What’s the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?

Approved uses: How are they different?

While both medications contain the same active ingredient, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved them to treat different uses.

Note: The approved uses may vary depending on the form of the medication (such as weekly injections vs. once-daily oral tablets).

Ozempic’s uses: Managing blood sugar and protecting heart and kidney health

Ozempic is approved to treat type 2 diabetes and certain complications of it. Its approved uses include:

• managing blood sugar, when used alongside a balanced diet and regular exercise
• lowering the risk of major heart problems (such as a heart attack or stroke) in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease
• lowering the risk of kidney failure, major kidney function decline, and heart-related death in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease

Wegovy’s uses: Managing weight, protecting the heart, and treating liver inflammation

Wegovy is approved to help manage weight loss and certain weight-related health issues. Its approved uses include:

• weight loss and weight management in adults with obesity or overweight, with at least one weight-related health condition (such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol)
• weight loss and weight management in children ages 12 years and older with obesity
• lowering the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and heart-related death in adults with overweight or obesity with known heart disease
• treating a severe type of fatty liver disease called MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) in some adults

How they’re given: Forms, doses, and schedules

Both Ozempic and Wegovy can be given either as a weekly injection just under the skin or taken as a daily oral tablet. However, the available strengths and delivery devices are different.

Weekly subcutaneous injections

Weekly injections are given in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The medication is equally effective when injected into any of the approved locations, but it’s important to rotate your injection sites each week to prevent scarring and irritation.

Daily oral tablets

If you prefer to avoid needles, both Wegovy and Ozempic are available as once-daily pills that you swallow. The table below outlines the key differences between Ozempic and Wegovy tablets.

To ensure the medication is absorbed properly, it’s important to take the tablet first thing in the morning on an empty stomach.

Swallow the tablet whole with a small sip of plain water (no more than 4 ounces). Then, you’ll need to wait 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking any other pills.

Note: Tablets and injections cannot be swapped on a milligram-for-milligram basis. For guidance on the safest way to switch between injection and tablet formulations, talk with your doctor.

To learn more about Wegovy and Ozempic’s dosages for other conditions, see our articles on Wegovy dosage and Ozempic dosage.

Comparing side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy

Because Ozempic and Wegovy contain the exact same active drug (semaglutide), they are expected to cause the same potential side effects. The most common side effects of both drugs are typically mild and resolve on their own as your body adjusts to the medication.

Common mild side effects

Most mild side effects happen during the first few weeks of starting the medication or right after you step up to a higher dose. These commonly include:

• nausea and occasional vomiting
• diarrhea or constipation
• stomach pain and bloating
• heartburn or acid reflux
• fatigue and headache

Simple tips to handle stomach upset

• Eat smaller portions: Stop eating as soon as you begin to feel full to avoid overstretching your stomach.
• Choose bland foods: Focus on low-fat, non-greasy options like crackers, toast, rice, or clear broths.
• Drink plenty of fluids: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you have diarrhea or vomiting, to protect your kidneys.
• Avoid eating late: Stop eating at least 2 to 3 hours before lying down to reduce nighttime heartburn.

For a more comprehensive guide, see these articles on Ozempic side effects and Wegovy side effects.

You can also take a look at some of our other helpful guides:

• What should I eat on Ozempic to avoid nausea?
• Wegovy nutrition: What to eat and what to avoid
• What vitamins to take with Ozempic (semaglutide) and why

Safety warnings: What you need to know

Because they contain the same active ingredient, Ozempic and Wegovy have very similar safety profiles.

Both drugs have been extensively tested for safety and effectiveness, but it’s important to talk with your doctor about your personal health history before starting treatment. The risk of complications during while taking Ozempic or Wegovy may be higher if you have certain health factors, including:

• a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• history of pancreatitis
• taking another medication that affects your blood sugar
• diabetic retinopathy
• chronic dehydration or risk factors for dehydration
• gallbladder problems
• upcoming surgery requiring general anesthesia or deep sedation

To learn more about medications and health factors that can affect treatment with these drugs, see our articles on Ozempic interactions and Wegovy interactions.

Summary: Which one is right for you?

Choosing between Ozempic and Wegovy comes down to your primary health goals and your overall medical history.

If your main focus is managing type 2 diabetes and protecting your heart and kidney health from diabetes complications, Ozempic is the recommended option. On the other hand, if you’re looking for long-term weight management, lowering heart risks unrelated to type 2 diabetes, or addressing liver damage from MASH, Wegovy may be a better option.