Wegovy (oral 25mg) vs Saxenda
Side-by-side comparison based on OASIS-4 and SCALE phase 3 trial data plus April 2026 pricing.
Wegovy (oral 25mg)
Higher efficacysemaglutide (tablet)
Peak weight loss13.6%
TrialOASIS-4
Administrationoral
FDA statusweight-loss
List price$1,349/mo
Saxenda
liraglutide (injection)
Peak weight loss8.4%
TrialSCALE
Administrationinjection
FDA statusweight-loss
List price$1,349/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 | Wegovy (oral 25mg) | Saxenda | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Covered by insurance ($25–150 copay) | $63 | $63 | $0 (Saxenda cheaper) |
| Manufacturer self-pay (LillyDirect / NovoCare) | $499 | — | — |
| Telehealth — brand name (Hims, Ro, Found) | $449 | $399 | $50 (Saxenda cheaper) |
| Cash retail (full list price) | $1,349 | $1,349 | $0 (Saxenda cheaper) |
Wegovy (oral 25mg) pros and cons
Pros
- ✓ No injections — daily oral pill
- ✓ Same molecule as Wegovy injection
- ✓ 13.6% average weight loss in OASIS-4
- ✓ Easier to skip a dose without long-acting tail
Cons
- ✗ Strict fasting requirements before/after dose
- ✗ Slightly lower weight loss than injection (13.6% vs 14.9%)
- ✗ Daily dosing may hurt adherence vs weekly injection
- ✗ Newer drug — fewer real-world data points
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- ✗ Outdated by newer molecules
Common side effects
Wegovy (oral 25mg)
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Constipation
- • Vomiting
Saxenda
- • Nausea
- • Diarrhea
- • Constipation
- • Vomiting
- • Headache
Which should you choose: Wegovy (oral 25mg) or Saxenda?
Choose Wegovy (oral 25mg) if: you want maximum weight loss (13.6% vs 8.4%); you prefer a daily pill over a weekly injection.
Choose Saxenda if: you prefer a weekly injection over a daily pill.
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.