Saxenda vs Ozempic: Uses, Costs, Side Effects and More

In the UK, it is estimated that 1 in 4 adults are living with obesity and have weight-related health conditions or are at a high risk of developing weight-related health conditions. When lifestyle changes are not working, medications such as Saxenda are used to get results. Due to Saxenda's popularity and effectiveness for off-label use, there is currently a global shortage of this injectable weight loss medication.

Ozempic was previously a very popular off-label weight loss medication that is no longer licensed for weight loss treatment. Instead, it is approved for treatment in adults with type-2 diabetes who cannot use metformin. While on this medication, people with type-2 diabetes can also lose weight, as the active ingredient is semaglutide, which is the same in Wegovy.

At Cloud Pharmacy, we understand that weight loss is a journey that is often difficult and looks different for every person. In this article, we compare the weight loss medications Saxenda and Ozempic, discuss what the difference is between them, provide real user reviews, and answer the question, ‘Which one is better?’

Saxenda overview: what is Saxenda?

Saxenda is an injectable prescription medication approved for the treatment of adults with obesity, excess weight and weight-related problems. This medication comes as a pre-filled 3mg pen. Saxenda has the active ingredient liraglutide, which reduces appetite and helps control cravings. This medication is intended to be used with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Ozempic overview: what is Ozempic?

Previously, Ozempic was a popular off-label weight-loss medication. However, as of 2024, Ozempic is only approved and licensed for treatment in adults with type-2 diabetes in the UK, and metformin is not suitable.

Ozempic is injected weekly to help lower blood glucose (sugar) levels. To qualify for an Ozempic prescription in the UK, you will need to meet the following criteria:

• Have no family history or a previous diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, or pancreatitis
• Have poorly managed type-2 diabetes
• Metformin is not a suitable treatment option
• Have a BMI of 30 or over

Although Ozempic has previously been prescribed for off-label use to treat weight loss, no clinical studies provide sufficient data to prove its safety as a weight loss medication.

What's the difference between Saxenda vs Ozempic?

Saxenda vs Ozempic: active ingredients

Saxenda

Liraglutide is the active ingredient in Saxenda. It acts similarly to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which naturally occurs in the body and is released after food has been eaten. Liraglutide attaches to the GLP-1 receptors, telling the body that it feels full, decreasing appetite, and helping you manage cravings.

Ozempic

Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which also acts on the GLP-1 receptor. Semaglutide helps manage blood sugar levels when they increase and has been shown to prevent heart disease.
<H3>Who makes Saxenda and Ozempic?

Both Saxenda and Ozempic are produced by the same company: Novo Nordisk Inc.

What do Saxenda and Ozempic treat?

Saxenda

In the UK, Saxenda is approved for the treatment of obesity and used to help manage weight in:

• Adults who have obesity (a BMI of 30 or more)
• Adults who are overweight (a BMI between 27 and 30) and have at least one weight-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol levels, and obstructive sleep apnoea

Ozempic

In the UK, Ozempic is only approved for use in patients who:

• Have no family history or a previous diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, or pancreatitis
• Have poorly managed type-2 diabetes
• Metformin is not a suitable treatment option
• Have a BMI of 30 or over

How long do Saxenda and Ozempic take to work?

Saxenda

Saxenda is administered once daily and begins to work after the first injection. During clinical trials, patients taking Saxenda noticed significant weight loss after eight weeks of treatment.

Ozempic

Ozempic takes 4-5 weeks of a once-weekly dose to reach a steady state in the body. It can take up to eight weeks before patients start noticing blood sugar improvements.

Saxenda vs Ozempic dose and usage recommendations

Saxenda

Saxenda treatment always starts at the lowest dosage (0.6mg). This slowly increases over the first five weeks of treatment. Once you have reached the 3mg dose, it is maintained for the remainder of your treatment unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

• Week 1 - 0.6mg once daily
• Week 2 - 1.2mg once daily
• Week 3 - 1.8mg once daily
• Week 4 - 2.4mg once daily
• Week 5+ - 3mg once daily

Your pharmacist or healthcare provider will continue to monitor your treatment throughout your weight loss journey.

