Saxenda vs Wegovy: how two injectable prescription options compare in Canada

Last clinically reviewed by [insert clinician name and designation], July 2026.

If you are exploring injectable prescription options in Canada and have come across both Saxenda and Wegovy, this article explains what each one is and how they differ — so you can have a more informed conversation with a licensed healthcare provider.

A note before we start: Both Saxenda and Wegovy are prescription treatments available in Canada following assessment by a licensed healthcare provider. Neither is appropriate for everyone. This article is general health information, not medical advice.

What is Saxenda?

Saxenda is a subcutaneous injection containing liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is administered once daily using a multi-dose prefilled pen, with a new needle attached for each injection.

Liraglutide has a half-life of approximately 13 hours, which is why it requires daily dosing to maintain consistent levels in the body.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a subcutaneous injection containing semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist — the same active ingredient found in Ozempic. It is administered once weekly using a single-use prefilled pen that is disposed of after each injection.

Semaglutide has a half-life of approximately 165 hours, or about seven days, which is why a single weekly injection maintains consistent levels in the body.

Both Saxenda and Wegovy are made by Novo Nordisk.

Key differences at a glance

How they differ in practice

Dosing and administration

Saxenda starts at 0.6 mg daily and increases by 0.6 mg each week, reaching a maintenance dose of 3.0 mg daily. Each multi-dose pen contains multiple doses; a new needle is attached for each injection.

Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg weekly and increases every four weeks, reaching a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg weekly. Each pen is single-use and disposed of after injection.

The practical difference is significant for many patients. A daily injection requires a consistent daily habit, while a weekly injection requires only one injection per week.

Contraindications and cautions

Neither Saxenda nor Wegovy is appropriate for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.

Both carry warnings regarding pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and heart rate increase. A licensed healthcare provider will assess your full health history before prescribing either medication.

Side effect profiles

Both medications share a broadly similar side effect profile as GLP-1 receptor agonists. The most commonly reported effects for both are gastrointestinal — nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting — predominantly during dose escalation and the early weeks of treatment.

Some differences have been observed in clinical data. Higher rates of gallbladder problems and insomnia have been reported with Saxenda compared to Wegovy. A licensed healthcare provider can discuss the specific side effect profile of each in the context of your health history.

The bottom line

Saxenda and Wegovy are both injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists containing different active ingredients — liraglutide and semaglutide respectively. The primary practical differences are dosing frequency (daily vs weekly), pen device, and half-life.

A licensed healthcare provider can assess your health history, current medications, and circumstances to determine which option, if any, is appropriate for you.

FAQs

Is Saxenda available in Canada?

Yes. Saxenda (liraglutide) is available in Canada by prescription following assessment by a licensed healthcare provider. Confirm current availability with your pharmacist as supply can vary.

Is Wegovy available in Canada?

Yes. Wegovy (semaglutide) is available in Canada by prescription following assessment by a licensed healthcare provider.

Is Wegovy the same as Ozempic?

Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide but are different products approved for different indications at different doses. A licensed healthcare provider can clarify the distinction.

Do I need a prescription for Saxenda or Wegovy in Canada?

Yes. Both are prescription-only medications in Canada. A licensed healthcare provider must conduct a clinical assessment before either can be prescribed.

Are there oral alternatives to these injectable options?

Yes. Oral prescription treatments including Contrave and Rybelsus are available in Canada by prescription following assessment by a licensed healthcare provider. A clinician can help determine whether an injectable or oral option is more appropriate for your situation.