Ozempic and Victoza Comparison

Ozempic®(semaglutide)	Victoza®(liraglutide)
Prescription Only Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection that helps improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular...	Prescription Only Victoza is a medication that mimics a natural hormone in the body to regulate blood sugar, insulin, and digestion. It is used in conjunction with diet and exercise to enhance...
Administration
Subcutaneous. Learn more.	Subcutaneous. Learn more.
Dosing
0.25 mg SC injection q/week for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, increase to 0.5 mg SC q/week. • If more control needed after 4 weeks on 0.5 mg, increase to 1 mg SC q/week • If further control needed after 4 weeks on 1 mg, increase to 2 mg SC q/week (max dose). . Learn more.	Adult: Initiate: 0.6 mg SC qd x 1wk, then ↑ to 1.2 mg daily. If needed ↑ to 1.8 mg daily after 1 wk at 1.2 mg dose. Pediatrics: Initiate: 0.6 mg SC qd x ≥ 1 wk. If needed ↑ to 1.2 mg daily; if further needed, ↑ to 1.8 mg daily after ≥ 1 wk at 1.2 mg dose.. Learn more.
Latin Shorthand
0.25 mg SC injection q/week for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, increase to 0.5 mg SC q/week. • If more control needed after 4 weeks on 0.5 mg, increase to 1 mg SC q/week • If further control needed after 4 weeks on 1 mg, increase to 2 mg SC q/week (max dose). . Learn more.	Adult: Initiate: 0.6 mg SC qd x 1wk, then ↑ to 1.2 mg qd. If needed, ↑ to 1.8 mg qd after 1 wk at 1.2 mg dose. Pediatrics: Initiate: 0.6 mg SC qd x ≥ 1 wk. If needed, ↑ to 1.2 mg qd; if further needed, ↑ to 1.8 mg qd after ≥ 1 wk at 1.2 mg dose.. Learn more.
Out-Of-Pocket Costs With Copay Card
$25. Learn more.	$25. Learn more.
Annual Cap
$150 for 1 month supply; $300 for 2 month supply; $450 for 3 month supply. Learn more.	$150 for 1 month supply; $300 for a 2 month supply; $450 for a 3 month supply. Learn more.
Assistance Expiration
24 months. Learn more.	24 months from activation. Learn more.
Generics
No lower-cost generic available	No lower-cost generic available
Adverse Reactions
The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with OZEMPIC® are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation.. Learn more.	Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) in clinical trials are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, constipation. Immunogenicity-related events, including urticaria, were more common among VICTOZA®-treated patients (0.8%) than among comparator-treated patients (0.4%) in clinical trials.. Learn more.
Mechanism of Actions (MoA)
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. Learn more.	Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2. Learn more.
Special Populations
What is the risk of using OZEMPIC® during pregnancy? Limited data exist on the use of semaglutide in pregnant women, making it challenging to determine the potential drug-associated risk for adverse developmental outcomes. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy poses risks for both the mother and fetus. OZEMPIC® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks. What are the potential risks to the fetus from exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy? Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to the fetus from exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy. In pregnant rats, exposure to semaglutide during organogenesis led to embryofetal mortality, structural abnormalities, and growth alterations. Similar findings were observed in rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys. What is the estimated background risk of birth defects and miscarriage in pregnant women? In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. For women with pre-gestational diabetes, the estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6 to 10% with a peri-conceptional HbA1c >7 and can be as high as 20 to 25% with a peri-conceptional HbA1c >10. What are the disease-associated risks for pregnant women with poorly controlled diabetes? Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy increases the risk of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. It also increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia-related morbidity. What do the animal data reveal about the effects of semaglutide exposure during pregnancy? Animal data indicate that exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy in rats, rabbits, and cynomolgus monkeys can result in embryofetal mortality, structural abnormalities, and alterations in growth. These effects were observed at various dose levels and exposures in different animal species. What is known about semaglutide exposure during lactation? There is no information available regarding the presence of semaglutide in human milk or its effects on breastfed infants or milk production. Semaglutide was detected in the milk of lactating rats, but the clinical relevance of these findings is not clear. Should OZEMPIC® be discontinued in women planning a pregnancy? OZEMPIC® should be discontinued in women at least 2 months before planning a pregnancy due to the long washout period required for semaglutide. Is OZEMPIC® safe for pediatric use? Safety and efficacy of OZEMPIC® have not been established in pediatric patients (younger than 18 years). Is OZEMPIC® safe for geriatric use? No overall differences in safety or efficacy have been detected between older and younger patients in clinical trials. However, caution should be exercised in geriatric patients. Is OZEMPIC® safe for patients with renal impairment? No dose adjustment of OZEMPIC® is recommended for patients with renal impairment. Semaglutide pharmacokinetics have not shown clinically relevant changes in subjects with renal impairment, including end-stage renal disease. Is OZEMPIC® safe for patients with hepatic impairment? No dose adjustment of OZEMPIC® is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment. Semaglutide pharmacokinetics have not shown clinically relevant changes in subjects with varying degrees of hepatic impairment.	What are the considerations regarding the use of VICTOZA® during pregnancy? Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be risks to the fetus from exposure to VICTOZA® during pregnancy. VICTOZA® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal reproduction studies identified increased adverse developmental outcomes from exposure during pregnancy. Liraglutide exposure was associated with early embryonic deaths and an imbalance in some fetal abnormalities. The estimated background risk of major birth defects for women with uncontrolled pre-gestational diabetes is 6 to 10%. Clinical considerations include the increased risk of maternal and fetal complications associated with poorly controlled diabetes. What are the considerations regarding the use of VICTOZA® during lactation? There are no data on the presence of VICTOZA® in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Liraglutide was present in the milk of lactating rats. Developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for VICTOZA® and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from VICTOZA® or from the underlying maternal condition. What is known about the safety and effectiveness of VICTOZA® in pediatric patients? The safety and effectiveness of VICTOZA® as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus have been established in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older. Use of VICTOZA® for this indication is supported by clinical trials. The risk of hypoglycemia was higher with VICTOZA® in pediatric patients. VICTOZA® has not been established in pediatric patients less than 10 years of age. Are there any age-related differences in the safety and effectiveness of VICTOZA®? In clinical trials, no overall differences in safety or effectiveness for VICTOZA® have been observed between patients 65 years of age and older and younger patients. How should VICTOZA® be used in patients with renal impairment? No dose adjustment of VICTOZA® is recommended for patients with renal impairment. The safety and efficacy of VICTOZA® was evaluated in patients with moderate renal impairment. In clinical trials, no overall differences in safety or efficacy were seen in patients with renal impairment compared to patients with normal renal function. Use caution in patients who experience dehydration. What are the recommendations for using VICTOZA® in patients with hepatic impairment? There is limited experience in patients with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment. Therefore, VICTOZA® should be used with caution in this patient population. No dose adjustment of VICTOZA® is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment. How does VICTOZA® affect patients with gastroparesis? VICTOZA® slows gastric emptying. VICTOZA® has not been studied in patients with pre-existing gastroparesis.

