Saxenda vs Wegovy: Liraglutide vs Semaglutide for Weight Loss, Compared
Saxenda vs Wegovy compared from the FDA labels: daily liraglutide vs weekly semaglutide, STEP 8 weight loss results, side effects, use in teens, the Saxenda discontinuation notice, generic liraglutide, and 2026 prices.
Saxenda vs Wegovy is a comparison of two different Novo Nordisk medicines: Saxenda is liraglutide injected once a day, and Wegovy is semaglutide injected once a week or taken as a daily tablet [1][3]. In the STEP 8 head-to-head trial, adults on semaglutide lost 15.8% of body weight vs 6.4% on liraglutide at 68 weeks [4].
Novo Nordisk will discontinue Saxenda, with last shipments to wholesalers in late January 2027 [8]. FDA-approved generic liraglutide already exists [11].
In this guide:
- How doses, pens, and approved uses differ
- What STEP 8 found, and its limits
- Side effects, teens, pregnancy rules, and 2026 prices
This page compares the labels and trials and does not pick a winner; that choice belongs with your prescriber.
Table of Contents
- Saxenda vs Wegovy at a glance
- Is Saxenda the same as Wegovy? Liraglutide vs semaglutide
- Saxenda vs Wegovy doses and how you take them
- Saxenda vs Wegovy weight loss: the STEP 8 head-to-head trial
- Saxenda vs Wegovy side effects
- Saxenda vs Wegovy for teens and children
- Pregnancy planning on Saxenda vs Wegovy: different stop rules
- Is Saxenda being discontinued? What the notice says and what stays available
- Saxenda vs Wegovy cost and insurance coverage
- Switching from Saxenda to Wegovy
- Eating well on Saxenda or Wegovy
- Frequently asked questions
- Key takeaways
Saxenda vs Wegovy at a Glance
Saxenda and Wegovy are both GLP-1 medicines for weight management, but their FDA labels differ in active ingredient, dosing, approved uses, and future supply [1][2][3].
| Feature | Saxenda | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Liraglutide | Semaglutide |
| How often | Once daily injection | Once weekly injection, or a daily tablet |
| Maintenance dose | 3 mg daily from week 5 | 2.4 mg (or 1.7 mg) weekly from week 17, up to 7.2 mg in some adults; tablets 25 mg from day 91 |
| Approved uses | Weight management only (no heart indication) | Weight management; lowering major heart event risk in adults with heart disease; MASH liver disease in adults |
| Ages | Adults; teens 12 and older with obesity and body weight over 60 kg | Injection: adults and teens 12 and older; tablets: adults only |
| Pen and needles | Multi-dose pen; needles sold separately | Single-dose pen (hidden needle), FlexTouch pen, or tablets |
| Storage once in use | 30 days after first use (room temperature or fridge) | Single-dose pen: up to 28 days at 46°F to 86°F before cap removal; FlexTouch: 56 days after first use |
| Half-life | About 13 hours | About 1 week |
| Pregnancy rule | Stop when a pregnancy is recognized | Stop at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy |
| Generic | FDA-approved generic liraglutide | None |
| Status | Being discontinued (last shipments to wholesalers late January 2027) | Available |
| List price | $1,349.02 | $1,349.02 per package |
Is Saxenda the Same as Wegovy? Liraglutide vs Semaglutide
No. Saxenda and Wegovy contain two different GLP-1 receptor agonist molecules from the same maker: Saxenda contains liraglutide and Wegovy contains semaglutide [1][3]. The biggest practical difference is how long each stays in the body.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda) has an elimination half-life of about 13 hours, which the label says makes it "suitable for once daily administration" [1].
- Semaglutide (Wegovy) has a half-life of about 1 week and stays in the blood for about 5 to 7 weeks after the last shot [3].
Both labels say not to combine either drug with any other GLP-1 medicine [1][3].
The same molecules also appear under diabetes brand names: Victoza is liraglutide and Ozempic is semaglutide, both for type 2 diabetes. For every approved option, see our page on the GLP-1 drugs list.
