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Are Ozempic and Saxenda the same?

On reading the media articles it would appear, that the main difference between Saxenda and Ozempic, is that Saxenda is a daily injection and Ozempic is a weekly injection. However, the most important difference between the two is, that Saxenda is licenced for use as weight loss medication in the UK and Ozempic is not.

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Posted

What is Ozempic?

Recently, the media have been promoting a product called Ozempic and have quoted many success stories from people who have achieved dramatic weight loss by using it. However, Ozempic is not licensed for weight loss and is actually licenced for use in the UK, to control type 2 diabetes.

Is there an alternative to Ozempic?

Yes, there is a very effective product called Saxenda, this is licenced in the UK for weight loss by the MHRA which is available now, to help make your weight loss journey much more successful.

From only £50 per pen

Saxenda dramatically reduces your appetite and combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle can help you to achieve your weight loss goal.

What is the main difference between Ozempic and Saxenda?

On reading the media articles it would appear, that the main difference between Saxenda and Ozempic, is that Saxenda is a daily injection and Ozempic is a weekly injection. However, the most important difference between the two is, that Saxenda is licenced for use as weight loss medication in the UK and Ozempic is not. Unfortunately, there are a few unscrupulous websites and weight loss clinics, that are selling Ozempic, putting profit before safety.

Is Ozempic safe and legal for weight loss?

Before a medicine can be widely used in the UK, it must first be granted a license. Licences are only granted if strict safety and quality standards are met. In the UK, licences are granted by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). For more detail see the "MHRA Licence" section below. In other words, Ozempic has not undergone clinical trials to see if it is effective and safe in treating weight loss, so does not have a product license in the UK for treating obesity. Ozempic has a product licence for controlling Type 2 diabetes, not for weight loss. It contains the active substance Liraglutide which helps aid adults with excess weight ( BMI ≥28 ), who also have weight-related medical problems or those with obesity (BMI ≥30), to lose weight and keep the weight off.

Will Ozempic be available in the future for weight loss?

In fact, Ozempic will never be granted a product licence for weight loss, as it is a brand name. It is the active ingredient in Ozempic called Semaglutide, that is currently undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of weight loss. Semaglutide has now been granted a product licence for weight loss under the brand name of Wegovy and will be a different dosage to that used for diabetic control. We understand from the latest information that Wegovy will become available in the UK during the Spring of 2023. As soon as Wegovy available we will supply it as an alternative to Saxenda.

In the meantime, it is safer to use the licenced product Saxenda.

From only £50 per pen

Medically reviewed by

Superintendent pharmacist Margaret Hudson BSc(Hons) MRPharmS

16 February 2021 and updated 21 September 2022 and updated 21 November 2022

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What qualifies you for Saxenda?

Saxenda® is an injectable prescription medicine used for adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also have weight-related medical problems or obesity (BMI ≥30), and children aged 12-17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg) and obesity, to help them lose weight and keep the weight off.

As you decide on how to work toward your weight-management goals, you may have questions. The following are a few frequently asked questions about how to take Saxenda® and the support available if you and your health care provider decide Saxenda® is right for you. If you have immediate questions or experience side effects while on Saxenda®, please reach out to your health care provider. Saxenda® is an injectable prescription medicine that, when used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, may help adults with obesity or overweight (excess weight) who also have weight-related medical problems, and children aged 12 to 17 years with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg) and obesity, lose weight and keep the weight off. Saxenda® and Victoza® have the same active ingredient, liraglutide, and should not be used together or with other GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines. It is not known if Saxenda® is safe and effective when taken with other prescription, over-the-counter medicines, or herbal weight-loss products. It is not known if Saxenda® is safe and effective in children under 12 years of age. It is not known if Saxenda® is safe and effective in children aged 12 to 17 years with type 2 diabetes. Click here for the full indication.

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