Side by side · Updated April 2026

Ozempic vs. Ozempic

Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists. Beyond that they differ in molecule, FDA indication, dose ceiling, and — most importantly to most people reading this — what the scale actually does over the long run.

Semaglutide vs SemaglutideSame indication — Type 2 diabetes (with later cardiovascular and CKD indications)

Semaglutide

Ozempic

GLP-1

Made by: Novo Nordisk
FDA approval: December 2017
Indication: Type 2 diabetes (with later cardiovascular and CKD indications)
Dose ceiling: 2.0 mg weekly
Typical loss: ~6% body weight at 6–12 months in T2D patients; ~10–13% in non-diabetic off-label use at higher doses
Cash list: $950–$1,350

Semaglutide

Ozempic

GLP-1

Made by: Novo Nordisk
FDA approval: December 2017
Indication: Type 2 diabetes (with later cardiovascular and CKD indications)
Dose ceiling: 2.0 mg weekly
Typical loss: ~6% body weight at 6–12 months in T2D patients; ~10–13% in non-diabetic off-label use at higher doses
Cash list: $950–$1,350

The honest answer

Which one actually wins

Same active molecule (semaglutide). Branded Ozempic is FDA-manufactured in single-use pens; compounded semaglutide is made by 503A or 503B pharmacies using a different formulation (sometimes with B12) and dispensed in multi-dose vials. Cash-pay cost can differ by 5–10×. The 2025 FDA shortage resolution constricted compounded supply — verify your pharmacy's standing before committing to the compounded path.

Side by side