 agonist medications such as Saxenda and Wegovy are not suitable for everyone.

Before taking Wegovy or Saxenda, it's important to consider certain factors. These include:

Thyroid cancer in one's family or own personal history

Experiencing severe reactions such as swelling or breathing difficulties to the medication or any inactive ingredients

A history of suicidal behaviour or thoughts, as these medications have the potential to make mental health disorders worse

Pregnancy or breastfeeding status as risks to developing fetuses are not well understood

Plans to become pregnant within the next two months.

Before beginning the drug, it's crucial to go through things with your doctor.

Interactions for Saxenda and Wegovy

When using a GLP-1 agonist like Saxenda or Wegovy alongside other diabetes medications (e.g., glyburide or glipizide), be cautious of potential hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

The risk of hypoglycemia increases with multiple diabetes medications, and adjustments to the doses of other diabetes drugs may be necessary upon starting a GLP-1 agonist.

Saving on Wegovy and Saxenda

Wegovy and Saxenda are exclusively available as brand-name medications.

Leverage copay savings cards. If you possess commercial insurance and meet the necessary criteria, you can secure Wegovy for as low as $25 by making use of the manufacturer’s savings card.

Similarly, Saxenda can also be procured for as little as $25 through the manufacturer’s savings card.

Wegovy

The cost of Wegovy is subject to change due to various factors, including your insurance coverage and the pricing set by your local pharmacy.

Without insurance, the monthly cost of Wegovy can exceed $1,500. If you are covered, your monthly cost could be as low as $25.

Saxenda

The cost of Saxenda closely mirrors that of Wegovy.

In cases where insurance does not cover the expenses, monthly costs might climb to $1,300 or more. Nevertheless, with insurance, the monthly expenditure for Saxenda can be as minimal as $25.

For reference, a 0.25 mg/0.5 mL, 2-milliliter subcutaneous solution of Wegovy is priced at approximately $1,400. Similarly, an 18 mg/3 mL, 15-milliliter subcutaneous solution of Saxenda also amounts to around $1,400.

Conclusion

Saxenda and Wegovy are effective GLP-1 agonists that foster weight loss by controlling appetite and prolonging the sensation of fullness. Both are self-administered, but Wegovy requires only a weekly injection, while Saxenda demands daily administration.

In clinical trials, individuals using Wegovy lost almost twice the weight of those using Saxenda.

For optimal results, these medications should be paired with exercise and dietary adjustments. This can involve increasing fiber and vegetable intake, ensuring sufficient protein consumption, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there any controversy surrounding Saxenda or Wegovy?

Yes, there is controversy regarding Saxenda and Wegovy. Both drugs, GLP-1 agonists used for diabetes and weight loss, carry a black box warning for potential thyroid C-cell tumors. Their potential off-label use for cosmetic reasons might lead to shortages for medical users. Reported side effects, including nausea and diarrhea, add to the concerns.

How should Wegovy be stored?

Store Wegovy in a refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C), avoiding freezing. If needed at room temperature, keep it in the original carton, away from light, for up to 28 days below 86°F (30°C). Don't remove the pen cap until use. After cap removal, it can be stored at room temperature for 30 days.

How much weight did the wegovy group lose?

How much weight did the Saxenda group lose?

Who makes wegovy® & Saxenda®?

Both Wegovy® and Saxenda® are made by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk.

Wegovy® is a once-weekly injectable medication.

Saxenda® is a once-daily injectable medication.

Is Saxenda the same as Victoza?

No, Saxenda and Victoza differ. They're both injectables for weight loss but with distinct ingredients and uses. Saxenda has liraglutide for chronic weight management in obese or overweight adults. Victoza contains liraglutide too, but it's for type 2 diabetes in adults and kids above 10.

Is Saxenda a GLP-1 agonist?