Type 2 diabetes is an increasingly concerning health issue, with millions of people worldwide affected by the condition and its potential for severe complications. From heart disease to kidney failure and even blindness, this condition can have a devastating impact on those it affects.
Fortunately, advances in medical research have led to the development of new treatments that can help people manage this condition, including Ozempic and Wegovy. Ozempic and Wegovy have both taken the world by storm as of late because of their ability to treat diabetes effectively and improve weight loss among patients struggling with diabetes.
But what are the differences between these two medications, and which one is right for you? Keep reading to learn more.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is a powerful solution for those struggling with type 2 diabetes, offering reliable and effective control of glucose levels in the bloodstream.
Working together with diet and regular physical activity, this once-weekly injectable medication helps keep blood sugar at healthy levels after meals – reducing high spikes that can lead to long-term complications.
Ozempic can also be used in combination with other diabetes medications, so it integrates easily into most people’s diabetes care.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable medication that is used to help with chronic weight management and improve weight loss. It works by regulating blood sugar and reducing appetite so that you eat fewer calories and feel fuller from your meals for longer periods of time.
Combined with a reduced-calorie diet and a regimented exercise routine, Wegovy has been shown to help patients who are overweight or obese lose their excess weight.
Benefits of Ozempic and Wegovy
Both Ozempic and Wegovy are made of semaglutide, work to regulate blood sugar levels, and may improve cardiovascular outcomes. These medications are game changers for those suffering from type 2 diabetes or chronic weight issues. Taking these medications as directed by your primary care physician or other medical provider comes with a long list of benefits.
Some of the top benefits of Ozempic and Wegovy include:
- Reduce and control blood sugar levels
- Helps to curb appetite in overweight patients
- Stimulates the natural production of insulin within the body
- Promotes weight loss in obese patients
- Further reduces the risk of cardiovascular conditions
The list above is not comprehensive, meaning there is a wide range of additional benefits to Ozempic and Wegovy that we have not mentioned. If you believe you may benefit from Ozempic or Wegovy, it is important you talk to your primary care physician or chronic disease management specialist during your next visit.
The Differences Between Ozempic and Wegovy
While Ozempic and Wegovy are very similar in that they both contain the same active ingredient – semaglutide – each drug is used in a different way. Let’s discuss some of the differences between Ozempic and Wegovy, so you can better understand what to expect from these semaglutide medications.
Ozempic & Wegovy are Prescribed for Different Uses
Ozempic is prescribed to manage type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is made of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. The way the Ozempic semaglutide medication works is by stimulating insulin production within the body while simultaneously lowering glucagon secretion. These two triggers work to reduce blood sugar levels within the patient, reducing symptoms of type 2 diabetes and allowing patients to live longer more fulfilling lives.
Wegovy, on the other hand, is prescribed to manage chronic weight issues. While Wegovy and Ozempic are chemically the same, it should be noted that Wegovy has only been FDA-approved for weight management, not for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, some healthcare providers may still prescribe Wegovy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes depending on each medication’s availabilities.
Ozempic & Wegovy are Prescribed in Different Dosages
A patient’s dose of Ozempic may change based on how their diabetes changes, and there are Ozempic pens with different doses of semaglutide (1mg or 2 mg) just for this instance. For most patients, the dose is between 0.5 to 2 mg once a week. This dosage allows for reduced blood sugar levels, further reducing symptoms of type 2 diabetes.
In contrast to Ozempic, a full dose of Wegovy contains up to 2.4 mg of semaglutide. This larger dosage of medication helps to curb a patient’s appetite and reduce blood sugar levels. The semaglutide in the medication also slows the release of food within the colon, causing patients to feel fuller from smaller amounts of food for longer periods of time. When paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise, Wegovy is a great facilitator for weight loss.
Wegovy is More Likely to Give Patients Side Effects
This comes as no surprise, as Wegovy is typically prescribed to patients in larger doses than its counterpart, Ozempic. Common side effects of Wegovy at its target dosage of 2.4 mg per week include digestion-related concerns such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
These symptoms may lessen with regular use, as the patient’s body gets used to the influx of semaglutide within the bloodstream. However, if symptoms persist, it is best you talk to your provider about alternative treatment.
Patients who take Ozempic with a dosage of .5 mg to 2 mg per week are less often affected by unwanted side effects. That said, if you are interested in taking Wegovy for weight loss or Ozempic for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, it is important you talk to your doctor about your prescribed dosage and the potential side effects it can cause you.
Insurance Coverage May Differ with Each Medication
Because Wegovy is FDA-approved for the treatment of obesity and weight loss, and Ozempic is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, they are covered differently by insurance providers. For this reason, your provider may cover your Ozempic medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, however, they may not cover your Wegovy medication as prescribed by your doctor for weight loss if you do not meet the required weight and health criteria.
If you are interested in taking Ozempic for diabetes or Wegovy for weight loss, the best thing to do is to check with your insurance provider whether they will cover one, both, or neither. These medications tend to be expensive without the right coverage.
Conclusion
For those living with type 2 diabetes, finding a treatment that can help them better manage their condition is essential for avoiding potential health issues down the line. Seeking solutions to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent further complications should be the top priority.
Both Ozempic and Wegovy are innovative treatments that can offer real hope, and the choice between the two will depend on you, your healthcare provider, and which medication will suit you best.
Wegovy and Ozempic Semaglutide Injections in Oviedo, FL
If you’re living with type 2 diabetes and want to improve your blood sugar and even lose some weight with semaglutide injections in Oviedo, FL, come see expert Nurse Practitioner, Adriel Perez, at Diabetes & Weight Loss Center about whether Ozempic or Wegovy may be right for you.
You can call us today at (407) 890-1876 for more information about your treatment plan or request an appointment here. We look forward to helping you manage your diabetes with ease!
