What's the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?

Both pens contain semaglutide from the same manufacturer (Novo Nordisk). The differences are regulatory and practical: | | Ozempic | Wegovy | | --- | --- | --- | | FDA-approved for | Type 2 diabetes (+ CV risk reduction in T2D) | Chronic weight management (+ CV risk reduction with overweight/obesity) | | Max dose | 2 mg weekly | 2.4 mg weekly | | Weight-loss use | Off-label (common, legal) | On-label | | Insurance reality | Often covered with a diabetes diagnosis | Requires weight-management coverage, which many plans exclude | Practical consequences: - If you have type 2 diabetes, Ozempic is usually the smoother insurance path and works for weight too. - If you don’t have diabetes, Wegovy is the on-label product; using Ozempic instead is off-label and most insurers will reject it without a T2D diagnosis. - Efficacy at equal doses is identical — it’s the same molecule. Wegovy’s extra 0.4 mg top step adds modest additional effect. - Cash-pay: Novo’s direct pharmacy sells Wegovy at a flat monthly rate (cost guide); compounded semaglutide is the cheaper non-brand route.