What Is Ozempic and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
Ozempic, the brand name for semaglutide, is a once-weekly injectable medication originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes. But lately, it’s gone viral for another reason its off-label use for weight loss. From TikTok transformations to celebrity confessions, Ozempic has become one of the most talked-about medications in Australia and beyond.
But what’s the real story? How do you actually get Ozempic in Australia? Is it safe, effective, and affordable?
This guide answers your biggest questions, using verified sources, real user insights, and the most current cost and prescription updates.
Quick Summary: How to Get Ozempic in Australia
Here’s what you need to know upfront:
- Yes, Ozempic is available in Australia via prescription.
- PBS Subsidy: Eligible patients (mostly with type 2 diabetes) pay just $31.60/month.
- Private Cost: Non-PBS users pay $249 to $390 per month depending on the pharmacy and dosage.
- You need a prescription from a GP or specialist.
- Wegovy (for weight loss) is now available via private script but not on the PBS.
- Stock is limited, so not every pharmacy may have it.
What You Can Actually Get in Australia
- Ozempic (semaglutide) – available via prescription
- Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) – approved for weight loss, but not PBS-subsidised
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) – TGA-approved, but again, no subsidy for weight loss yet
Bottom line: For diabetes, Ozempic is available through the PBS at ~$31.60 or ~$7.70 for concession-card. For weight loss, you’ll need private scripts.
How to Get a Prescription
Book a telehealth or in-person consult with your GP or specialist.
- Discuss your goals—Be clear if it’s for diabetes or weight loss.
- Apply for PBS Authority Scripts if you have type 2 diabetes.
- For weight-related use (like Wegovy), your GP or specialist will write a private script—Ozempic or Wegovy must be paid out-of-pocket.
You can get Ozempic in Australia through one of the following:
1. Your GP
Many Australians start by speaking with their regular doctor. If you’re struggling with weight gain, insulin resistance, or other metabolic issues, your GP may be willing to prescribe Ozempic, especially after trying lifestyle changes.
2. Endocrinologist
Specialists may be more likely to prescribe Ozempic if your case involves type 2 diabetes, PCOS, or insulin resistance.
3. Telehealth Services
Services like InstantScripts and Eucalyptus clinics offer online consultations with Australian-registered doctors who can issue prescriptions if appropriate.
Cost Breakdown
| Drug & Use | PBS-Auspiced Price | Private Script Price |
|---|---|---|
| Ozempic – Diabetes | ~$31.60 ($7.70 concession) | $134–$140 per pen |
| Ozempic – Weight Loss | Not subsidised | $150–$260 per pen |
| Wegovy | Not subsidised | ~$460 per dose |
| Mounjaro | Not subsidised | Typically $315–$645 per month |
- Private Ozempic scripts are around $134–$140 per pen source
- Wegovy runs about $460 per dose ($200–$240/month) source
- Mounjaro is even pricier, costing $315–$645/month source
Availability & Shortages
High demand globally led to a semaglutide shortage starting in 2022 source TGA
In Australia, the PBS records it as a Supply-Only product meaning no new prescriptions until the shortage eases (expected post-2025)
To manage availability, regulations on compounded peptides have tightened recently
Is It Covered by the PBS?
Yes but only for certain people. You can get Ozempic on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) if:
- You have type 2 diabetes
- You meet specific eligibility criteria set by Medicare
- Your doctor submits an “Authority Required” script
Cost under PBS: $31.60/month
Without PBS: Around $249–$390/month, depending on dose and pharmacy
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Most users report visible changes by weeks 3 to 4, especially in appetite reduction. Weight loss tends to be steady rather than dramatic, which experts say is a good thing.
Wegovy users report more rapid weight loss due to the higher dose.
Real Talk:What It’s Like to Get Ozempic in Australia
Here’s how real Australians are navigating access and cost:
Reader 1 (NSW):
“I went through my GP… filled at Chemist Warehouse .25 mg cost me $250/mo. I think it’ll go up to $390 once I reach the higher dose. … groceries and alcohol are so expensive!”
Reader 4:
“One month in, and I have lost 4.8 kg. Side effects like nausea and a little constipation are very manageable…”
Reader 5:
“Pens are officially good for 6 weeks at room temp… I use my pens refrigerated for 12 weeks.”
Reader 2:
“Wegovy is not covered with the PBS. I paid $260 for my 1st pen from a physical pharmacy with a script from my endocrinologist.”
