Ozempic and Saxenda are injectable medications known to help individuals effectively lose weight. As a medical professional, you must choose the most suitable medication for your clients based on their individual needs, health conditions, and goals.  

Read this blog to discover more about these treatments, including the benefits, side effects, and cost, helping you make informed choices for your clients. 

What is Ozempic?

Semaglutide, known by the brand name Ozempic, is a prescription-only medication belonging to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class and is primarily used to improve blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. 

While not approved for weight loss, Ozempic has shown promise in weight reduction when used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise. 

Ozempic pens control the recipient’s appetite, mimicking a naturally occurring hormone to promote a feeling of fullness.

Additionally, this medication slows down the process of food leaving the stomach, making them feel fuller for longer, helping to reduce their calorie intake and improve their blood sugar levels.

What is Saxenda?

Liraglutide, sold under many brand names, including Saxenda, is a prescription-only weight loss medication explicitly approved for weight management, particularly for those who suffer from weight-related symptoms, such as type 2 diabetes.

When combined with a healthy diet and exercise, Saxenda has effectively promoted weight loss. It works similarly to Ozempic by reducing hunger and increasing the feeling of fullness, helping individuals maintain a healthier eating pattern.

Product Effectiveness: Ozempic vs Saxenda

Ozempic and Saxenda can effectively reduce weight and blood sugar levels; however, individual responses may vary, and you should base the choice between the two medications on each client’s specific needs and preferences.

Patient Suitability: Ozempic vs Saxenda

Both Ozempic and Saxenda are effective for individuals with a high BMI or weight-related illnesses. However, it is worth noting that Saxenda is officially approved as a weight loss medication in the UK, whereas Ozempic only has a product licence for controlling type 2 diabetes. 

Ozempic

Ozempic pens may not be suitable for your client if they fall under the following:

• They have experienced pancreas or kidney problems.
• They have a history of diabetic retinopathy (diabetic complications that damage the eyes).
• They are pregnant.
• They are breastfeeding.
• They are already taking different types of medications.

Saxenda

Saxenda pens may not be suitable for your client if they fall under the following:

• They have experienced severe heart failure.
• They are older than 75.
• They have experienced kidney or liver problems.
• They are pregnant.
• They are breastfeeding.
• They are already taking different types of medications.

These lists are not exhaustive, so you should thoroughly check the information for each medication before using it on your client.

How to Inject: Ozempic vs Saxenda

There are some differences between the Ozempic and Saxenda injection processes to make your client aware of. For example, how you inject Ozempic differs from how you should inject Saxenda.

Ozempic

• Inject once a week.
• Can be taken with or without food.
• If your client misses a dose, they should take it within five days. If more time passes, they should skip the dose and take the next one on the scheduled date.
• Inject into the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh.
• Do not inject into a vein or muscle.
• Change the injection site with each dose.

Saxenda

• Should be injected daily.
• Can be taken with or without food.
• Inject into the stomach, upper arm, or thigh.
• Change the injection site with each Saxenda dose.
• Never share the injection pen with another person.

Side Effects: Ozempic vs Saxenda

The below list of side effects for each medication is not exhaustive; you and your client should completely understand the risk of all side effects before choosing either weight loss treatment.

Ozempic Side Effects

• Nausea.
• Vomiting. 
• Diarrhoea. 
• Stomach pain.
• Constipation. 

Saxenda Side Effects

• Vomiting. 
• Nausea.
• Tiredness. 
• Stomach pain. 
• Change in enzyme levels in the blood. 
• Fever.
• Gastroenteritis.
• Headache.
• Low blood sugar.
• Reaction at the injection site.

Benefits: Ozempic vs Saxenda

Ozempic Benefits

The clear benefit of Ozempic is that it only needs to be injected once a week. 

Another Ozempic benefit is that the medication aids in weight loss quicker than Saxenda. If your client wants to lose weight, they should also maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.

Saxenda Benefits

Of course, Saxenda is an officially approved weight loss treatment, so if used alongside a healthy diet and exercise, it can effectively and safely help a client lose weight. 

Cost: Ozempic vs Saxenda

Revolve Medicare offers both Ozempic and Saxenda in various quantities. 

Please note that the below prices are subject to change. You must also be a prescription customer to order any of the products.

Ozempic 

Ozempic 0.25MG PEN (1×1.5ML) – £100 

Ozempic 0.5MG PEN (1×1.5ML) – £100

Ozempic 1MG PEN (1X3ML) – £100

Saxenda

Saxenda PRE FILLED PEN (1X3ML) – £50

Saxenda PRE FILLED PEN (5X3ML) – £220

Now that you know the differences between Ozempic and Saxenda, understanding the benefits, side effects, and costs of each, you should be able to make an informed decision as to which treatment is suitable for your clients.