Compare drug alternatives

Saxenda ® Alternatives

Saxenda ®(liraglutide)
Wegovy®(semaglutide)
Prescription Only
Saxenda (liraglutide) is used to aid weight loss and maintain weight reduction in adults dealing with obesity or overweight issues along with weight-related medical conditions....
Prescription Only
Wegovy (semaglutide) injection is a prescribed medication utilized for weight loss in obese adults, adolescents, and overweight adults with weight-related health concerns. It...
Dosage & Administration
Administration
Dosing
Latin Shorthand
Financial Assistance
Out-Of-Pocket Costs With Copay Card
Annual Cap
$225 per fill. Learn more.
Assistance Expiration
12/31/2023. Learn more.
Generics
No lower-cost generic available
No lower-cost generic available
Physician Advisory
Adverse Reactions
Most common adverse reactions, reported in greater than or equal to 5% are: nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, injection site reactions, headache, hypoglycemia, dyspepsia, fatigue, dizziness, abdominal pain, increased lipase, upper abdominal pain, pyrexia, and gastroenteritis. . Learn more.
Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5%) in adults or pediatric patients aged 12 years and older are: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia, dizziness, abdominal distension, eructation, hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, flatulence, gastroenteritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and nasopharyngitis. . Learn more.
Mechanism of Actions (MoA)
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. Learn more.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists. Learn more.
Special Populations
Is SAXENDA® safe during pregnancy?

SAXENDA® is contraindicated during pregnancy as weight loss offers no benefit and may harm the fetus. There's limited data on its use in pregnant women.

What do animal studies reveal about liraglutide's effects during pregnancy?

Animal studies have shown increased adverse effects on embryofetal development due to liraglutide exposure during pregnancy, indicating potential harm.

Are there data on the use of SAXENDA® during lactation?

There's no data on the presence of liraglutide in human milk, but it was detected in lactating rat milk. Consider breastfeeding benefits and potential risks of SAXENDA® for both mother and infant.

Is SAXENDA® approved for pediatric use?

SAXENDA® is approved for pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with obesity, supported by clinical trials. However, some adverse events were reported in these trials.

How does SAXENDA® perform in geriatric patients?

In clinical trials, no significant differences were observed in safety or effectiveness between older and younger patients. However, caution is advised in the elderly.

What precautions should be taken for patients with renal impairment using SAXENDA®?

Limited experience exists for SAXENDA® in patients with renal impairment. There have been reports of renal failure, necessitating caution in this population.

How about the use of SAXENDA® in patients with hepatic impairment?

Limited experience exists for SAXENDA® in patients with hepatic impairment, indicating caution in this patient population.

Is SAXENDA® suitable for patients with pre-existing gastroparesis?

SAXENDA® has not been studied in patients with pre-existing gastroparesis.

What is the Pregnancy Exposure Registry for Semaglutide (Wegovy)?

The Pregnancy Exposure Registry monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to semaglutide during pregnancy. Pregnant women or healthcare providers can contact Novo Nordisk at 1-877-390-2760 or www.wegovypregnancyregistry.com.

What risks are associated with using Wegovy (semaglutide) during pregnancy?

Animal studies suggest potential risks to the fetus from semaglutide exposure during pregnancy. Weight loss, induced by Wegovy, offers no benefit during pregnancy and may lead to fetal harm. When pregnancy is identified, patients are advised of the potential fetal risk, and Wegovy treatment is discontinued.

What are the known risks of birth defects or miscarriage with Wegovy use during pregnancy?

The available data from pharmacovigilance and clinical trials on Wegovy's use in pregnant patients are insufficient to establish its association with major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal/fetal outcomes. The estimated background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage in the general U.S. population is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

How does Semaglutide (Wegovy) affect pregnant animals in studies?

Studies on pregnant rats, rabbits, and monkeys show that semaglutide exposure during organogenesis caused embryofetal mortality, structural abnormalities, and altered growth at doses below the recommended human dose. In monkeys and rabbits, there were early pregnancy losses and structural abnormalities observed at doses below or equal to the recommended human dose.

What clinical considerations are advised for pregnant patients using Wegovy?

Pregnant patients, including those with overweight or obesity, should aim for appropriate weight gain due to the necessary weight gain during pregnancy. Wegovy should be discontinued upon pregnancy recognition due to the potential risks to both the mother and fetus.

Are there any data on Semaglutide (Wegovy) in lactating mothers?

There is no data available on semaglutide or its metabolites in human milk. However, semaglutide was found in the milk of lactating rats. When drugs are present in animal milk, they're likely to be present in human milk.

What recommendations are provided for females and males of reproductive potential using Wegovy?

To prevent potential fetal harm, discontinue Wegovy in patients planning pregnancy at least 2 months before conception, considering semaglutide's long half-life.

Is Wegovy (Semaglutide) safe and effective for pediatric use?

Wegovy is deemed safe and effective as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older with a BMI corresponding to ≥95th percentile. However, its safety for children less than 12 years old or with type 2 diabetes is not established.

How is Wegovy (Semaglutide) used in geriatric patients?

In clinical trials, no notable differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between patients aged 65 and older and younger adults.

Does renal or hepatic impairment require dosage adjustments for Wegovy (Semaglutide)?

No dosage adjustments are recommended for patients with renal or hepatic impairment based on clinical studies that showed no significant changes in semaglutide pharmacokinetics in these conditions.