Is Semaglutide the Same as Victoza? 

A Helpful Guide to Understanding the Key Differences

Semaglutide and Victoza (liraglutide) are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists used for treating type 2 diabetes. While structurally similar, semaglutide has a longer half-life compared to victoza, allowing for less frequent dosing.

Have you been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and started treatment with Victoza? Your doctor may have suggested switching to a new medication called Semaglutide.

But before you swap out those daily injections, it's important to understand how Semaglutide and Victoza are different.

These two medications belong to the same class of drugs and treat diabetes in a similar way. However, they have some distinct differences when it comes to dosage, side effects, cost, and more.

Understanding the key contrasts between Semaglutide vs. Victoza could impact everything from your weight loss and blood sugar control to how much you pay at the pharmacy counter.

This complete guide compares and contrasts Semaglutide and Victoza to help you and your doctor determine if switching drugs is the right move for your diabetes treatment plan. 

Let's jump in and find out if Semaglutide is essentially the same thing as Victoza or if swapping drugs really makes a difference!

Speak with Dr V today to find out if Victoza or Semaglutide is right for you. Book your consultation now

An Introduction to Semaglutide and Victoza

Semaglutide and Victoza belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, which is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Both Semaglutide and Victoza work by mimicking the effects of GLP-1 in the body.

Specifically, they help stimulate the release of insulin when blood sugar is high. They also suppress the release of glucagon, which is a hormone that raises blood sugar. By acting like GLP-1, these medications can lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Semaglutide

Semaglutide is sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy.

FDA Approvals:

• Treating type 2 diabetes in adults.
• Chronic weight management for adults with obesity or overweight.

Victoza

Victoza contains the active drug liraglutide.

FDA Approvals:

• Treating type 2 diabetes in adults along with diet and exercise.
• Approved for use in children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes.

What are the Key Differences Between Semaglutide vs Victoza?

While Semaglutide and Victoza are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, there are notable differences between the two drugs:

1. Frequency of Administration

One major difference is how often they need to be injected:

• Semaglutide is a once-weekly injection.
• Victoza needs to be injected once daily.

For patients who prefer taking medication less frequently, Semaglutide offers the advantage of weekly dosing compared to Victoza’s daily shots.

2. Dosage Range

The approved dosage range also differs between the two medications:

• For type 2 diabetes, Semaglutide is typically administered at 0.5 mg or 1 mg doses once weekly, with a maximum dose of 2 mg once weekly.
• Victoza is taken at 0.6 mg, 1.2 mg, or 1.8 mg doses daily for diabetes.

For weight loss, the Semaglutide dose can be increased to 2.4 mg once weekly under the brand name Wegovy. Semaglutide offers more flexibility in dosing options for managing both blood sugar and body weight.

3. Weight Loss Effects

One of the biggest differences between these two GLP-1 drugs is their impact on weight:

• Semaglutide is specifically FDA-approved for chronic weight management at higher doses under the brand name Wegovy.
• Victoza is not approved for weight loss, However, some weight loss may occur as a side effect of improving blood sugar control.

In clinical trials, patients taking Semaglutide lost significantly more weight than those taking Victoza. Therefore, for patients looking to lose weight along with lowering blood sugar, Semaglutide appears more effective.

Side Effects

As injectable GLP-1 drugs, Semaglutide and Victoza can cause some similar side effects like:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain

However, the frequency and severity of these side effects can vary between the two drugs. For example, Semaglutide is associated with more cases of constipation but fewer instances of nausea and vomiting compared to Victoza.

There are also serious side effects to be aware of with both medications, such as pancreatitis and potential thyroid tumors. Patients should be monitored closely by a healthcare provider.

Consult our doctors as to which medication benefits match your diabetes management goals. Get in touch today

Making the Switch: Transitioning from Victoza to Semaglutide

If Victoza has been your trusty diabetes companion for some time, you may be wondering if now is the right time to make the switch to Semaglutide.

Here's what you should know about safely and effectively transitioning between these two GLP-1 receptor agonists:

1. Discuss the potential benefits and risks of switching with your doctor. They will review your medical history and determine if Semaglutide is appropriate for your individual needs.
2. Timing and dosage will be key. Your physician will create a supervised plan for tapering off Victoza dosage while introducing and ramping up Semaglutide over a number of weeks.
3. Monitor blood glucose levels closely during the transition period. Your doctor may recommend additional fingerstick checks or adjust other diabetes medications to ensure optimal control.
4. Pay attention to any new or worsening side effects as your body adapts to Semaglutide, like nausea, constipation or appetite changes. Promptly report concerns.
5. Never attempt to switch diabetes drugs on your own without medical supervision. Improper transition could lead to blood sugar spikes and complications.
6. Adjustments to other health habits like diet, exercise and stress management may further support the transition. Lifestyle stability helps minimize variability in blood sugars.

For many, the switch from daily Victoza shots to weekly Semaglutide improves convenience and enhances weight loss results. But work closely with your diabetes care team to determine if transitioning medications is the right move at this stage of your treatment plan. Together you can make the change safely and smoothly.

Breaking Down the Cost: How Much Will You Pay?

When it comes to choosing a diabetes medication, the cost implications can be substantial. What's the price difference between Semaglutide and Victoza, and how can you reduce expenses?

Here's a cost comparison breakdown:

• Without insurance, brand-name Victoza typically costs around $900-$1,100 monthly, while Semaglutide (Ozempic) is approximately $1,200-$1,500. The Wegovy dose for obesity is even higher at $1,500+.
• With insurance, copays often fall in the range of $15 to $500+ monthly. Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary widely between plans.
• Medicare Part D may cover some of the expenses for patients over 65 but still requires cost sharing. Supplemental plans can help reduce copays.
• Generic liraglutide (Victoza) is now available at lower costs, typically around $469.60 for a 2-pack and $704.40 for a 3-pack. There is currently no generic for Semaglutide.
• Manufacturer coupons and savings cards can lower copays by up to $500-$800/month for each medication. Enrolling is quick and easy.
• Free trial periods, copay assistance programs, and non-profit organizations may provide further financial relief. Patients should talk to their doctor's office for options.

The high price tags of these medications present challenges for many patients. Discuss the most affordable Semaglutide or Victoza treatment regimen for your budget with your healthcare team. 

Conclusion

When comparing Semaglutide and Victoza, it becomes clear these two GLP-1 receptor agonists have more similarities than differences. Both effectively lower blood sugar and carry risks of side effects.

However, there are some key distinctions between these injectable diabetes drugs that could sway your treatment decision. Semaglutide offers more flexibility with a wider dosing range and weight loss abilities. But Victoza may be the more affordable option, especially with new generic formulations.

Overall, consult your doctor to determine if switching from Victoza to Semaglutide is the right move for your diabetes management. They can help analyze factors like cost, insurance coverage, lifestyle needs, and health history to personalize your medication regimen. 

While the choice between Semaglutide vs. Victoza isn't always clear-cut, being informed about the benefits and downsides of each can lead you toward the best treatment for your individual needs.

[Work with Dr V Medical Aesthetics to weigh the pros and cons and determine if switching diabetes medications is your next step]