Ozempic and Victorza are glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists used to treat type 2 diabetes.
They help people better manage their blood sugar (sugar) levels, lower A1C levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and combat insulin resistance.
What are the active ingredients in Ozempic vs. Victorza?
Ozempic’s active ingredient is semaglutide, while Victoza contains liraglutide. Both drugs belong to the class of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists that are approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
They function by promoting insulin secretion in response to hyperglycemia levels, emptying the stomach and suppressing appetite. All of these can improve blood sugar control and help you manage your weight.
They have similar mechanisms of action, but semaglutide and liraglutide have different chemical compositions and are not directly compatible.
Each drug may offer a variety of benefits and risks, and selection between them involves careful consideration of a variety of factors, such as efficacy, side effects, frequency of administration, and individual preferences.
Allergies or sensitivity to the active ingredients of either drug also require careful selection and monitoring by a medical professional.
Why do people take Ozempic or Viktosa?
Both Ozempic and Victorza are used to treat type 2 diabetes. They are liquids, injectable medications that are ingested subcutaneously (just under the skin). Both help lower blood sugar and A1C levels (a measure of glucose control over the past 2-3 months).
They indirectly contribute to weight management by improving insulin resistance (a condition in which the body needs extra insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels), slowing digestion and suppressing appetite.
However, it is important to note that weight loss is a general benefit, but not the main purpose of these treatments.
In addition to glycemic control, Ozempic and Victorza have shown cardiovascular benefits for people with type 2 diabetes and preexisting heart disease, which may reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and even death from all causes (death from all causes).
Occasionally, Ozempic or Victorza may be prescribed “unlabeled” (in a way not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to people with pre-sugar or type 1 diabetes to improve insulin resistance and glucose levels.
It is important to note that Ozempic and Victorza are not prescribed together. Users are generally recommended to use either based on their healthcare team’s assessment of their specific situation.
read more: Everything you need to know about Ozempic and Everything you need to know about Viktosa.
How do Ozempic and Victorza look similar?
Ozempic and Victorza can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medications. However, if insulin is required to treat diabetes, it cannot completely replace the use of insulin.
Below are additional similarities between the two drugs.
Hypoglycemia and A1c levels
By mimicking the effects of the GLP-1 hormone, Ozempic and Victorza effectively lower blood glucose and A1c levels, and naturally increase insulin secretion in response to increased blood glucose levels.
This effect is glucose dependent. This means that it mainly occurs when blood sugar needs to be lowered. This helps improve glycemic control without significantly increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia).
In addition to increased insulin release, these drugs contribute to better glycemic control by suppressing the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that normally sigrates the liver and releases stored glucose into the bloodstream.
By lowering glucagon levels, Ozempic and Victorza help limit liver glucose release, further helping to lower blood glucose levels.
It can cause weight loss
Neither drug is approved for FDA as a weight loss drug, but the drug suppresses appetite and slow digestion.
There is no recommended dose to achieve this as FDA weight loss is not approved.
If you are interested in losing weight and living with type 2 diabetes, talk to your doctor. Because there are weight loss medications that the FDA has approved for diabetics.
For more information: Does Ozempic help you lose weight? and Victorza and Weight Loss: Does Victorza help you lose weight?
Low cardiovascular risk
Clinical evidence demonstrates that both Ozempic and Viktosa contribute to lower cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes, particularly those with heart disease.
For example, key clinical trials such as the Victorza Leader’s Trial and Ozempic’s Sustain-6 Trial have shown that these drugs may not only reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, but also reduce the risk of cardiovascular-related death in this population.
In support of this, a comprehensive meta-analysis (analysis of data from several studies) was published. Rancet We identify the cardiovascular benefits of these GLP-1 agonists and integrate findings from various studies.
Based on this robust evidence, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends the use of GLP-1 agonists, including Ozempic and Victorza, for people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, as a strategy to reduce cardiovascular risk.
It can cause adverse effects
Both Ozempic and Victorza can have a negative effect on side effects.
These include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- Hypoglycemia, especially when used in combination with insulin
It can also cause more serious side effects, including:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Kidney problems
- Increased risk of thyroid cancer
- Allergic reactions
For more information about the potential side effects of both drugs, read: Ozempic Side Effects: Things You Need to Know and Side effects of victoza: What you need to know.
They are name brands and expensive
Unfortunately, there are no general versions of Ozempic or Victorza. Both are name brands and are extremely expensive. Some health insurance plans may not cover either.
Check your health insurance plan to see if it is included in your prescription and what cost sharing is before you start your medication.
They are not substitutes for insulin
Neither Ozempic nor Victorza will replace insulin. These drugs work together with other therapies, including insulin, and help you effectively manage your blood sugar levels.
If you are considering starting Ozempic or Victoza, it is important to maintain your current treatment plan, including insulin, if prescribed, unless your healthcare provider advises you to make a change.
