Saxenda vs CagriSema
Side-by-side comparison based on SCALE and REDEFINE-1 phase 3 trial data plus April 2026 pricing.
Saxenda
liraglutide (injection)
Peak weight loss8.4%
TrialSCALE
Administrationinjection
FDA statusweight-loss
List price$1,349/mo
CagriSema
Higher efficacycagrilintide + semaglutide
Peak weight loss20.4%
TrialREDEFINE-1
Administrationinjection
FDA statuspending
List price$1,499/mo
Weight loss comparison (220 lbs starting weight)
% of body weight lost over 18 months, modeled from phase 3 trial data
Monthly cost by payment channel
| Channel | Saxenda | CagriSema | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $63 | $88 | $25 (Saxenda cheaper) |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | — | $599 | — |
| Telehealth — brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $399 | — | — |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $1,349 | $1,499 | $150 (Saxenda cheaper) |
Saxenda pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ Most prescribing experience of any GLP-1
- ✓ Fully covered by Medicare for some indications
Cons
- ✗ Daily injection (vs weekly for newer drugs)
- ✗ Substantially lower weight loss (8.4% vs 14.9–22.5%)
- ✗ Outdated by newer molecules
CagriSema pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ Highest efficacy of any pending GLP-1 (20.4% in REDEFINE-1)
- ✓ Dual mechanism (amylin + GLP-1) targets satiety differently
- ✓ Once-weekly injection like Wegovy
Cons
- ✗ Pending FDA approval (expected 2026)
- ✗ Combination therapy may carry premium pricing
- ✗ Limited long-term real-world data
Common side effects
Saxenda
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Constipation
- • Vomiting
- • Headache
CagriSema
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Vomiting
- • Constipation
- • Decreased appetite
Which should you choose: Saxenda or CagriSema?
Choose Saxenda if: cash-pay cost matters most to you; you want a drug FDA-approved specifically for weight loss.
Choose CagriSema if: you want maximum weight loss (20.4% vs 8.4%).
Final decisions should always be made with a licensed prescriber. This is educational content only.
Medical disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates only based on phase 3 clinical trial data and publicly listed prices. It is not medical advice. Real-world weight loss varies significantly. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any medication.