Takeaway:
Most users report $250–$260/month for scripts from GPs or specialists, with initial weight loss of 4–5 kg noted in the first month.
Ozempic vs Fasting vs Other GLP‑1s
- Want to compare to intermittent fasting? Most experts suggest combined strategies may optimize results, but Ozempic offers clinical benefits beyond what fasting alone can deliver.
- Semaglutide by any name is semaglutide: Ozempic, Wegovy, even Rybelsus the active ingredient is identical
- Mounjaro adds a second hormone (GIP) and may produce slightly better outcomes but, costs more and isn’t PBS-subsidised .
What About Wegovy?
Wegovy is a higher-dose semaglutide designed specifically for weight loss and recently launched in Australia.
- Available privately (no PBS support)
- Requires prescription
- Cost: Around $250–$400 per pen depending on location and dose
Are There Side Effects?
Common and Serious Side Effects of Ozempic
| Type of Side Effect | Symptoms | How Common? | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild Digestive Issues | Nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, burping | Very common (first weeks) | Eat smaller meals, stay hydrated, consider fiber supplements like Metamucil |
| Appetite Suppression | Reduced hunger, early satiety | Common | Usually desired for weight loss, but monitor intake to avoid nutrient gaps |
| Fatigue or Low Energy | Feeling tired, especially early in treatment | Common | Get enough sleep, stay hydrated, and adjust diet as needed |
| Headaches | Mild, dull headaches | Occasionally reported | Typically resolves as the body adjusts |
| Injection Site Reactions | Redness, itchiness, or tenderness at the injection area | Rare | Rotate injection sites, avoid injecting cold medication |
| Pancreatitis (serious) | Severe stomach pain that may radiate to the back, vomiting | Rare but serious | Stop Ozempic and seek immediate medical help |
| Thyroid Concerns | Lump in neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing | Rare (mostly in predisposed) | Requires medical evaluation — monitor if family history of thyroid cancer |
| Vision Changes | Blurred vision, sudden visual shifts | Uncommon but possible | Report changes to your doctor immediately |
| Gallbladder Issues | Abdominal pain, especially after eating fatty foods | Less than 3% of users | Discuss symptoms with your healthcare provider |
| Severe Allergic Reaction | Swelling of face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing, rash, fast heartbeat | Very rare | Call emergency services immediately |
Always consult your doctor and report any unusual symptoms. You can read the official CMI from Novo Nordisk here.
What’s Next for Aussies?
- Expect supply constraints to ease after 2025, but get ready for higher demand once Wegovy and Mounjaro gain momentum.
- PBS is under review: pressure is mounting to subsidise weight-loss semaglutides due to diabetes, heart, sleep apnea and obesity (€40B/year cost)
- Prices may drop: As usage increases, expect price pressure and competitive discounts, pharmacists already offer Ozempic from $134.
Final Tips
- Speak openly with your GP about diabetes or weight goals.
- Check PBS eligibility for Ozempic if diabetic.
- If cost is a barrier: compare pharmacies (Chemist Warehouse often offers $249–$260 pens) and explore telehealth scripts for convenience.
- Monitor quality: avoid non‑TGA compounded versions stick with reputable pharmacies only
- Combine treatment with diet, exercise, and metabolic tracking tools for maximum benefit.
Supporting your treatment with smart lifestyle habits makes a huge difference:
- Eat high-fiber, protein-rich meals
- Avoid greasy, sugary foods
- Stay hydrated, especially to reduce nausea
- Move regularly: walking, swimming, strength training
Suggested Reads:
More from Healthy Living Magazine:
- Wegovy in Australia: Cost, Availability, and How It’s Different from Ozempic
- Wegovy vs Ozempic: What’s the Difference?
- Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro: What’s the Difference?
- Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: Weight Loss Benefits Explained
- Intermittent Fasting vs Ozempic: What You Need to Know
- Can GLP-1 Help with PCOS, Inflammation, and More?
External Sources:
- Australian Public Assessment Report: Wegovy
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme Australia
- Ozempic can cost almost $2000 a year. An Australian …
- Are you a patient currently receiving treatment with Wegovy®? Find out more information on the wegovycare® website
Amelia Anderson
Amelia Anderson is the co-founder of Healthy Living Magazine and a passionate advocate for everyday wellness that fits real life. With a background in lifestyle journalism, she curates content that helps readers feel good without the pressure. Whether she’s testing the latest lipgloss trend or sharing her favorite mindful rituals, Amelia brings warmth, curiosity, and honesty to everything she writes.
