Can Wegovy be used interchangeably with Ozempic?

No, even though both contain semaglutide, they are licensed for different uses and come in different devices and doses. Doctors may sometimes switch people from Ozempic to Wegovy, but this needs a structured plan to avoid dosing errors.

Why people get confused

It’s understandable that people assume Wegovy and Ozempic can be swapped freely. Both are based on semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that reduces appetite, slows digestion, and improves blood sugar control. They are also produced by the same company. But despite these similarities, the two products are not interchangeable. The main differences lie in their licensed uses, the doses they deliver, and the injection devices they come in.

Different licences and uses

Ozempic was first approved as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. It is prescribed at lower weekly doses, typically up to 1 mg, though some countries allow 2 mg. Wegovy, by contrast, was trialled specifically for obesity and is licensed in the UK for weight management at a higher 2.4 mg weekly dose. NICE guidance separates these uses clearly: Ozempic is a diabetes drug, and Wegovy is a weight-management drug.

Differences in pens and doses

The injection pens are not the same. Wegovy pens are designed to deliver gradually escalating doses up to 2.4 mg, while Ozempic pens are calibrated for lower diabetes doses. Using the wrong pen, or switching without guidance, risks either under-dosing (and not achieving results) or overdosing (and causing side effects). That’s why clinicians stress that any switch must be carefully managed.

What the trials show

Clinical evidence also reflects the difference in purpose. In the STEP-1 trial, people taking Wegovy lost on average 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks, far more than the modest weight changes seen in Ozempic diabetes trials such as SUSTAIN-6. The lower doses of semaglutide in Ozempic are enough to improve blood sugar, but not to produce the significant weight loss seen with Wegovy.

NHS guidance on switching

In practice, some people with diabetes who have been using Ozempic are switched to Wegovy if weight management becomes the main goal. NHS guidance requires that this be done under specialist supervision, with careful monitoring during the transition. Doctors must check the dosing schedule, ensure the patient understands the new pen, and review side effects closely. Self-switching is not recommended.

Why it matters

The distinction between the two medicines is more than just branding. It ensures that people receive the right dose for the right reason, backed by clinical evidence and regulatory approval. Confusing the two risks mismanagement, which could compromise both safety and effectiveness.

What the evidence shows overall

Wegovy and Ozempic may contain the same ingredient, but they are not interchangeable. Wegovy is the higher-dose version licensed for weight management, while Ozempic is the lower-dose version licensed for diabetes. Switching between them is possible, but only with a structured plan from a healthcare professional to avoid errors.