3-way comparison
Wegovy vs Saxenda vs Compounded Semaglutide
Side-by-side breakdown — efficacy, cost, regulatory status, and who each option fits best.
Side-by-side comparison
| Attribute | Wegovy | Saxenda | Compounded Semaglutide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generic name | semaglutide | liraglutide | semaglutide (compounded) |
| Drug class | — | — | — |
| Regulatory status | FDA approved | FDA approved | Compounded |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk | Novo Nordisk | Various compounding pharmacies |
| Avg retail price | $1349/mo | $1349/mo | $250/mo |
| Without insurance | $1349–$1500/mo | $1100–$1500/mo | $99–$350/mo |
| Savings card max | $0/mo | $25/mo | $0/mo |
| Shortage status | not_listed | resolved | not_listed |
FAQ
What is the difference between Wegovy, Saxenda, and Compounded Semaglutide?
Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), and Compounded Semaglutide (semaglutide (compounded)) are GLP-1 medications used for weight management or type 2 diabetes. Key differences: Wegovy is FDA-approved, Saxenda is FDA-approved, Compounded Semaglutide is compounded.
Which is most effective for weight loss: Wegovy, Saxenda, or Compounded Semaglutide?
Effectiveness varies by individual. In clinical trials, tirzepatide-based drugs (Mounjaro, Zepbound) produced ~22% average body-weight loss vs ~15% for semaglutide-based (Ozempic, Wegovy). Discuss with your prescriber.
Which is cheapest?
Cash retail price: Compounded Semaglutide $250/mo · Wegovy $1349/mo · Saxenda $1349/mo. Compounded versions through telehealth typically run 60-80% less.
See per-drug deep dives: Wegovy review · Saxenda review · Compounded Semaglutide review
2-way head-to-heads
Drill down into any pair from the three above for deeper side-by-side analysis.
Already on one? Switching guides
Dose conversion + transition timeline for each directional switch.