Ozempic®(semaglutide)

Victoza®(liraglutide)

Prescription Only

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection that helps improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular...

Prescription Only

Victoza is a medication that mimics a natural hormone in the body to regulate blood sugar, insulin, and digestion. It is used in conjunction with diet and exercise to enhance...

Dosage & Administration

Administration

Subcutaneous. Learn more.

Dosing

0.25 mg SC injection q/week for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, increase to 0.5 mg SC q/week. • If more control needed after 4 weeks on 0.5 mg, increase to 1 mg SC q/week • If further control needed after 4 weeks on 1 mg, increase to 2 mg SC q/week (max dose). . Learn more.

Adult: Initiate: 0.6 mg SC qd x 1wk, then ↑ to 1.2 mg daily. If needed ↑ to 1.8 mg daily after 1 wk at 1.2 mg dose. Pediatrics: Initiate: 0.6 mg SC qd x ≥ 1 wk. If needed ↑ to 1.2 mg daily; if further needed, ↑ to 1.8 mg daily after ≥ 1 wk at 1.2 mg dose.. Learn more.

Latin Shorthand

Adult: Initiate: 0.6 mg SC qd x 1wk, then ↑ to 1.2 mg qd. If needed, ↑ to 1.8 mg qd after 1 wk at 1.2 mg dose. Pediatrics: Initiate: 0.6 mg SC qd x ≥ 1 wk. If needed, ↑ to 1.2 mg qd; if further needed, ↑ to 1.8 mg qd after ≥ 1 wk at 1.2 mg dose.. Learn more.

Financial Assistance

Out-Of-Pocket Costs With Copay Card

$25. Learn more.

Annual Cap

$150 for 1 month supply; $300 for 2 month supply; $450 for 3 month supply. Learn more.

$150 for 1 month supply; $300 for a 2 month supply; $450 for a 3 month supply. Learn more.

Assistance Expiration

24 months. Learn more.

24 months from activation. Learn more.

Generics

No lower-cost generic available

Physician Advisory

Adverse Reactions

The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with OZEMPIC® are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation.. Learn more.

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) in clinical trials are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, dyspepsia, constipation. Immunogenicity-related events, including urticaria, were more common among VICTOZA®-treated patients (0.8%) than among comparator-treated patients (0.4%) in clinical trials.. Learn more.

