Is Wegovy better than Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic)?

There is no single answer. The right medicine depends on your health, other medicines, preferences (such as injection or tablet) and how you respond. Clinical trials of each medicine used different designs, so comparing headline results needs care. A prescriber can help you weigh up the options.

Can I switch from Wegovy to Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic)?

Switching between GLP-1 medicines is possible but should only be done under the supervision of a prescriber, who will decide the starting dose of the new medicine and the timing. Do not take both at the same time, and do not switch on your own.

Wegovy vs Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic): how they compare

Wegovy (semaglutide) and Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) compared side by side: how they work, dosing, side effects and UK status.

Key differences

Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Wegovy is taken once a week, whereas Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic) is taken once a day.

Side-by-side

Comparison of Wegovy, Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic)
Attribute	Wegovy	Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic)
Active ingredient	semaglutide	liraglutide
Drug class	GLP-1 receptor agonist	GLP-1 receptor agonist
Manufacturer	Novo Nordisk	Novo Nordisk (Saxenda); generic liraglutide from other manufacturers
Form	Injection	Injection
How often	once a week	once a day
Device	FlexTouch pen	Pre-filled pen
Starting dose	0.25mg	0.6mg
Dose range	0.25mg to 7.2mg	0.6mg to 3mg
UK status	Licensed in the UK for weight management	Licensed in the UK for weight management
NICE guidance	NICE TA875 (March 2023)	NICE TA664 (December 2020)
Common side effects	Nausea, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Vomiting, Indigestion and reflux, Injection site reactions	Nausea, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Vomiting, Headache, Injection site reactions

Wegovy vs Liraglutide (Saxenda / generic): how they compare

Key differences

Side-by-side

Frequently asked questions

Comparison guides