Wegovy (injectable) vs Saxenda
Side-by-side on efficacy, form, dosing, side effects, and 2026 cash-pay and insurance pricing.
| Wegovy (injectable) | Saxenda | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Semaglutide | Liraglutide |
| Form | Injection | Injection |
| Avg weight loss | ~15–17% | ~5–8% |
| Cash price / mo | $349/mo | $299/mo (generic) |
| FDA for obesity | Approved | Approved |
Same drug class, different generations. Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly) delivers ~15% weight loss; Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg daily) delivers ~5–8%. For adults, Wegovy is the stronger choice unless cost is tight or insurance won't cover it. Saxenda's remaining niches are pediatrics and budget.
Who wins on what
Same manufacturer, different generations
When Saxenda still wins
Cost-constrained uninsured patients who want a brand-equivalent FDA-approved drug — generic liraglutide 3 mg is the cheapest path. Adolescents 12–17 — the only GLP-1 approved for them. Daily injectors who genuinely prefer the smaller peak-to-trough variability.
For everyone else, Wegovy (or Zepbound) is usually the upgrade worth pursuing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I switch from Saxenda to Wegovy?
Yes, and it's a common move. Typical transition: stop Saxenda, start Wegovy 0.25 mg the following week, titrate normally. The daily-to-weekly change sometimes produces temporary GI effects as exposure pattern shifts.
Why is Saxenda daily and Wegovy weekly?
Liraglutide has a ~13-hour half-life; semaglutide has a ~1-week half-life. The difference is molecular engineering — semaglutide was designed specifically for sustained-release dosing.
Is Saxenda cheaper than Wegovy?
Often yes on cash, especially using generic liraglutide ($299–$499/month) versus brand Wegovy list ($1,349/month). With insurance and savings cards, both can reach $0–$25/month; insurance coverage determines which is cheaper for any given patient.
Not sure which is right for you? Take the Sherpa Matcher — it accounts for your goals, budget, and insurance in 60 seconds.