Ozempic vs Semaglutide: Main Difference And Efficacy

Most people are already accustomed to thinking that putting off some weight is a matter of a diet and taking sufficient exercises only. However, the reality might have a seemingly much more merciful solution for those who suffer from excessive body mass and obesity in particular, as there exist specific medications that promote losing weight! 

Sounds too good to be true? But it’s really the truth, with two slight specifications: firstly, this medicine is primarily aimed at diabetes 2 management, and secondly, there are 2 medications with this active component on the market – Semaglutide and Ozempic. This article is about the comparison of Semaglutide vs Ozempic. Read on to know more about this kitchen!

Is Ozempic the same medication as Semaglutide?

Yes, when comparing Semaglutide vs Ozempic,  first of all, it must be said that Ozempic and Semaglutide are basically the same medicine. Ozempic is just another trademark, which became different from Semaglutide in its name because of being manufactured by another pharmaceutical factory called Novo Nordisk.

Still, is really, for 100% Semaglutide the same as Ozempic? – Ozempic is the very same in its action as Semaglutide. This drug is an agonist of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors and is mainly used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. 

Semaglutide imitates the function of hormones that regulate blood sugar in the body, promoting its normalization. Though its goal is not to replace insulin, Semaglutide is usually used alongside it. 

But aside from normalizing blood glucose level, when comparing Ozempic vs Semaglutide it should be kept in mind that this medication is also well-known for its ability to help with weight loss.

How does it actually work?

Semaglutide as well as Ozempic works like the GLP-1 receptor agonist imitating the natural hormone GLP-1, which is secreted by the gut. 

GLP-1 reacts to food and its action leads to the series of processes that lead to lowering of blood sugar level. This hormone initially enhances the insulin secretion by pancreas. 

Insulin is known to be also responsible for dropping down the blood sugar level while also restricting glucagon generation.

Semaglutide affects how food is emptied into the stomach. Particularly, it inhibits glucose absorption into the bloodstream. This action in addition refines glucose control.

The rules of administration and dosage

If some people still doubt how to reply to the question, is Ozempic the same as Semaglutide? Pay attention to the administration rules for both medications, they are the same. The drug’s administration is subcutaneous. Starting at 0.25 mg weekly for the first 4 weeks, its administration then increases. This initial dosage works to improve the body’s tolerance to the medication.

After the 4 first weeks’ period, the drug dose gets increased to 0.5 mg per week. The dose increase should be weekly. After at least 4 weeks from taking this dosage, if the indicator of glycemic control is poorer, the intake is increased to a maximum of 1 mg weekly.

The injection can be given any time of the day and irrespective of times for meal. However, though being not dependent on food intake, taking this drug should be strict in another way: Semaglutide  should be given the same day of each week. 

It should be injected subcutaneously: into the abdomen, the thigh, or the upper arm. The patient should move the place of injection often to prevent skin blemishes.

It is imperative to keep in mind that every illness might be different and therefore the dose may have to be adjusted according to the treatment plan prescribed.

Semaglutide and Ozempic’s efficacy 

Semaglutide, also being sold under the brand name Ozempic, is one of the most powerful drugs for the management and control of type 2 diabetes. It has been shown to be effective in lowering blood glucose levels as well as HbA1C – the well-known parameter for assessing the duration of the state of blood glucose level. 

Aside from the glucose lowering effects, Ozempic assists in weight loss, which is the challenge of many diabetic patients. A study published by The New England Journal of Medicine found that patients taking Ozempic lost as much as 4.6 kg- 6.4 kg (10-14 pounds) on average.

Furthermore, Ozempic has been shown to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events for patients with type 2 diabetes with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

Bottom line

The difference between Semaglutide and Ozempic is really only in the names of medications, while the main effective medication is Semaglutide.

Semaglutide is really a powerful drug for diabetes 2 management and losing weight is one of its additional effects. Based on mimicking the natural glucagon-like-peptide-1 hormone, both Ozempic and Semaglutide medications drop blood sugar levels and this decreases appetite. 

However, though the working mechanism of Semaglutide and Ozempic is clear, and their side effects are not that dangerous and sometimes even unnoticeable, you cannot prescribe it to yourself on your own and must have a consultation with a professional doctor!