Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are prescription drugs used for weight loss and weight management. Both drugs come as a liquid solution injected under your skin. Saxenda and Wegovy are not available as generic drugs.
This article explains the main ways that Saxenda and Wegovy are alike and different. For more information about these drugs, including details about their uses, see the in-depth articles on Saxenda and Wegovy.
See the list below to find out whether Saxenda or Wegovy is available as a generic. (A generic drug contains an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.)
- Saxenda:
- Available as a generic: no
- Active ingredient: liraglutide
- Wegovy:
- Available as a generic: no
- Active ingredient: semaglutide
See the table below for details on the uses of each drug.
| Use | Saxenda | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| to help with weight loss and long-term weight management in adults with obesity or those with overweight and have certain weight-related conditions, such as high blood pressure | ✓ | ✓ |
| to lower the risk of cardiovascular problems (such as stroke and heart attack) in adults with cardiovascular disease who have obesity or are overweight | ✓ |
Both drugs are used with exercise and a low calorie diet.
To learn more about using Saxenda or Wegovy, talk with your doctor. You can also see this article about using Wegovy for weight loss.
Saxenda or Wegovy and children
Saxenda and Wegovy are used to help with weight loss and long-term weight management in children ages 12 years and older with obesity.
For more information about the use of either drug in children, talk with your child’s doctor.
Here’s an overview of the dosage and how you’ll take Saxenda and Wegovy for the uses of both drugs.
Wegovy is also used to lower the risk of cardiovascular problems (such as stroke and heart attack), but this use isn’t addressed below. To learn more about the dosages for all uses of these drugs, see the dosage articles for Saxenda and Wegovy.
Dosage for weight management in adults
Saxenda and Wegovy are both used for weight loss and long-term weight management in certain adults with obesity or who are overweight. Below are the dosages of each drug for this use. Strengths are listed in milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).
| Saxenda for weight management | Wegovy for weight management | |
|---|---|---|
| Form | liquid solution inside a prefilled single-use pen, given as an injection under your skin (see below) | liquid solution inside a prefilled single-use pen, given as an injection under your skin (see below) |
| Strengths | 6 mg/mL | • 0.25 mg/0.5 mL • 0.5 mg/0.5 mL • 1 mg/0.5 mL • 1.7 mg/0.75 mL • 2.4 mg/0.75 mL |
| Dose | 0.6 to 3 mg | 0.25 to 2.4 mg |
| How often to use | once daily | once weekly |
You’ll inject Saxenda or Wegovy under the skin of your abdomen or upper thigh. Or a caregiver may inject either drug under the skin of your upper arm.
Your doctor will show you or a caregiver how to inject Saxenda or Wegovy. You can also view instructions on the manufacturer’s website for Saxenda or Wegovy.
Dosage for weight management in children
Saxenda and Wegovy are both used for weight loss and long-term weight management in children ages 12 years and older with obesity. The typical dosages for children are the same as the adult dosages above.
To learn more about the dosage of either drug for children, talk with your child’s doctor.
Some people taking Saxenda or Wegovy may experience mild or serious side effects.
For more information about possible side effects, see the side effect articles on Saxenda and Wegovy.
Mild side effects
Saxenda and Wegovy may cause mild side effects. The table below lists examples of mild side effects that have been reported with these drugs.
| Saxenda | Wegovy | |
|---|---|---|
| abdominal pain | ✓ | ✓ |
| constipation | ✓ | ✓ |
| diarrhea | ✓ | ✓ |
| dizziness | ✓ | ✓ |
| fatigue (low energy) | ✓ | ✓ |
| headache | ✓ | ✓ |
| nausea or vomiting | ✓ | ✓ |
| injection site reactions, such as discoloration or itching near the injection area | ✓ | ✓ |
| hair loss | ✓ | |
| common cold | ✓ |
This table may not include all mild side effects of these drugs. For more information on mild side effects of the two drugs, see the prescribing information for Saxenda and Wegovy.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects may also occur in people using Saxenda or Wegovy. See the table below for a list of side effects that have been reported with these drugs.
