Mysimba vs Ozempic
Short answer: Mysimba is a tablet containing bupropion and naltrexone and is not a GLP-1 medicine; Ozempic is a weekly injection containing semaglutide (which is GLP-1). They work via different mechanisms and are taken differently. Both are prescription-only and available solely through a doctor and pharmacy, who assesses whether a medicine is suitable. Mysimba may come into play for those who don't want an injection.
Two very different medicines
Mysimba combines bupropion and naltrexone in a tablet and acts on brain regions that regulate hunger and reward — it is emphatically not a GLP-1 medicine. Ozempic contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and is injected weekly. If you want to know how GLP-1 works, see how GLP-1 works. We cover the difference between a pill and an injection more broadly at pill or injection and Mysimba or GLP-1.
Mysimba and Ozempic compared
| Mysimba | Ozempic | |
|---|---|---|
| Active substance | Bupropion + naltrexone | Semaglutide |
| GLP-1? | No | Yes |
| Administration | Tablet (oral) | Weekly injection |
| Registered for | Weight management | Type 2 diabetes |
| Weight loss (indicative) | approx. 5–9% (COR studies, ~56 wk) | n/a as a weight-loss medicine* |
How do they work?
Mysimba curbs appetite via two routes: bupropion stimulates satiety signals and naltrexone reduces the reward from eating. Ozempic (semaglutide) slows gastric emptying and dampens appetite via the GLP-1 receptor. With both, the dose is built up step by step; with Mysimba, the doctor usually assesses after a few weeks whether there is sufficient effect. You can read more about the titration at dosage and titration. Side effects differ per medicine; for Ozempic see Ozempic side effects.
For those who don't want an injection
Mysimba can be an option for people who would rather not use injections, because it is a tablet. However, suitability depends on your health situation and any other medication — bupropion and naltrexone have contraindications. A doctor weighs this up during the intake. For exact indications and warnings, always consult the patient information leaflet and the Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. Also see who it is suitable for.
Cost and reimbursement
Costs vary by medicine and pharmacy; see cost for a current estimate. Reimbursement depends on your indication and policy and is subject to conditions, which you can read at reimbursement. You can find more about each medicine separately at Mysimba and Ozempic.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mysimba a GLP-1 medicine like Ozempic?
Is Mysimba a tablet and Ozempic an injection?
Which medicine gives more weight loss?
Are Mysimba and Ozempic available without a prescription?
Official sources on this topic
Independent, authoritative information from official bodies: