Victoza vs. Ozempic: Which GLP-1 Agonist is Right for You?

Choosing the right medication to manage type 2 diabetes can be a challenge, especially when there are multiple options available. Victoza and Ozempic, both GLP-1 receptor agonists, offer effective ways to control blood sugar levels while providing additional benefits such as weight management.

Understanding the key differences between these two medications can help you make an informed decision about which one might be the best fit for your health needs.

Victoza and Ozempic

Victoza and Ozempic are both injectable medications that are available with a prescription and used to manage type 2 diabetes. They belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists. These drugs mimic the action of the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone, which helps control blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion, slowing gastric emptying, and reducing appetite. This leads to better blood sugar control and potential weight loss.

Victoza (liraglutide): is administered daily and has been approved for blood sugar control and reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults and children 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease. It is commonly prescribed alongside diet and exercise.

Ozempic (semaglutide): is administered weekly and offers similar benefits for blood sugar control, weight loss, cardiovascular risk reduction, lower risk of heart attack, stroke, and death due to heart problems in adults with type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease. Additionally, it is favored by some patients for its less frequent dosing schedule, which may offer added convenience.

Generic Availability

Teva Pharmaceuticals recently introduced a generic version of Victoza (liraglutide), marking the first generic GLP-1 medication available in the U.S. This development is significant given the increasing demand for GLP-1 drugs, which has sometimes resulted in supply shortages both domestically and internationally. The rise in "off-label" use of medications like Ozempic for weight loss has further strained availability, forcing some diabetes patients to switch medications.

While Victoza now has a generic counterpart, there is still no approved generic version of Ozempic. The FDA has cautioned against using compounded versions marketed as generic Ozempic, as these products may be unsafe and lack the same active ingredients, potentially compromising their effectiveness.

Efficacy

Research has suggested that Ozempic may offer more effective A1C reduction, a measure of average blood sugar over 3 months. In a 30-week study, participants using Ozempic (1 mg weekly) saw a 1.7% drop in A1C, compared to a 1% reduction with Victoza (1.2 mg daily).

Both Ozempic and Victoza are also known to cause weight loss as a side effect. This occurs because these medications affect the brain’s control over appetite and satiety, and they slow the rate at which food moves through the stomach, leading to prolonged feelings of fullness and potentially lower calorie intake.

Ozempic has been found to lead to more significant weight loss compared to Victoza. In the study, patients using Ozempic lost an average of 13 pounds over 30 weeks, while those on Victoza lost around 4 pounds in the same timeframe.

Although neither medication is officially approved for weight loss, in some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe Victoza or Ozempic off-label for weight management, which means the medication is used for a purpose other than its original FDA-approved indication.

Warnings

Both Victoza and Ozempic carry a boxed warning, which is the FDA's most serious warning, due to the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Studies in rats and mice have shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Victoza and Ozempic, can cause these tumors, although it remains unclear whether the same risk applies to humans. As a precaution, those with a history or family history of thyroid cancer, particularly medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), should avoid using these medications.

In addition to this potential risk, there are other serious side effects associated with GLP-1 agonists like Victoza and Ozempic, including the following

• Acute pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain and may require medical intervention.
• Gallbladder disease: Including the formation of gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder, which can lead to pain and other complications.
• Hypoglycemia: Particularly when used with other diabetes medications, blood sugar levels can drop too low, leading to dizziness, confusion, and fainting.
• Acute kidney injury: Sudden decline in kidney function, which can worsen existing kidney disease or cause new complications.

Who should consider Victoza or Ozempic?

These medications are especially beneficial for those who have not achieved adequate glucose control with other treatments, such as diet, exercise, or other medications. Additionally, those at higher risk for cardiovascular complications, such as heart disease or stroke, may also benefit from either drug, as both have shown potential to reduce these risks.

While neither is specifically approved for weight loss, patients who need help with weight loss alongside diabetes management may find these medications helpful under the guidance of a healthcare provider. The decision to use Victoza or Ozempic should be made in consultation with a doctor, taking into account your personal health goals and medical history.

Choosing between Victoza and Ozempic

When deciding between Victoza and Ozempic for managing type 2 diabetes, key factors to consider include their effectiveness in lowering blood sugar levels, potential for weight loss, dosing frequency, and possible side effects. While both medications belong to the same class of GLP-1 agonists, they differ in their administration schedules and specific benefits.

Ultimately, discussing these options with your doctor is important, as they can evaluate individual health needs, pre-existing conditions, and potential drug interactions to recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.