Saxenda vs Wegovy are both effective treatments for weight loss. Both are GLP 1 medications that are FDA-approved and have visible results when combined with diet and exercise.
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Saxenda vs Wegovy For Weight Management – A Quick Overview
With the lifestyle we carry, obesity has become a common problem. More and more people are seeking ways to shed that extra weight and lead healthier lives. We can’t deny the importance of being healthy. Taking the number of people looking for weight loss treatments, Novo Nordisk came up with Saxenda and Wegovy. These two are weight loss medicines used for controlling weight. Saxenda vs Wegovy is a brand name for the class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. They are available in the form of an injection.
Saxenda vs Wegovy controls hunger by mimicking a natural hormone in our body. This hormone suppresses the pangs of hunger. Thus, the person using it will eat less and lose weight. Saxenda vs Wegovy injections offer excellent results when combined with exercise and diet.
Saxenda vs Wegovy- Are They Different?
The answer to that is Yes. Both of these medications have different active ingredients. Sanxenda vs Wegovy are different. Wegovy has semaglutide in it, while Saxenda has liraglutide in it. Other differences include dose, weight loss results, and cost.
If you are looking for the best treatment for weight loss and are interested in Saxenda or Wegovy injectables, please consult a healthcare provider for better medical advice, as they can guide you to the best treatment plan.
Main Difference: Saxenda vs Wegovy
Although their active ingredients vary, they both work as GLP-1 medications. In comparison,
- Wegovy, founded in 2017, is a new drug in the market, while Saxenda got its FDA approval in 2010.
- The next difference between Saxenda and Wegovy is the dose. Saxenda’s drug administration is a daily injection, while Wegovy is a weekly injection.
- Another difference is that the half-life of Saxenda is only 13 hours, while the Wegovy half-life is 7 days.
- The final difference is that Saxenda is suitable for children of 12 and older years of age, and their weight is more than 132 pounds. They are considered obese according to their body mass index and BMI values. In contrast, Wegovy is for more severe obesity.
Conditions Treated: Saxenda vs. Wegovy
The US FDA approved Saxenda and Wegovy for weight loss management in adults with 30 or more BMI and with at least one weight-related issue, for example, high blood pressure, high level of cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes. Other than that, Saxenda vs Wegovy is also used for obesity in children over 12 years of age.
NOTE- none of these drugs cure obesity or issues related to it. The medications can only support the treatment plans for weight loss. Exercise and a low-calorie diet are mandatory for the medicine to show effect. When taking these medicines, people use a reduced-calorie diet and do more physical activity, which helps manage chronic weight.
Cost and Insurance Coverage Saxenda vs Wegovy
When deciding on a weight loss plan, considering the cost is essential. The average price of a Saxenda injectable pen is around $ 1802/month, and for Wegovy, it is $ 1234 only. Usually, you will need five pens/per month once you are familiar with the titration process and only one pen for Wegovy. One pen of Wegovy consists of four doses, one for each week.
Insurance plans vary for these medications. Most of the time. Nevertheless, insurance does not cover weight loss treatments. Some companies may cover Saxenda, some Wegovy, and others none.
Which is More Effective, Saxenda vs Wegovy, For Weight Loss Treatment?
Both are clinically approved for weight loss, and they work similarly by enhancing the production of insulin and suppressing hunger, aiding in weight loss. Although studies were done, this is what they found;
- This study lasted 68 weeks, and the results showed that adults who were obese and on Wegovy once a week lost more weight than adults who took Saxenda daily. During the trial, these adults were taking a calorie-reduced diet and exercising. Almost ⅓ of the people taking Wegovy lost 20% > weight of their body, while people taking Saxenda lost 6% of their body weight.
- The other study showed that Saxenda vs. Wegovy yielded better value regarding a higher weight loss plan and less cost. Consult your healthcare provider if you are looking for weight loss medications, as they can determine the best medicine for you.
