Saxenda vs Wegovy
Editorial comparison of Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide). Same drug class context, trial-anchored data, no marketing claims.
Side-by-side
| Dimension | Saxenda | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | liraglutide | semaglutide |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
| FDA approved | 2014 | 2021 |
| Mechanism | Single GLP-1 receptor agonist. Same mechanism family as semaglutide/Wegovy but shorter half-life (~13 hours) requiring daily dosing instead of weekly. | Semaglutide mimics GLP-1, a gut hormone released after meals. |
| Dosing | Titrated weekly: 0.6mg → 1.2mg → 1.8mg → 2.4mg → 3.0mg maintenance, all once daily. | Titrated over 4-5 months: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg, increasing every 4 weeks. |
| Cost | List price ~$1,350/month. Cash-pay similar. Insurance coverage variable. Cheaper coupons through Novo Nordisk savings card programs. | List price ~$1,350/month without insurance. |
| Pivotal trial result | 8.4% mean body-weight reduction at 56 weeks (3.0 mg dose) | 14.9% mean body-weight reduction at 68 weeks |
Full Saxenda review →
FDA-approved daily injectable liraglutide for chronic weight management. Older-generation GLP-1, daily dosing.
Full Wegovy review →
Once-weekly injectable semaglutide for chronic weight management. ~15% body weight loss in trials.
Frequently asked
Is Saxenda or Wegovy more effective?+
In their pivotal trials, Saxenda reported 8.4% mean body-weight reduction at 56 weeks (3.0 mg dose), while Wegovy reported 14.9% mean body-weight reduction at 68 weeks. Head-to-head results vary by patient profile, dose tolerated, and adherence — these trial numbers describe averages, not what every individual experiences.
How do Saxenda and Wegovy compare on cost?+
Saxenda: List price ~$1,350/month. Cash-pay similar. Insurance coverage variable. Cheaper coupons through Novo Nordisk savings card programs. Wegovy: List price ~$1,350/month without insurance. With Novo Nordisk's patient assistance program, eligible self-pay patients can access at $200-500/month. Insurance coverage is patchy and often requires prior authorization plus a documented weight-related comorbidity. Real out-of-pocket depends on insurance formulary tier, manufacturer savings programs, and whether a direct-pay channel is available.
Can I switch from Saxenda to Wegovy?+
Switching between brand-name treatments in the same drug class is common, but the conversion is not always 1:1. Discuss the switch with your prescriber — they'll usually re-titrate dosing rather than substitute equivalent strengths directly.
Are Saxenda and Wegovy the same drug?+
No. Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are distinct medications from Novo Nordisk and Novo Nordisk respectively. They may share a drug class or mechanism but differ in active ingredient, dosing, and approved use.