Saxenda vs Wegovy Doses and How You Take Them
Saxenda is injected once daily and reaches its 3 mg maintenance dose in week 5, while Wegovy is injected once weekly and reaches maintenance in week 17 [1][3]. Your prescriber sets your schedule; this page gives no personal dosing advice.
| Week | Daily dose |
|---|---|
| 1 | 0.6 mg |
| 2 | 1.2 mg |
| 3 | 1.8 mg |
| 4 | 2.4 mg |
| 5 and onward | 3 mg |
| Weeks | Weekly dose |
|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | 0.25 mg |
| 5 to 8 | 0.5 mg |
| 9 to 12 | 1 mg |
| 13 to 16 | 1.7 mg |
| 17 onward | 2.4 mg (recommended) or 1.7 mg |
Label rules:
- Saxenda stopping rule. The label tells prescribers to stop Saxenda in adults who have not lost at least 4% of starting weight after 16 weeks, and in teens whose BMI has not fallen at least 1% after 12 weeks on maintenance [1].
- Wegovy maintenance. For adults who tolerate 2.4 mg for at least 4 weeks, the label allows up to 7.2 mg if more weight loss is clinically indicated [3]. Doses below these label schedules are not an approved option; our page on microdosing GLP-1 covers what studies show.
- Pens. Saxenda: a multi-dose pen, needles not included, thrown away 30 days after first use [1]. Wegovy: single-dose pens with the dose already set and a hidden needle [3].
- Missed doses. Saxenda: take the next scheduled dose, never an extra one; after more than 3 days off, the label restarts at 0.6 mg. Wegovy: take a missed shot only if the next dose is more than 2 days away [1][3].
Wegovy also comes as a daily tablet for adults; see our page on the Wegovy pill vs injection.
Saxenda vs Wegovy Weight Loss: The STEP 8 Head-to-Head Trial
In STEP 8, adults on semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly (the Wegovy dose) lost an average of 15.8% of body weight at 68 weeks, compared with 6.4% on liraglutide 3 mg daily (the Saxenda dose) [4]. The difference was 9.4 percentage points. People on placebo lost 1.9%.
STEP 8 enrolled 338 adults without diabetes at 19 US sites: 126 on semaglutide, 127 on liraglutide, and 85 on pooled placebo [4][5]. Most participants (78.4%) were women.
| Outcome | Semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy dose) | Liraglutide 3 mg (Saxenda dose) |
|---|---|---|
| Average weight change | -15.8% | -6.4% |
| Lost at least 10% | 70.9% | 25.6% |
| Lost at least 15% | 55.6% | 12.0% |
| Lost at least 20% | 38.5% | 6.0% |
| Stopped treatment for any reason | 13.5% | 27.6% |
| Digestive adverse events | 84.1% | 82.7% |
Digestive adverse events were similar, and about twice as many people stopped liraglutide for any reason [4].
What STEP 8 Cannot Tell You
STEP 8 has limits [4]:
- Open label. Participants knew whether they were on semaglutide or liraglutide.
- Different side effect rules. People who could not tolerate semaglutide 2.4 mg could drop to 1.7 mg. People who could not tolerate liraglutide 3 mg had to stop and could restart the 4-week titration.
- Different escalation. Semaglutide escalated over 16 weeks and liraglutide over 4 weeks.
- One population. No one had diabetes, and the results cover 68 weeks.
- Funding. Novo Nordisk funded the trial and makes both drugs; sponsor staff helped design it and analyze the data.
Each Drug's Own Trials
Each drug was also tested against placebo in separate trials, which are not head-to-head [1][3].
| Trial | Length | Drug | Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saxenda Study 1 (adults without type 2 diabetes) | 56 weeks | -7.4% | -3% |
| Wegovy STEP 1 (adults without type 2 diabetes) | 68 weeks | -14.9% | -2.4% |
| Wegovy 7.2 mg (Study 8) | 72 weeks | -18.8% | -3.9% |
Newer medicines have their own head-to-head data; our page on Zepbound vs Wegovy covers the SURMOUNT-5 trial.