Mechanism of Actions (MoA)

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. Learn more.

Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2. Learn more.

Special Populations

What is the risk of using OZEMPIC® during pregnancy?

Limited data exist on the use of semaglutide in pregnant women, making it challenging to determine the potential drug-associated risk for adverse developmental outcomes. Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy poses risks for both the mother and fetus. OZEMPIC® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

What are the potential risks to the fetus from exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy?

Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to the fetus from exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy. In pregnant rats, exposure to semaglutide during organogenesis led to embryofetal mortality, structural abnormalities, and growth alterations. Similar findings were observed in rabbits and cynomolgus monkeys.

What is the estimated background risk of birth defects and miscarriage in pregnant women?

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively. For women with pre-gestational diabetes, the estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6 to 10% with a peri-conceptional HbA1c >7 and can be as high as 20 to 25% with a peri-conceptional HbA1c >10.

What are the disease-associated risks for pregnant women with poorly controlled diabetes?

Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy increases the risk of hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. It also increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia-related morbidity.

What do the animal data reveal about the effects of semaglutide exposure during pregnancy?

Animal data indicate that exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy in rats, rabbits, and cynomolgus monkeys can result in embryofetal mortality, structural abnormalities, and alterations in growth. These effects were observed at various dose levels and exposures in different animal species.

What is known about semaglutide exposure during lactation?

There is no information available regarding the presence of semaglutide in human milk or its effects on breastfed infants or milk production. Semaglutide was detected in the milk of lactating rats, but the clinical relevance of these findings is not clear.

Should OZEMPIC® be discontinued in women planning a pregnancy?

OZEMPIC® should be discontinued in women at least 2 months before planning a pregnancy due to the long washout period required for semaglutide.

Is OZEMPIC® safe for pediatric use?

Safety and efficacy of OZEMPIC® have not been established in pediatric patients (younger than 18 years).

Is OZEMPIC® safe for geriatric use?

No overall differences in safety or efficacy have been detected between older and younger patients in clinical trials. However, caution should be exercised in geriatric patients.

Is OZEMPIC® safe for patients with renal impairment?

No dose adjustment of OZEMPIC® is recommended for patients with renal impairment. Semaglutide pharmacokinetics have not shown clinically relevant changes in subjects with renal impairment, including end-stage renal disease.

Is OZEMPIC® safe for patients with hepatic impairment?

No dose adjustment of OZEMPIC® is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment. Semaglutide pharmacokinetics have not shown clinically relevant changes in subjects with varying degrees of hepatic impairment.

What are the considerations regarding the use of VICTOZA® during pregnancy?

Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be risks to the fetus from exposure to VICTOZA® during pregnancy. VICTOZA® should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Animal reproduction studies identified increased adverse developmental outcomes from exposure during pregnancy. Liraglutide exposure was associated with early embryonic deaths and an imbalance in some fetal abnormalities. The estimated background risk of major birth defects for women with uncontrolled pre-gestational diabetes is 6 to 10%. Clinical considerations include the increased risk of maternal and fetal complications associated with poorly controlled diabetes.

What are the considerations regarding the use of VICTOZA® during lactation?

There are no data on the presence of VICTOZA® in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production. Liraglutide was present in the milk of lactating rats. Developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for VICTOZA® and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from VICTOZA® or from the underlying maternal condition.

What is known about the safety and effectiveness of VICTOZA® in pediatric patients?

The safety and effectiveness of VICTOZA® as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus have been established in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older. Use of VICTOZA® for this indication is supported by clinical trials. The risk of hypoglycemia was higher with VICTOZA® in pediatric patients. VICTOZA® has not been established in pediatric patients less than 10 years of age.

Are there any age-related differences in the safety and effectiveness of VICTOZA®?

In clinical trials, no overall differences in safety or effectiveness for VICTOZA® have been observed between patients 65 years of age and older and younger patients.

How should VICTOZA® be used in patients with renal impairment?

No dose adjustment of VICTOZA® is recommended for patients with renal impairment. The safety and efficacy of VICTOZA® was evaluated in patients with moderate renal impairment. In clinical trials, no overall differences in safety or efficacy were seen in patients with renal impairment compared to patients with normal renal function. Use caution in patients who experience dehydration.

What are the recommendations for using VICTOZA® in patients with hepatic impairment?

There is limited experience in patients with mild, moderate, or severe hepatic impairment. Therefore, VICTOZA® should be used with caution in this patient population. No dose adjustment of VICTOZA® is recommended for patients with hepatic impairment.

How does VICTOZA® affect patients with gastroparesis?

VICTOZA® slows gastric emptying. VICTOZA® has not been studied in patients with pre-existing gastroparesis.

Ozempic® Alternatives