Victoza vs Ozempic - Compare Differences, Uses, Side Effects

Introduction

Victoza and Ozempic are both popular injectable medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. They belong to a class of drugs called GLP-1 receptor agonists that work by increasing insulin production and reducing appetite. With the recent Ozempic shortage due to its off-label use for weight loss, many people with diabetes are left wondering if Victoza can serve as an alternative treatment option.

In this comprehensive guide, well compare and contrast Victoza vs Ozempic to help you understand the key similarities and differences between these two diabetes medications. Well cover how they work, dosing, effectiveness, side effects, and cost so you can make an informed decision if you need to switch from Ozempic to Victoza.

How Victoza and Ozempic Work

Both Victoza and Ozempic contain synthetic versions of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This hormone is released naturally in your body after eating to stimulate the release of insulin when blood sugar levels are high.

Victoza contains the active drug liraglutide while Ozempic contains semaglutide. They belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of injectable diabetes drugs and work by:

• Increasing insulin production - They tell the pancreas to release more insulin after you eat to lower high blood sugar.
• Slowing digestion - They slow down food emptying from the stomach so sugar is absorbed into the blood more slowly.
• Suppressing appetite - By acting on appetite centers in the brain, they help you feel fuller faster and reduce food cravings.

The end result is better blood sugar control and potential weight loss benefits.

Key Similarities

When comparing Victoza vs Ozempic, there are some key similarities:

• Both are approved for type 2 diabetes treatment
• Given as a once daily injection
• Come in pre-filled, multi-dose pens
• Need to be refrigerated
• Offer the same mechanisms of action by activating GLP-1 receptors

Key Differences

There are also some notable differences between these two GLP-1 receptor agonists:

• Drug concentration - Ozempic has a higher concentration of semaglutide than Victoza's concentration of liraglutide.
• Dosage - Ozempic maximum dosage is 1 mg per week compared to Victoza's 1.8 mg per day.
• Delivery system - Ozempic uses a different release mechanism to prolong absorption.
• Approval dates - Victoza was approved in 2010 while Ozempic was approved in 2017.

Effectiveness for Diabetes

Numerous clinical studies have found both Victoza and Ozempic to be highly effective at lowering A1C levels in people with type 2 diabetes. They outperform many other common diabetes medications.

In head-to-head clinical trials comparing Victoza vs Ozempic, Ozempic generally shows slightly better blood sugar lowering effects. This is likely due to its higher semaglutide concentration and prolonged release delivery system.

For example, in the SUSTAIN 7 trial, Ozempic 1 mg lowered A1C by 1.5% on average compared to 1.1% for Victoza 1.8 mg after 40 weeks of treatment.

However, both medications delivered clinically significant improvements in A1C showing their effectiveness. They also helped people lose weight compared to placebo groups in studies.

Real-World Evidence

Real-world data from prescription records, insurance claims, and patient registries also demonstrate the effectiveness of Victoza and Ozempic:

• An analysis of over 21,000 people found Victoza lowered A1C by 1.6% on average after 6 months.
• Ozempic decreased A1C by 1.9% on average after 6 months in an analysis of 11,000 people.
• In a real-world study of 620 patients, Ozempic reduced A1C from 9.6% to 7.7% after 6 months.

So while Ozempic shows an edge in clinical trials, both perform very well at improving blood sugar control in real-world settings.

Approved Uses

When looking at approved uses, there are some differences between Victoza vs Ozempic:

Victoza

Victoza is FDA approved for:

• Treating type 2 diabetes in adults
• Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events like stroke or heart attack in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease

Ozempic

Ozempic is FDA approved for:

• Treating type 2 diabetes in adults
• Chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition

So Ozempic has the added approval for chronic weight management. Its higher semaglutide concentration gives it an edge for weight loss purposes.

Dosing and Administration

Victoza and Ozempic both come in pre-filled, multi-dose pens that make injecting your dose easy. However, their dosing schedules differ:

Victoza

• Taken once daily any time of day
• No need to take it at the same time each day
• Start at 0.6 mg daily for 1 week, then increase to 1.2 mg
• Can increase to 1.8 mg if needed for additional A1C lowering

Ozempic

• Taken once weekly
• Should be taken on the same day each week
• Start at 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then increase to 0.5 mg
• Can increase to 1 mg weekly for more glycemic control or weight loss

So Victoza offers more flexibility with once daily dosing compared to Ozempic's once weekly administration. But Ozempic's less frequent dosing may be more convenient for some people.