Saxenda vs Wegovy Side Effects
Saxenda and Wegovy cause the same types of side effects, mostly digestive. The label figures below come from different trials, and both labels say rates from one drug's trials "cannot be directly compared" to another's [1][3].
| Side effect | Saxenda 3 mg (placebo) | Wegovy 2.4 mg (placebo) |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 39.3% (13.8%) | 44% (16%) |
| Diarrhea | 20.9% (9.9%) | 30% (16%) |
| Constipation | 19.4% (8.5%) | 24% (11%) |
| Vomiting | 15.7% (3.9%) | 24% (6%) |
| Any digestive side effect | About 68% (39%) | 73% (47%) |
| Severe digestive side effects | 4.8% (1.4%) | 4.1% (0.9%) |
| Gallstones | 2.2% (0.8%) | 1.6% (0.7%) |
| Stopped for side effects | 9.8% (4.3%) | 6.8% (3.2%) |
| Heart rate rise vs placebo | 2 to 3 beats per minute | 1 to 4 beats per minute |
In STEP 8, digestive adverse events were similar (84.1% vs 82.7%) [4]. The Saxenda label also reports breast cancer in 17 of 2,379 women on Saxenda vs 3 of 1,300 on placebo, with too few cases to tell whether the drug played a role [1].
Warnings on Both Labels
Saxenda and Wegovy share the same main warnings [1][3]:
- A boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; not for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2
- Pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and kidney injury from dehydration
- Low blood sugar when used with insulin or a sulfonylurea
- Aspiration risk during anesthesia or deep sedation
- Serious allergic reactions
Wegovy also warns about diabetic retinopathy complications in type 2 diabetes [3]. In January 2026, FDA asked the makers of Saxenda, Wegovy, and Zepbound to remove the suicidal behavior and ideation warning after a meta-analysis of 91 placebo-controlled trials; both labels dropped it in February 2026 [7].
The Medication Guides say [1][3]:
- Severe stomach pain that will not go away, with or without nausea or vomiting: stop using the medicine and call your healthcare provider right away.
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction: stop using the medicine and get medical help right away.
- Taking too much: call your healthcare provider or Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Saxenda vs Wegovy for Teens and Children
Saxenda and Wegovy injection are both approved for teens aged 12 and older with obesity, but Saxenda also requires a body weight over 60 kg (about 132 pounds) [1][3][8]. Wegovy tablets are for adults only.
| Trial | Length | Weight change, drug vs placebo | BMI change, drug vs placebo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saxenda Study 4 (251 teens) | 56 weeks | -2.65% vs +2.37% | -4.29% vs +0.35% |
| Wegovy Study 10 (201 teens) | 68 weeks | -14.7% vs +2.7% | -16.1% vs +0.6% |
The two trials differed in length and design, and we found no head-to-head trial in teens. In the Saxenda teen trial, 10.4% stopped for side effects vs none on placebo [1]. The Wegovy label notes that teens had more gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, low blood pressure, rash, and hives than adults [3].
SCALE Kids tested liraglutide in 82 children aged 6 to under 12: BMI changed by -5.8% vs +1.6% on placebo over 56 weeks [6]. The US Saxenda label still says safety and effectiveness are not established under age 12 [1].
Pregnancy Planning on Saxenda vs Wegovy: Different Stop Rules
Saxenda and Wegovy have different pregnancy rules: the Wegovy label says to stop at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy, to account for semaglutide's long half-life, while the Saxenda label says to stop when a pregnancy is recognized [1][3].
- Breastfeeding. Neither label has human breast milk data for the injection; breastfeeding is not recommended on Wegovy tablets [1][3].
- Birth control pills. Liraglutide lowered peak levels of ethinylestradiol and levonorgestrel by 12% and 13%, with no change in overall ethinylestradiol exposure [1]. A semaglutide tablet study found no clinically significant change [3].
- Hair loss. On Wegovy 2.4 mg, 4% of women reported hair loss vs 2% on placebo [3]. Saxenda lists hair loss only among postmarketing reports [1]. Our page on whether Zepbound causes hair loss explains why weight loss can trigger shedding.
- Women in the trials. Women made up 79% of Saxenda Study 1, 74% of STEP 1, and 78.4% of STEP 8 [1][3][4].
Plan any pregnancy with your prescriber.