They can be taken with or without food
GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Victoza provide considerable flexibility in administration as they can be taken at any time, with or without food. This contrasts with insulin and certain other diabetes medications, and often requires more precise timing with diet.
Although these drugs are generally effective in lowering blood glucose levels, they are at a lower risk of causing acute hypoglycemia on their own thanks to the glucose-dependent mechanism of action.
This means that they stimulate insulin release primarily in the presence of hyperglycemia levels, minimizing the risk of lowering blood glucose under normal circumstances.
If you are engaged in physical activity after receiving an injection, it is unlikely to cause a rapid drop in blood glucose levels. However, exercise can affect glucose levels, so it is recommended to monitor responses, especially in new treatment regimens.
For those who have experienced nausea after injection, pre-consuming common side effects, bland foods such as toast, bananas, rice, crackers, and other bland foods may help reduce this discomfort. This side effect can decrease over time as your body adapts to the medication.
For more information: Foods to Avoid when taking Ozempic and Foods to Avoid when taking Viktosa.
What is the difference between Ozempic and Victorza?
Ozempic and Victorza share many similarities as GLP-1 agonists used to manage type 2 diabetes, but there are several important differences that may affect selection.
Dosage Frequency
Ozempic is taken once a week, making it a convenient option for those who prefer less frequent dosing. In contrast, Victorza requires daily injections. This may be good for those who need more detailed control of their blood sugar levels, or those who experience mild side effects that disappear quickly.
See more details: Ozempic Dosage Guide: How much should it cost? and Victorza Dosing: How much does it cost?
Approved Group
Ozempic is approved for use in adults over the age of 18 with type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, Victorza is approved for use in people over the age of 10 with type 2 diabetes.
Effect duration and side effects
Ozempic lasts a long time and has a weekly dosage schedule. However, it is active for longer, so side effects such as nausea and vomiting can also last up to a week.
On the other hand, Viktoza is taken daily, so side effects usually decrease faster than within a day as the effects of the drug fade away.
If your daily injection outlook is a concern, or you tend to forget about your daily medication, Ozempic’s weekly schedule may be suitable for your lifestyle.
It is also important to note that the administration of the two drugs is completely different. Both require careful administration adjustments that need to be managed under the guidance of the healthcare provider.
Ozempic can cause diabetic retinopathy
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in ozenpic, can increase the risk of early deterioration of diabetic retinopathy (damage to the retinal eye) especially in people who already have this eye condition.
This side effect was particularly observed in Sustain-6 clinical trials, but does not affect all users of the drug.
In contrast, Victorza is not associated with similar risks in major studies.
If you have existing diabetic retinopathy or are concerned about the potential ocular health complications, it is important to discuss these risks with your doctor before starting ozempic. This conversation will help ensure that your treatment plan considers both your diabetes management needs and your overall eye health.
FAQ
Can I switch between the two drugs?
Yes, it is possible to switch between Ozempic and Victorza, especially if you are experiencing side effects with any of them. However, due to different actions and efficacy, a specific waiting period is recommended to ensure safety.
If you are switching from Ozempic to Victoza, you can wait a week after the last dose of Ozempic to reduce the effectiveness of long-acting Ozempic.
If you switch from Victorza to Ozempic, take the first dose of Ozempic 24 hours after the last dose of Victorza before waiting.
Always make such changes under the guidance of a doctor. The doses of Ozempic and Victoza are not comparable and your doctor may adjust your starting dose based on your needs and previous experience with GLP-1 drugs.
Even if you are taking the highest dose of Victorza, your doctor may start you with a lower dose of Ozempic and adjust based on your response and any side effects.
Can I take Ozempic and Victorza at the same time?
No, we do not recommend using two drugs in the GLP-1 agonist class, such as Ozempic or Victorza, at the same time.
Doing so may not increase its effectiveness and increase the risk of serious side effects. Although GLP-1 agonists generally have a low risk of causing hypoglycemia on their own, combinations of these drugs can lead to an increased risk of other serious side effects such as gastrointestinal problems and pancreatitis.
It is important to follow the guidance of your healthcare provider and use only prescribed medication therapy.
If I lose enough weight on Ozempic or Victorza, can I remove other diabetes medications?
As a result of significant weight loss and improved glycemic control, it is possible for people taking Ozempic or Viktosa to reduce or even discontinue other diabetes medications, but this is not guaranteed.
Weight loss can improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce the need for additional medication.
However, coordination of diabetes treatment plans should be done carefully and at all times under the guidance of a health care provider.
It is important to remember that Ozempic and Victorza can greatly improve diabetes management, but they have not cured their condition. The need for ongoing medication, including insulin, can last, especially in people who have suffered from diabetes for a long time.
This consideration is particularly important for people with type 2 diabetes who may be able to reduce their dependence on insulin and other drugs. In contrast, type 1 diabetic patients need to continue insulin therapy because their bodies do not produce insulin.
Talk to your doctor if you experience any major changes, such as unexpected weight loss or frequent hypoglycemia episodes.