Side Effects

Victoza and Ozempic commonly cause certain gastrointestinal side effects. These occur because they slow digestion. Common side effects can include:

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

These side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to improve over time as your body adapts. Taking the medications with food can help reduce digestive upsets.

Ozempic seems more prone to causing nausea at higher doses. In clinical trials, up to 20% of patients on 1 mg Ozempic reported nausea compared to only around 5% on Victoza 1.8 mg.

Other possible side effects of both medications include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Heartburn
• Gallstones
• Injection site reactions

Rare but serious risks include thyroid tumors, kidney problems, pancreatitis, severe low blood sugar, and ketoacidosis with insulin use. Discuss all potential side effects with your doctor before starting treatment.

Cost and Availability

Cost often influences medication choice. Here's a look at Victoza vs Ozempic cost comparisons:

• Victoza generally costs around $900 per monthly supply without insurance.
• Ozempic typically costs around $1,200 per monthly supply without insurance.
• With insurance, Victoza may cost $15 to $150 per month. Ozempic often costs $25 to $200 per month depending on insurance.

Right now, the biggest factor affecting Ozempic's cost and availability is the ongoing shortage. Supplies are limited due to its popularity for weight loss in people without diabetes.

During shortages, Victoza can be a more affordable and accessible option. Long term, Victoza tends to have slightly lower costs than Ozempic for most people.

Key Takeaways on Victoza vs Ozempic

When comparing Victoza and Ozempic, keep these main points in mind:

• Both effectively lower blood sugar and A1C in type 2 diabetes
• Ozempic lowers A1C slightly more but Victoza still provides robust reductions
• Ozempic has added weight loss approval, but both meds promote weight loss
• Victoza offers daily dosing flexibility while Ozempic is once weekly
• Ozempic seems to have more nausea side effects, especially at higher doses
• Victoza is currently more widely available and lower cost due to Ozempic shortages

Overall, Victoza and Ozempic have more similarities than differences. Both are very effective medications for managing type 2 diabetes.

If you are having difficulty accessing Ozempic, switching to Victoza can help you maintain good blood sugar control. Work with your doctor to determine if Victoza may be a good alternative choice during the Ozempic shortage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Victoza or Ozempic more effective for weight loss?

Ozempic is FDA approved for chronic weight management at doses up to 1 mg per week. But both medications can promote weight loss as a side effect of improving blood sugar control and appetite reduction. In clinical trials, weight loss was only slightly greater with Ozempic compared to Victoza.

Can I switch from Ozempic to Victoza?

Yes, you can switch from Ozempic to Victoza. They are similar medications that work the same way. Your doctor can help determine equivalent dosing. Make sure to monitor your blood sugar closely after switching to ensure adequate control.

Which medication causes more nausea?

Ozempic is more frequently associated with nausea, especially at its highest 1 mg dose. Around 20% of patients report nausea with Ozempic 1 mg compared to only 5% with Victoza 1.8 mg. Taking the medication with food can help minimize nausea.

How much weight can I expect to lose on Victoza or Ozempic?

Weight loss varies significantly. In clinical trials, people lost 4 to 9 pounds on average. Some people lose much more weight, especially if combining the medication with diet and exercise. Others may lose little or no weight. Individual results depend on many factors.

Should I take Victoza or Ozempic at night?

You can take Victoza at any time of day as it is dosed once daily. It's best to take Ozempic on the same day and time each week. Some people prefer taking it at night to sleep through potential side effects like nausea.

Discuss the best timing with your doctor. Taking with or right after a meal can help minimize side effects.

The Bottom Line

Victoza and Ozempic are highly effective noninsulin injectable medications for managing type 2 diabetes. While Ozempic is newer to market and seems to have modestly better A1C lowering, Victoza remains an excellent option with a long track record of safety and efficacy.

If you are having trouble getting your hands on Ozempic, Victoza offers a reliable alternative with once daily dosing. Talk to your doctor about making the switch to ensure you have access to these important diabetes medications during the Ozempic shortage.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.