Is Saxenda Being Discontinued? What the Notice Says and What Stays Available
Yes. Novo Nordisk has announced that it will discontinue Saxenda, with "last shipments to wholesalers taking place in late January 2027," according to the NovoCare notice we read on September 30, 2026 [8]. The company calls it a strategic portfolio decision and says it "is not the result of any safety or quality-related concerns."
What stays available:
- Generic liraglutide for weight loss. FDA lists three generics that reference Saxenda: Teva (approved August 27, 2025; Teva announced its launch the next day), Biocon, and Orbicular (both approved February 24, 2026) [11][12]. They share Saxenda's active ingredient and weight indication. We could not confirm that the two newer ones are in pharmacies.
- Victoza generics are different. Generic liraglutide that references Victoza is labeled for type 2 diabetes, not weight loss [11][13].
- No generic Wegovy. No generic semaglutide is approved for sale in the US; FDA lists one tentative approval only [14].
FDA's shortage database lists liraglutide injection as resolved [15]. Pharmacy stock of brand Saxenda after January 2027 is unknown, and the notice asks patients to consult their health care provider on alternatives. For every approved GLP-1, see our page on the GLP-1 drugs list.
Saxenda vs Wegovy Cost and Insurance Coverage
Saxenda and Wegovy have the same list price, $1,349.02, as of September 30, 2026 [9][10]. The savings routes differ, and Medicare's new GLP-1 program covers Wegovy but not Saxenda.
| Route | Saxenda | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| List price | $1,349.02 | $1,349.02 per package |
| Manufacturer savings | NovoCare says the Saxenda Savings Offer closed to new enrollees on June 30, 2023 | Pay as little as $25 with commercial insurance (maximum savings $100 per month; government beneficiaries excluded) |
| Generic | Ask your pharmacy and plan; we found no manufacturer price | None |
| Medicare GLP-1 Bridge | Not covered | Injection and tablets, $50 copay |
For self-pay, NovoCare lists Wegovy pens at $199 a month for the first 2 fills of 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg (new patients, through December 31, 2026), then $349 a month (0.25 to 2.4 mg) or $399 (Wegovy HD) [10]. Tablets are $149 to $299 a month.
The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge runs from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, with eligibility rules and prior authorization, and does not cover generic liraglutide [16][17]. With commercial insurance, ask your plan which drug it covers. Prices and savings terms change, so confirm them with NovoCare or your pharmacy.
Switching From Saxenda to Wegovy
Neither the Saxenda nor the Wegovy label gives a Saxenda to Wegovy dose conversion or any rule for switching between the two brands [1][3]. We publish no conversion chart.
Each label has its own rules, which are not written for a switch:
- The Wegovy label starts every approved use at 0.25 mg weekly, increased every 4 weeks.
- The Saxenda label restarts at 0.6 mg daily if more than 3 days have passed since the last Saxenda dose.
Both labels advise against combining GLP-1 medicines. Your prescriber decides how and when to change medicines.
Eating Well on Saxenda or Wegovy
Saxenda and Wegovy were both tested alongside a diet of about 500 fewer calories a day and counseling toward at least 150 minutes of weekly activity [1][3]. Neither label sets a meal timing rule: Saxenda is injected "without regard to the timing of meals," and Wegovy injection works "with or without meals."
A 2025 joint advisory from four societies (ACLM, ASN, OMA, and TOS) notes that targets of 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day have been proposed during active weight loss, though the right reference weight is unsettled [18]. It also stresses strength training. Our page on how much protein to eat on a GLP-1 explains the math. For high-protein recipes and meal ideas sized for a smaller appetite, see our GLP-1 meal plan and recipe guide.
General habits, not label rules: eat the protein part of each meal first, plan smaller regular meals, and keep sipping fluids. For sample menus, see our page on a GLP-1 meal plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saxenda the same as Wegovy?
No. Saxenda is daily liraglutide; Wegovy is weekly semaglutide or a daily tablet. Novo Nordisk makes both.
Is Wegovy more effective than Saxenda?
In STEP 8, weight loss averaged 15.8% on semaglutide vs 6.4% on liraglutide at 68 weeks, in an open-label trial funded by Novo Nordisk.
