Semaglutide vs. Ozempic: Understanding the Differences for Weight Loss

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The list of weight loss medications continues to grow, and keeping track of them all can be challenging. If you've encountered the terms Ozempic® and Semaglutide, you might wonder, "What’s the difference?" Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists known for promoting significant weight loss. Let's dive into their similarities and differences.

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What’s The Difference Between Semaglutide and Ozempic®?

Semaglutide is an active ingredient in several medications, including Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Rybelsus, and Compounded Semaglutide.

Ozempic is a brand-name medication that is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but is often prescribed off-label for weight loss. Wegovy® is another FDA-approved brand label for semaglutide, which is prescribed for the treatment of obesity.

Ozempic® and Wegovy® are proprietary products developed by Novo Nordisk, whereas Compounded Semaglutide is synthesized by compounding pharmacies. It's important to note that Compounded Semaglutide isn't a generic version of Ozempic® and while it’s not FDA-approved, can be produced safely and effectively by authorized compounding pharmacies.

For individuals seeking anti-obesity medications, accessing brand-name options like Ozempic® has become challenging, with the FDA listing it on the drug shortage roster since May 2023 (1). To address this scarcity, compounding pharmacies have stepped in, producing compounded Semaglutide as a cost-effective alternative. This response ensures the continued availability of Semaglutide-based therapies for those in need, offering a solution during supply shortages.

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Cost Differences between Compounded Semaglutide and Ozempic

In short, if you're paying out of pocket, compounded Semaglutide is more affordable than the brand-name Ozempic®. For example, a prescription for compounded semaglutide at Mochi Health costs just $99 per month, while Ozempic® can cost nearly $1,000 without insurance. However, depending on your insurance plan, you might have full coverage for Ozempic® or only need to pay a fraction of the price.

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Dosing of Semaglutide and Ozempic

How Semaglutide and Ozempic® Are Administered

Semaglutide and Ozempic® are administered through subcutaneous injections but have different delivery methods. Ozempic® comes in a handy pen-like device that's pre-filled with the exact dose of medication, ready for immediate use. On the other hand, Compounded Semaglutide is provided in vials, similar to insulin injections.

Dosage Amount and Weekly Schedule

Ozempic® is available in a pen that delivers 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, or 1 mg per injection. To treat type 2 diabetes, Ozempic® dosing starts at 0.25 mg once weekly for the initial four weeks and then will be increased to 0.5 mg for another 4 weeks. If additional glycemic control is needed after at least 4 weeks, your provider may recommend increasing the dose to 1 mg.

For treating obesity, the medication regimen for Wegovy® and Compounded Semaglutide are the same. They are available in dosage strengths of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg. Your provider will guide you through gradual dose escalation to help you adjust and determine the appropriate dosage for your needs. They will start you on 0.25 mg of Compounded Semaglutide, injected once a week for the first four weeks. They may then increase your dose every four weeks, first to 0.5 mg, then 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg, depending on how well you tolerate the medication. If a higher dose causes side effects, your provider may reduce it back to the previous dose for another four weeks before increasing it again. 

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Side Effects Comparison

When comparing the side effects of compounded Semaglutide and Ozempic®, it's notable that they share a very similar, if not identical, profile (3,4,5). Both medications can cause gastrointestinal issues as the most common side effects, such as:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

However, it's essential to recognize that the severity and frequency of these side effects can vary from one individual to another. In addition to these gastrointestinal symptoms, other common side effects may include:

• Headaches

• Abdominal discomfort or pain

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue or weakness

• Skin irritation at the injection site

While these side effects are generally mild to moderate and tend to diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication, there are also some rarer but potentially more severe side effects that individuals should be aware of, including:

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

• Pancreatitis

• Allergic reactions

• Thyroid tumors

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Getting Started On Semaglutide or Ozempic

If you're interested in starting either Ozempic® or compounded semaglutide, it's important to consult a healthcare provider to obtain a valid prescription. Avoid websites or sources that offer these medications without a prescription.

To get started, find out if you’re eligible for the comprehensive obesity medicine program at Mochi Health. Our licensed healthcare providers are ready to create personalized treatment plans that include the latest advancements in weight loss medications, including Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and Compounded Semaglutide. Let us help you embark on your journey towards a healthier you.

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This post was written by our team of health writers for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your health. Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and Zepbound® and their delivery device are registered trademarks. Mochi Health is a telehealth clinic that offers prescriptions for these products by medical necessity only as determined by a licensed health provider.

Sources

1. http://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/fdas-concerns-unapproved-glp-1-drugs-used-weight-loss?os=io___&ref=app

2. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/guidance-compliance-regulatory-information/human-drug-compounding

3. Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L. F., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B. M., Rosenstock, J., Tran, M. T. D., Wadden, T. A., Wharton, S., Yokote, K., Zeuthen, N., & Kushner, R. F. (2021). Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. The New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183

4. Ghusn, W., De la Rosa, A., Sacoto, D., Cifuentes, L., Campos, A., Feris, F., Hurtado, M. D., & Acosta, A. (2022). Weight Loss Outcomes Associated With Semaglutide Treatment for Patients With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Network Open, 5(9), e2231982–e2231982. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.31982

5. Wadden, T. A., Bailey, T. S., Billings, L. K., Davies, M., Frias, J. P., Koroleva, A., Lingvay, I., O’Neil, P. M., Rubino, D. M., Skovgaard, D., Wallenstein, S. O. R., & Garvey, W. T. (2021). Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo as an Adjunct to Intensive Behavioral Therapy on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 3 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA : The Journal of the American Medical Association, 325(14), 1403–1413. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.1831

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