Quick Summary
Victoza (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) are both GLP-1 receptor agonists manufactured by Novo Nordisk, but they represent different generations and serve different primary purposes. Victoza, approved in 2010, is a once-daily injection for type 2 diabetes with an additional indication for cardiovascular risk reduction. Wegovy, approved in 2021, is a once-weekly injection approved for chronic weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with obesity or overweight. Semaglutide is the molecular successor to liraglutide in Novo Nordisk's GLP-1 pipeline.
The clinical profiles reflect both generational advancement and different dosing targets. In the LEADER trial, Victoza (liraglutide 1.8 mg daily) demonstrated meaningful cardiovascular benefit and modest weight loss of approximately 2-3 kg more than placebo. In the STEP 1 trial, Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg weekly) produced mean weight loss of approximately 14.9% over 68 weeks. The SELECT trial further demonstrated that semaglutide 2.4 mg significantly reduced major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease -- extending cardiovascular protection to a non-diabetes population.
Victoza requires daily injections, while Wegovy is injected once weekly. Their approved indications differ: Victoza is intended for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes, whereas Wegovy targets weight management in a broader population. Liraglutide is also available as Saxenda (3 mg daily) for weight management, but even at that higher dose it produces substantially less weight loss than Wegovy. Both medications cause gastrointestinal side effects typical of the GLP-1 class. Patients should consult their healthcare provider to determine which medication and indication align with their specific medical needs and treatment goals.
Victoza vs Wegovy: Full Comparison
| Feature | Victoza(liraglutide) | Wegovy(semaglutide) |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | liraglutide | semaglutide |
| Drug Class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk |
| FDA Approved | 2010-01-25 | 2021-06-04 |
| Approved Indications |
|
|
| Route | subcutaneous injection | subcutaneous injection |
| Frequency | Once daily | Once weekly |
| Starting Dose | 0.6 mg daily | 0.25 mg weekly |
| Maintenance Dose | 1.2 mg or 1.8 mg daily | 2.4 mg weekly |
| Max Dose | 1.8 mg daily | 7.2 mg weekly (Wegovy HD, approved March 19, 2026) |
| Weight Loss (%) | 3.2% | 16.9% |
| A1C Reduction | 1.1% | N/A (not indicated for diabetes) |
| Key Trial | LEADER (188 weeks) | STEP 1 (68 weeks) |
| List Price | $950-$1,100/month | $1,349-$1,650/month |
| With Insurance | $25-$150/month (varies by plan) | $25-$250/month (varies by plan; many plans exclude weight-loss drugs) |
| Savings Card | $25/month (Novo Nordisk savings card, commercially insured) | $0/month for eligible patients (NovoCare savings program) |
Side Effects: Victoza vs Wegovy
| Side Effect | Victoza | Wegovy |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 28% | 44% |
| Diarrhea | 17% | 30% |
| Vomiting | 11% | 24% |
| Headache | 9% | 14% |
| Decreased appetite | 9% | Not reported |
| Dyspepsia | 7% | Not reported |
| Constipation | 6% | 24% |
| Pancreatitis (rare) | <1% | <1% |
| Abdominal pain | Not reported | 20% |
| Fatigue | Not reported | 11% |
| Gallbladder events | Not reported | 2.6% |
Severity scale: 1 (mild) to 5 (serious). Based on FDA prescribing information and clinical trial data.
Related Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & References
FDA & Regulatory
Clinical Trial Records
Peer-Reviewed Literature
- Marso SP et al. Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes (LEADER). N Engl J Med 2016;375:311-322 — New England Journal of Medicine
- Wilding JPH et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP 1). N Engl J Med 2021;384:989-1002 — New England Journal of Medicine
- Lincoff AM et al. Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes (SELECT). N Engl J Med 2023;389:2221-2232 — New England Journal of Medicine
Safety Communications
Manufacturer Information
Reference Entries
Additional References
- LEADER trial (Marso SP, et al. N Engl J Med. 2016;375(4):311-322)
- STEP 1 trial (Wilding JPH, et al. N Engl J Med. 2021;384(11):989-1002)
- SELECT trial (Lincoff AM, et al. N Engl J Med. 2023;389(24):2221-2232)
- Victoza FDA prescribing information (Novo Nordisk)
- Wegovy FDA prescribing information (Novo Nordisk)
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions. See our full medical disclaimer.