See the DrugPatentWatch profile for wegovy

Wegovy and Ozempic are two prescription medications that contain the active ingredient semaglutide and are used to treat type 2 diabetes and, in the case of Wegovy, also for chronic weight management. While both drugs have similar mechanisms of action and are administered via injection, there are some differences between them that may make Wegovy a more suitable option for certain individuals.

One key difference between Wegovy and Ozempic is their approved uses. Wegovy is the first FDA-approved weight management medication for adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, in more than a decade. In contrast, Ozempic is only approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, Wegovy is available in a higher dosage than Ozempic, which may make it more effective for weight loss. In clinical trials, adults taking Wegovy lost up to 12.4% of their body weight, compared to 6.2% for those taking Ozempic.

It's important to note that both Wegovy and Ozempic can have side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. However, these side effects are typically mild and go away on their own over time.

In terms of cost, Wegovy is likely to be more expensive than Ozempic due to its recent FDA approval and its use for weight management, which is not typically covered by insurance. However, the exact cost of Wegovy and Ozempic will depend on a variety of factors, including insurance coverage and the dosage prescribed by a healthcare provider.

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, the patent for Ozempic is set to expire in 2028, which may lead to the introduction of generic versions and a potential decrease in cost. However, the patent for Wegovy is not set to expire until 2034, which means that generic versions of the medication may not be available for several years.

In summary, Wegovy and Ozempic are both semaglutide-based medications used to treat type 2 diabetes, but Wegovy is also approved for chronic weight management and is available in higher dosages. While both medications can have side effects, they are typically mild and go away on their own over time. The cost of Wegovy is likely to be higher than Ozempic due to its recent FDA approval and its use for weight management.

Sources:

* FDA. (2021). FDA approves new drug for chronic weight management in certain adults. <https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-chronic-weight-management-certain-adults>
* Novo Nordisk. (2021). Wegovy™ (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg. <https://www.novo-pi.com/wegovy.pdf>
* Novo Nordisk. (2021). Ozempic® (semaglutide) injection 0.5 mg, 1 mg, or 2 mg. <https://www.novo-pi.com/ozempic.pdf>
* DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Ozempic (semaglutide) drug patent prescriptions and litigation. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/ozempic>
* DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Wegovy (semaglutide) drug patent prescriptions and litigation. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/wegovy>