What is the same
Both labels describe semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, injected under the skin once a week [1][2]. Both carry the same boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors.
What differs
- Approved uses: Ozempic® is labelled for type 2 diabetes; Wegovy® for weight reduction, cardiovascular risk and MASH, including children 12 and older for weight [1][2].
- Pens: Ozempic® comes in multi-dose pens and single-dose syringes; Wegovy® mainly in single-dose pens, with a multi-dose FlexTouch® pen.
- Dose steps: each label sets its own starting dose, steps and highest dose in section 2; one product’s steps do not carry over to the other.
Side by side, from the labels
| Label item | Ozempic® (injection) | Wegovy® (injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist | Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Maker | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
| FDA-approved uses | Adults with type 2 diabetes: blood sugar control alongside diet and exercise; lowering the risk of major cardiovascular events in those with established cardiovascular disease; lowering the risk of kidney decline, kidney failure and cardiovascular death in those with chronic kidney disease. [1] | With diet and physical activity: lowering the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with cardiovascular disease and obesity or overweight; long-term weight reduction in adults and children 12 and older with obesity, and in adults with overweight plus a weight-related condition; MASH with moderate to advanced liver fibrosis in adults (accelerated approval). [2] |
| How it is taken | Once a week, under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm, on the same day each week. | Once a week, under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. The same label also covers Wegovy® tablets, taken once a day. |
| Forms in the US | Multi-dose pens and single-dose prefilled syringes, in several strengths (section 3). | Single-dose pens (one strength sold as Wegovy® HD), single-dose syringes and the FlexTouch® multi-dose pen (section 3). |
| Dose steps | Section 2.2 of the label: a low starting dose, raised in steps. Not repeated here; your prescriber sets your steps. [1] | Section 2.2 of the label: a low starting dose raised every 4 weeks, then a maintenance dose that depends on the use. Not repeated here; your prescriber sets your steps. [2] |
| Half-life (section 12.3) | About 1 week [1] | About 1 week [2] |
| Most common side effects (label) | Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation. | Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, indigestion, dizziness and others listed in the label. |
| Storage (label) | Refrigerated (2–8 °C) before first use. After first use a pen can be kept for up to 56 days at 15–30 °C or in the fridge. Not to be frozen. | Refrigerated (2–8 °C). A single-dose pen may be kept at 8–30 °C for up to 28 days; a FlexTouch® pen for up to 56 days after first use. Not to be frozen. |
| Boxed warning | Yes: risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. | Yes: risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. |
| In the EU (EMA) | Authorised since 2018 for adults with type 2 diabetes that is not controlled well enough. [3] | Authorised since 2022 for weight management in adults and in adolescents 12 and older who weigh more than 60 kg; tablets for adults only. [4] |
Timing facts from the labels
| Label item | Ozempic® (injection) | Wegovy® (injection) |
|---|---|---|
| Half-life (section 12.3) | About 1 week [1] | About 1 week [2] |
| Time to peak level (section 12.3) | 1 to 3 days after a dose [1] | 1 to 3 days after an injection [2] |
| Steady state (section 12.3) | After 4 to 5 weeks of weekly doses [1] | The label gives steady-state levels, not a time to reach them [2] |
| After the last dose (section 12.3) | About 5 weeks in the circulation after the last dose [1] | About 5 to 7 weeks in the circulation after the last dose [2] |
| Missed dose (section 2) | Taken within 5 days of the missed dose (section 2.1) [1] | Given if the next dose is more than 2 days away, otherwise skipped (section 2.4) [2] |
| Section on switching | None in the injection label [1] | Section 2.5, between Wegovy® injection and Wegovy® tablets only [2] |
Using them together
The Wegovy® label says using it with other semaglutide-containing products or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist is not recommended [2].
Moving between them, in either direction
Neither the Ozempic® (injection) label nor the Wegovy® (injection) label sets out a schedule for moving from one to the other [1][2]. The timing facts above describe each medicine on its own; they are not a plan for a change. If a switch comes up, in whichever direction, the gap, the first dose of the new medicine and its steps are set by your prescriber.
Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus®, Saxenda®, Victoza® and FlexTouch® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Mounjaro®, Zepbound® and KwikPen® are registered trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company; Foundayo™ is a trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. PepLabo is not affiliated with or endorsed by these companies.