| Saxenda | Wegovy | |
|---|---|---|
| low blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes | ✓ | ✓ |
| acute (sudden) pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas) | ✓ | ✓ |
| acute kidney damage | ✓ | ✓ |
| gallstones or cholecystitis (swelling of the gallbladder) | ✓ | ✓ |
| increased heart rate | ✓ | ✓ |
| suicidal thoughts or behaviors | ✓ | |
| risk of thyroid cancer* | ✓ | ✓ |
To learn about your specific risk for serious side effects from Saxenda or Wegovy, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* Saxenda and Wegovy have a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “What are the warnings of Saxenda and Wegovy?” section below.
ALLERGIC REACTIONFor some people, Saxenda and Wegovy can cause an allergic reaction.
In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking Saxenda or Wegovy.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Saxenda or Wegovy, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
You may wonder whether Saxenda or Wegovy are effective for your condition.
Saxenda and Wegovy are both used for weight loss and weight management. Studies of Saxenda and Wegovy have shown that both drugs are effective for this purpose. In addition, the American Gastroenterological Association includes both drugs in its treatment recommendations for obesity.
It’s important to note that your results from Saxenda or Wegovy may differ from those seen in studies. Talk with your doctor about whether one of these drugs is right for you. They can recommend whether Wegovy may be more effective than Saxenda or vice versa.
Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering these drugs. Visit Optum Perks* to get price estimates for Saxenda and Wegovy when you use coupons from the site. It’s important to note that Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.
Keep in mind that what you’ll pay for either drug will depend on your treatment plan, health insurance, and the pharmacy you use.
Saxenda and Wegovy are both brand-name drugs. These drugs do not have generic forms. You’ll usually pay more for brand-name drugs than for generics.
For other resources that might help you save on the price of these drugs, see the cost articles for Saxenda and Wegovy.
* Optum Perks is a sister site of Healthline.
Optum Now is operated by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.
Saxenda and Wegovy may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These may be referred to as warnings.
The two drugs share some of the same warnings, but they also have different ones. Some of these warnings are mentioned below. Before you start using Saxenda or Wegovy, be sure to talk with your doctor to see if these warnings apply to you.
Boxed warning: Risk of thyroid cancer
This drug has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.
In animal studies, liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda) and semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy) caused thyroid cancer. (An active ingredient is what makes the drug work.)
However, it isn’t known for certain whether Saxenda or Wegovy increases the risk of thyroid cancer in humans. Animal studies don’t always predict what happens with humans.
Due to the risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Saxenda or Wegovy for certain people with factors that raise their risk of thyroid cancer. This includes people with either:
- a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, which is a rare type of thyroid cancer
- a personal history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2, which is a rare genetic (inherited) condition
If you have symptoms of thyroid cancer during treatment with Saxenda or Wegovy, tell your doctor right away. Examples include difficulty swallowing, having a hoarse voice, or a lump in your neck. They may order tests to check for thyroid cancer.
For more information about this warning, talk with your doctor.
Other warnings
In addition to boxed warnings, Saxenda and Wegovy have other warnings.
Before using Saxenda or Wegovy, talk with your doctor if any of the following conditions or health factors apply to you.
- Warnings for Saxenda:
- if you have liver problems
- if you have delayed stomach emptying
- Warnings for Wegovy:
- if you have diabetic retinopathy (damaged blood vessels in the eye)
- Warnings for both Saxenda and Wegovy:
- if you’ve had an allergic reaction to either drug or any of its ingredients
- if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- if you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
- if you’ve had suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- if you’ve had pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
- if you have kidney problems
Help is out there
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
The short answer: It’s possible if your doctor recommends it.
Details: Both Saxenda and Wegovy are used with diet and exercise to help with weight loss and weight management. It may be possible to switch from Saxenda to Wegovy or from Wegovy to Saxenda for these purposes. Your doctor can tell you more.
Reminder: You shouldn’t switch drugs or stop your current treatment unless your doctor recommends it.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.