Ozempic in Australia
Ozempic Key Facts
Yes, but only for type 2 diabetes
TGA approved 2019 for type 2 diabetes only. Using Ozempic for weight loss is off-label. Since October 2024, new off-label private prescriptions have been heavily restricted.
Established safety profile
In clinical use since 2017. Over 9 years of real-world data globally. Common side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea (typically improve over time). TGA issued warnings re: suicidal ideation (Dec 2025) and anaesthesia risks.
9+ years on global market
FDA approved Dec 2017. TGA approved 2019. PBS listed for type 2 diabetes July 2020. One of the longest-established GLP-1 drugs available.
$32 PBS (diabetes) / $134 private
PBS subsidised: $31.60/month ($7.70 concession). Private prescription: ~$134/month. Supply remains constrained and new off-label prescriptions for weight loss are restricted since Oct 2024.
Prescription required. GP can prescribe.
PBS subsidised only with an Authority prescription for type 2 diabetes. Private prescriptions for off-label weight loss restricted for new patients since October 2024. Ongoing supply shortages since 2022.
Ozempic Australian Regulatory Status
Ozempic Mechanism of Action
Mimics the natural hormone GLP-1. Slows gastric emptying, increases insulin production, reduces glucagon, and acts on appetite centres in the brain to reduce hunger. Once-weekly injection in abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Ozempic Dosing Schedule
| Dose | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg | Weeks 1-4 | Starting dose |
| 0.5mg | Weeks 5-8 | Dose escalation |
| 1mg | Week 9+ | Maintenance dose |
Ozempic Side Effects
Very common
- Nausea (20-44%)
- Diarrhoea (8-30%)
- Vomiting
Common
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Injection site reactions
Serious (rare)
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney injury
- Thyroid tumours (animal studies)
- Suicidal ideation (under investigation)
Ozempic Clinical Evidence
SUSTAIN 1-12
5-7kg weight loss (diabetes population)
STEP 1 (higher dose)
14.9% body weight reduction
Ozempic Clinical Trial Sources
STEP 1
NCT0354893514.9% mean weight loss vs 2.4% placebo at 68 weeks in 1,961 adults without diabetes
N Engl J Med 2021;384:989-1002
STEP 2 (Type 2 Diabetes)
NCT035527579.6% weight loss in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity at 68 weeks
Lancet 2021;397:971-984
STEP 5 (2-Year)
NCT0369343015.2% sustained weight loss at 2 years
Nat Med 2022;28:2083-2091
SELECT (CV Outcomes)
NCT0357459720% MACE reduction in 17,604 adults; -10.2% weight at 4 years
N Engl J Med 2023;389:2221-2232
Source data from published peer-reviewed studies. Ozempic clinical trials listed above are the primary weight loss and cardiovascular outcomes studies. Links open in a new tab to external medical databases.
Compare Ozempic with Other Medications
Wegovy vs Ozempic
GLP-1 receptor agonist
~15-17% avg. weight loss
Mounjaro vs Ozempic
Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
~21% avg. weight loss
Contrave vs Ozempic
Opioid antagonist + NDRI combination
~5-8% avg. weight loss
Orlistat vs Ozempic
Lipase inhibitor
~3-5% avg. weight loss
Saxenda vs Ozempic
GLP-1 receptor agonist
~8% avg. weight loss
Estimate your total treatment cost
Medication Cost CalculatorThis website is for informational and research purposes only. We are not medical professionals and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or specialist before making any decisions about medication.
The weight loss medication landscape in Australia is changing rapidly. Information on this page may become outdated without notice. Data sourced from the TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBAC, Australian Prescriber, Obesity Evidence Hub, and clinical trial publications. Last reviewed March 2026.