Why is Saxenda being discontinued?
Novo Nordisk calls it a strategic portfolio decision, not a safety or quality concern. Last shipments to wholesalers are planned for late January 2027.
Is there a generic Saxenda or a generic Wegovy?
FDA has approved generic liraglutide that references Saxenda, first from Teva in 2025. No generic Wegovy is approved for sale in the US.
Can I switch from Saxenda to Wegovy, and is there a conversion chart?
Neither label has a conversion chart or a rule for switching between the two brands. Your prescriber decides how to change medicines.
Which has fewer side effects, Saxenda or Wegovy?
We found no trial designed to answer that beyond STEP 8, where digestive adverse events were similar (84.1% vs 82.7%).
Can teenagers take Saxenda or Wegovy?
Yes, from age 12 with obesity. Saxenda also requires a body weight over 60 kg, and Wegovy tablets are for adults only.
Why do people stop taking Saxenda or Wegovy?
In STEP 8, 27.6% on liraglutide and 13.5% on semaglutide stopped treatment for any reason. In each drug's own trials, 9.8% on Saxenda and 6.8% on Wegovy stopped for side effects.
Can you take Saxenda and Wegovy together?
No. Both labels say not to use them with any other GLP-1 medicine.
How do Saxenda and Wegovy compare with Zepbound?
Zepbound (tirzepatide) has its own head-to-head trial against Wegovy; see our page on Zepbound vs Wegovy.
Key Takeaways
- Different molecules. Saxenda is daily liraglutide; Wegovy is weekly semaglutide or a daily tablet.
- Head-to-head data. STEP 8: 15.8% vs 6.4% average weight loss at 68 weeks, similar digestive side effects.
- Different label rules. Saxenda has a 16-week stopping rule; Wegovy a 2-month pregnancy planning rule.
- Saxenda is leaving. Last shipments to wholesalers: late January 2027; generic liraglutide exists.
- Same list price. $1,349.02 each, as of September 30, 2026.
Whichever medicine you and your prescriber choose, our guide has high-protein recipes and meal ideas for a smaller appetite.
References
- Saxenda (liraglutide) injection Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, revised 02/2026, and Instructions for Use, revised 06/2026: Novo Nordisk
- Saxenda label on DailyMed, SPL version 22: U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Wegovy (semaglutide) injection and Wegovy (semaglutide) tablets Prescribing Information and Medication Guide, revised 06/2026: Novo Nordisk
- Rubino DM et al. Effect of weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs daily liraglutide on body weight in adults with overweight or obesity without diabetes: the STEP 8 randomized clinical trial. JAMA, 2022
- STEP 8 results, NCT04074161: ClinicalTrials.gov
- Fox CK et al. Liraglutide for children 6 to less than 12 years of age with obesity: a randomized trial. N Engl J Med, 2025
- FDA requests removal of suicidal behavior and ideation warning from GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, January 13, 2026: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Saxenda cost, coverage, and savings, including the discontinuation notice, read September 30, 2026: NovoCare
- What is the list price for Saxenda, read September 30, 2026: NovoCare
- Wegovy cost, coverage, and savings, read September 30, 2026: NovoCare
- Drugs@FDA data for liraglutide, openFDA, data updated September 29, 2026: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Teva announces FDA approval and launch of generic Saxenda, August 28, 2025: Teva
- FDA approves first generic of once-daily GLP-1 injection to lower blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes, December 23, 2024: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Drugs@FDA data for semaglutide, openFDA, data updated September 29, 2026: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Drug shortages: liraglutide injection, read September 30, 2026: U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Medicare GLP-1 Bridge: Information for Prescribers, June 2026: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- Medicare GLP-1 Bridge, page last modified 07/13/2026: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- Nutritional priorities to support GLP-1 therapy for obesity: joint advisory from ACLM, ASN, OMA, and TOS, 2025
This article is for education only and is not medical advice. It summarizes the FDA labels, published trials, and NovoCare and CMS pages, and it gives no personalized dosing advice. Talk to your prescriber about your treatment and your dose. Read our full medical disclaimer.