Saxenda also comes in a 3mg prefilled injection pen. This is injected once daily under the skin (subcutaneous injection). We advise reading the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for detailed instructions before using Saxenda for the first time.

Ozempic

Ozempic is available in 4 doses: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg. The starting dose is always the lowest dose. The dose is slowly increased with a typical patient journey on Ozempic looking like this:

• Month 1 - Starting dose of 0.25mg per week
• Month 2 - Starting dose of 0.5mg per week (can be increased to 1mg)
• Month 3 - 1mg dose per week (can be increased to 2mg)

The maintenance dose for Ozempic in type-2 diabetes patients is normally 1.0mg. Your healthcare provider or pharmacist will advise you if you need to lower or increase this dose.

How does it feel after taking Saxenda vs Ozempic?

Saxenda

Once you have taken the first dose of Saxenda, you may experience some side effects, such as nausea or headaches. Once your body gets used to the medication, any side effects should subside or become manageable.

If you continue to experience side effects when taking Saxenda, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about any foods and drinks that may help settle your stomach.

Ozempic

It is common to experience some mild side effects after taking Ozempic. After taking the first dose of Ozempic, you may experience side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. If the side effects continue, talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist about how you can mange them.

Saxenda vs Ozempic: key differences

Approved for treatment

• Saxenda: obesity and excess weight
• Ozempic: those with type-2 diabetes when metformin is not suitable

Doses

• Saxenda: 3mg
• Ozempic: 0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg

Dose frequency

• Saxenda: daily administration at lower doses
• Ozempic: weekly administration

Active ingredient

• Saxenda: liraglutide
• Ozempic: semaglutide

Saxenda vs Ozempic efficacy & benefits

Saxenda

In a 56-week study, Saxenda was administered to 3,731 patients who were obese or overweight and had at least one weight-related health condition but did not have type 2 diabetes. After 56 weeks, the patients achieved clinically meaningful weight loss of 5% or greater.

Ozempic

A 40-week study compared Ozempic 0.5mg with Trulicity 0.75mg, and Ozempic 1mg with Trulicity 1.5mg, in 1,201 adults with type 2 diabetes who were taking metformin. Compared to other type 2 diabetes medications, Ozempic has proven to significantly lower A1C and blood sugar.

Saxenda vs Ozempic side effects

As with any medication, there are known side effects; however, not everyone may get them. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you experience persistent unmanageable side effects.

Saxenda

The most common side effects of Saxenda include:

• Dizziness
• Stomach pain
• Gallstones
• Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Low blood sugar
• Headache
• Upset stomach
• Injection site reaction
• Tiredness

Severe side effects of Saxenda include:

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Thyroid cancer and tumours
• Severe and persistent pain in the stomach area (abdomen)

If you experience any severe side effects when taking Saxenda, seek emergency medical attention or call 999. Please read the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for a complete list of all known side effects of Saxenda.

Ozempic

Common side effects of Ozempic include:

• Burping
• Tiredness
• Fast pulse
• Injection site reactions
• Dizziness
• Indigestion
• Gastritis (inflamed stomach)
• Stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Low blood sugar
• Flatulence (gas)
• Constipation
• Gall stones

Severe side effects of Ozempic include:

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Inflamed pancreatitis (acute pancreatitis)
• Complications of diabetic eye disease

If you experience any severe side effects or an allergic reaction when taking Ozempic, seek immediate medical attention or phone 999. For more information about the known side effects of Ozempic, refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).

Saxenda vs Ozempic interactions with other medications

Saxenda

Before taking your first Saxenda injection, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medications:

• Warfarin or any other medicines used to treat blood clots (anticoagulants). You may be required to undergo more frequent blood testing to check the clotting ability of your blood.
• Medications for diabetes, such as insulin or medicines called sulfonylurea, can result in low blood sugar. Your doctor may adjust the dose of your diabetes medication to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.

If you have taken any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications recently, tell your pharmacist or healthcare provider.