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Side Effects- Saxenda vs Wegovy
As both are GLP-1 receptor agonists, and all weight loss drugs come with potential side effects, look out for the following;
- Gastrointestinal/abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- diarrhea/constipation
- Headaches
- dizziness
Injection site swelling, itchiness, and redness are common. Although Saxenda can cause more chances of these reactions, Saxenda injections increase lipase enzyme levels. On the other hand, Wegovy leads to runny nose and sore throat or other cold symptoms.
Some severe side effects are;
- Hives
- Swelling of the face
- Difficulty in breathing
- Inflammation of the pancreases
- Low blood sugar levels
- Kidney failure and
- Gallbladder problems
Drug Interactions- Saxenda vs Wegovy
Since these medicines slow the emptying of the stomach, it can lead to slower absorption of over-the-counter medications. The food intake naturally is less. Therefore, if you take other medicines, their effectiveness may be altered, and the time taken for them to work will also be affected. If you are on glipizide and glyburide (drugs to reduce blood sugar) or any other diabetes medication, then discuss with your doctor, as using Saxenda vs Wegovy with these medicines can lead to hypoglycemia. The risk is higher if you are using multiple drugs for controlling diabetes.
Saxenda vs Wegovy Drug Warnings
Using either Saxenda or Wejovy comes with its own warnings. Make sure you know the health issues it can lead to.
C- Cell Tumors
Note that Saxenda vs Wegovy have similar precautions and warnings. Both of them have boxed warnings, indicating an increased risk of thyroid tumors. It is advisable to consult and discuss with your doctor if you have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma MTC and have multiple endocrine neoplasias syndrome type 2 MEN 2, as you need to avoid both Wegovy and Saxenda in this case. Research has shown that GLP 1 agonists cause C-cell tumors in mice and rats, although the risks in humans are not known.
Increased Heart Rate
Saxenda vs Wegovy leads to palpitations. A higher-than-usual heart rate causes complications like high blood pressure and may affect people with cardiovascular disease.
Other Complications
- Acute pancreatitis
- Acute gallbladder disease
- High risk of kidney failure
- Suicidal behavior/thoughts.
- Hypoglycemia
Do not use Saxenda vs Wegovy if you are pregnant, as these medicines can damage the baby. If you are planning to become pregnant soon, stop taking Wegovy at least two months earlier, as it has a higher half-life. Breastfeeding mothers should take precautions, too, although no studies suggest it causes harm to the child.
Always consult your healthcare provider before starting Saxenda vs Wegovy for weight loss, and share all your medical history and conditions well in advance.
Bottom Line
If you are on a weight loss journey, Saxenda vs Wegovy are prescription medications for you. Both lead to significant weight loss and have had their share of clinical trials done. Contact Therapy Fleet to book an online consultation from our mental health professional today. Our team consists of certified and trained medical professionals who are experts in their field.
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Medical Disclaimer:
At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.
Every small step towards your weight loss goal is a victory! Keep pushing forward—your hard work is paying off!
FAQs on Saxenda vs. Wegovy
1. Which is a better choice, Saxenda vs Wegovy?
Both Saxenda and Wegovy are excellent medicines, but they work differently. The efficiency depends on how someone responds to the drug and their dose. However, some studies show that Wegovy may be better at weight loss results. Please only start on medication with prior consultation from your healthcare provider. They can recommend the best option based on the person’s overall health.
2. Saxenda vs Wegovy- will my insurance cover the expenses?
Like other weight loss medications, Saxenda and Wegovy are not covered via insurance. No doubt, these medications are on the higher end as per the Affordable Care Act; there’s no obligation on the insurance to cover the costs of these medicines. Plus, weight loss medicines are classified as cosmetics, not medical treatment. However, some companies might cover the cost of the medicines only with authorization from the healthcare provider. Check with your insurance company for more information.
3. Can i switch from Wegovy to Saxenda or viceversa?
Only a healthcare provider can switch medicines if they feel the need to. Please only switch Saxenda vs Wegovy with medical guidance. Switching medicines depends on why you want to make the switch in the first place, keeping the current dose in mind. For example, if you are on a low dose of Wegovy, then favorably, you will be given a lower dose of Saxenda.
