Saxenda vs Ozempic in Spain, what changes

In Spain, Saxenda and Ozempic are not the same, even though they look similar, because Saxenda is authorized for weight management and Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, with different active ingredients. Furthermore, when people talk about semaglutide for weight management, they usually mean a different brand, not Ozempic.

Saxenda vs Ozempic, what each is authorized to do in Spain

Saxenda contains liraglutide and is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for weight management in adults meeting specific BMI criteria and with comorbidities. Ozempic, on the other hand, contains semaglutide and is primarily indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, in addition to providing cardiovascular benefits in certain patients, as detailed in the product information.

This difference in indications is important to avoid confusion at the pharmacy counter and also when reading content on social media, where brands and molecules are sometimes mixed up as if they were interchangeable. The most reliable way to confirm this in Spain is to consult the CIMA data sheets and the European information from the EMA.

Same type of drug, different molecule

Both belong to the GLP-1 receptor agonist family, but they are not the same molecule, and their product information describes different compositions, devices, and authorized uses. Simply put, they share a general pharmacological principle, but they behave differently and are approved for different uses depending on the brand.

This distinction also explains why in Europe semaglutide can appear linked to several brands with different indications, while the name Ozempic is consistently associated with type 2 diabetes. In parallel, liraglutide is marketed as Victoza for diabetes and as Saxenda for weight control.

Recipe, availability and online purchase

Both Saxenda and Ozempic are prescription medicines, and in Spain online sales are limited to non prescription medicines sold by authorised pharmacies, while online sales of prescription medicines are prohibited. That is why, if you see offers for these injectables on websites or social media, the AEMPS and European authorities have warned about an increase in illegal products marketed as GLP 1 analogues.

In addition, in recent years the authorities have published updates on supply issues with this family of medications, which can affect actual availability in pharmacies depending on the time and presentation. If someone is traveling to Spain looking for a specific brand, it is advisable to have a valid prescription and confirm with a pharmacy, without assuming immediate stock availability.

What does this mean if you're looking to lose weight in Spain?

The key point is to separate brand, molecule and authorised indication, and not assume that a diabetes brand is automatically the option for weight management. If your question is practical, such as price or prescription rules, you can read the local context in Ozempic in Spain and cross check it with official sources.

This text is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult the official package leaflet and follow the instructions of your doctor or pharmacist.