liraglutide vs semaglutide
Side-by-side comparison of liraglutide and semaglutide Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.
Victoza, Saxenda
Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus
Liraglutide is a medicine that helps lower blood sugar levels. It is used with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes in adults and children 10 years and older.
Ozempic is a medicine that helps lower blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can also lower the risk of heart problems in adults with both type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Liraglutide helps manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. You should use it along with a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is for adults and children aged 10 and older.
Ozempic is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise. It can also reduce the risk of major heart problems like heart attack, stroke, or death in adults who have both type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Ozempic has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis, so other diabetes medicines may be better for you.
Liraglutide works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body. This hormone helps your pancreas release insulin when your blood sugar is high. It also lowers the amount of sugar your liver makes.
Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It works by helping your body release insulin when your blood sugar is high. It also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach.
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Vomiting
- • Decreased appetite
- • Upset stomach
- • Nausea
- • Vomiting
- • Diarrhea
- • Abdominal pain
- • Constipation
- Feeling sick to your stomach 7,005
- High blood sugar 3,875
- Throwing up 3,364
- Loose, watery stools 3,263
- Inflammation of the pancreas 2,316
- Feeling sick to your stomach 10,666
- Throwing up 6,913
- Using the medicine for a purpose it's not approved for 6,532
- Loose, watery stools 6,093
- Not feeling hungry 4,428
Liraglutide can cause thyroid tumors in animals. It is not known if it can cause thyroid cancer in humans. You should not take this medicine if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Tell your doctor if you notice a lump in your neck, have trouble swallowing or breathing, or your voice becomes hoarse.
Ozempic may cause thyroid C-cell tumors. Animal studies showed that semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, caused thyroid tumors in rodents. It is not known if Ozempic causes thyroid tumors in humans. You should not take Ozempic if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your doctor if you notice a lump in your neck, have trouble swallowing, have trouble breathing, or have a hoarse voice that won't go away.
Liraglutide may harm your unborn baby. You should only use it during pregnancy if the benefit outweighs the risk. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
There is limited information about the safety of Ozempic during pregnancy. Ozempic may pose a risk to your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Also Compare — Nearby Drugs
Compare liraglutide with
Compare semaglutide with
How to Read This liraglutide vs semaglutide Comparison
liraglutide is classified in the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist drug class, while semaglutide sits within the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist class. Because both drugs share the same classification, they are often considered interchangeable in theory — but clinical outcomes rarely track that cleanly. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.
Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, liraglutide has 19,823 submissions while semaglutide has 34,632. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume — not per-patient risk — so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. No direct interaction between these two drugs is listed in our FDA-derived dataset, though co-prescription still warrants pharmacist review. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.
A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between liraglutide and semaglutide — always consult your physician or pharmacist first.
Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.