Ozempic

Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription, herbal remedies, supplements, or vitamins you take. It is important to tell your pharmacist or doctor if you take the following medications:

• Warfarin or other anticoagulants. You may need frequent blood tests to ensure that your blood is still clotting appropriately.
• Insulin. If you are currently taking insulin, your healthcare provider will adjust the amount of insulin you take. You may have to check your blood sugar levels more frequently.

Saxenda vs Ozempic price: is Saxenda or Ozempic cheaper?

When it comes to Saxenda or Ozempic for weight loss, Saxenda is the only medication approved for this treatment. Ozempic is not available for purchase from Cloud Pharmacy or across the UK.

Cloud Pharmacy stocks Saxenda in a 3ml pre-filled injection pen starting from £85.00.

Saxenda vs Ozempic availability in the UK

You can get a prescription for Saxenda from a healthcare provider or licensed online pharmacy, such as Cloud Pharmacy. However, due to Saxenda's popularity and effectiveness, there is currently a global shortage of this injectable weight loss medication. Talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider about alternatives to Saxenda.

Ozempic is only approved for use in patients with uncontrolled type-2 diabetes who cannot take Metformin. You will need to meet certain criteria before you can get a prescription for this medication.

Ozempic vs Saxenda weight loss reviews

Saxenda customer reviews

Saxenda has mostly positive reviews. Real users commented on how well the medication works, helping them lose a noticeable amount of weight. Most users found that it took more than 3 weeks on Saxenda to notice significant weight loss.

Only a few users reported that they experienced mild to moderate side effects when increasing the dose of Saxenda. Reported side effects include nausea and vomiting. While some users struggled with the side effects, they still found the medication worth it.

Ozempic customer reviews

Patients with type 2 diabetes taking Ozempic provided mixed reviews. While they were happy that there was an alternative medication to Metformin, users reported unpleasant side effects at the beginning of Ozempic treatment. Reported side effects include nausea, fatigue, headache, and constipation.

Is Ozempic better than Saxenda?

Ozempic is not approved for the treatment of obesity and excess weight. Saxenda is the better medication for weight loss.

However, in those with unmanageable type 2 diabetes, Ozempic led to more weight loss than Saxenda. In studies, patients with type 2 diabetes lost an average of 12-15% of body weight. In separate studies, patients taking Saxenda lost an average of 5-10% of body weight.

What alternatives to Saxenda and Ozempic are there?

Mounjaro

Mounjaro is a new prescription weight loss medication containing the active ingredient tirzepatide. It comes as a prefilled injectable pen. The active ingredient tirzepatide belongs to a class of drugs called GIP and GLP-1 agonists.

This medication works by attaching to the receptors of the naturally occurring hormones GIP and GLP-1, helping to manage sugar levels as they increase after a meal. It also provides the feeling of fullness, helping reduce appetite and control cravings. Mounjaro can be used in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity or excess weight.

Wegovy

Wegovy is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient semaglutide, the same as Ozempic. It is available in a pre-filled injector pen that is administered subcutaneously.

In the UK, Wegovy is approved for weight management in adults who are obese or overweight and have at least one weight-related health condition. Wegovy is used in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise to help people lose weight.

Conclusion: Where can you buy Saxenda in the UK?

Saxenda is an effective weight loss treatment option for those with obesity and excess weight. This medication contains the active ingredient liraglutide, which works by reducing appetite and controlling cravings. This medication is most effective when used in combination with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

In the UK, you can buy Saxenda from Cloud Pharmacy, a UK-registered online prescribing service. To start the process, you will need to complete a short online assessment to determine eligibility. Then, you will have a free online consultation with a pharmacist.

If Saxenda is determined as the most appropriate weight loss medication to help you achieve your weight loss goals, it will be dispensed discreetly with next-day delivery to your UK address. Cloud Pharmacy also provides patients on their weight loss journey with advice and confidential follow-ups.

Click here to start the process of booking a consultation with Cloud Pharmacy.

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/causes/
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/obesity/treatment/
• https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2313.pdf
• https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/9750/smpc
• https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-us/news-and-views/ozempic-and-weight-loss-facts-behind-headlines
• https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-us/news-and-views/ozempic-and-weight-loss-facts-behind-headlines
• https://www.ozempic.com/why-ozempic/diabetes-medicines-comparison.html