Compare Saxenda vs. Ozempic
Saxenda (liraglutide) was discontinued in Australia in December 2025, while Ozempic (semaglutide) remains available for type 2 diabetes. Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists from Novo Nordisk, but Ozempic produced greater weight loss (~15% vs ~8%) with the convenience of weekly rather than daily injections. Patients previously on Saxenda are being directed to Wegovy as a replacement.
Compare Saxenda vs Ozempic at a Glance
Compare Saxenda vs Ozempic Cost in Australia
Private prescription cost per month in AUD.
Compare Saxenda vs Ozempic Weight Loss Efficacy
Saxenda Clinical Trials
SCALE Obesity
8% weight loss vs 2.6% placebo
SCALE Maintenance
Maintained weight loss after initial diet
Ozempic Clinical Trials
SUSTAIN 1-12
5-7kg weight loss (diabetes population)
STEP 1 (higher dose)
14.9% body weight reduction
Clinical trial data at highest approved doses. Individual results vary.
Compare Saxenda vs Ozempic Side Effects
Saxenda
Very common
- Nausea (39%)
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
Common
- Headache
- Decreased appetite
- Dyspepsia
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
Serious (rare)
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Increased heart rate
- Thyroid tumour risk (animal data)
- Acute kidney injury
Ozempic
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)
Compare How Saxenda and Ozempic Work
Saxenda
GLP-1 receptor agonist
First-generation GLP-1 receptor agonist for weight loss. Same mechanism as Ozempic/Wegovy (appetite reduction, slowed gastric emptying) but requires daily injection and produces less weight loss than semaglutide.
Ozempic
GLP-1 receptor agonist
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.
Compare Saxenda vs Ozempic Dosing Schedule
Saxenda
Daily injection
| Dose | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0.6mg | Week 1 | Starting dose (daily) |
| 1.2mg | Week 2 | Escalation |
| 1.8mg | Week 3 | Escalation |
| 2.4mg | Week 4 | Escalation |
| 3mg | Week 5+ | Maintenance dose |
Ozempic
Weekly subcutaneous injection
| Dose | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg | Weeks 1-4 | Starting dose |
| 0.5mg | Weeks 5-8 | Dose escalation |
| 1mg | Week 9+ | Maintenance dose |
Compare Saxenda vs Ozempic Australian Regulatory Status
Saxenda
- TGA Status
- Discontinued in Australia (December 2025)
- PBS Listed
- Never PBS listed for weight management
- Replacement
- Novo Nordisk directs patients to Wegovy
- Historical Note
- First GLP-1 approved for weight loss in Australia; now superseded
Ozempic
- TGA Status
- Registered on ARTG for type 2 diabetes
- PBS Listed
- Yes, for type 2 diabetes (Authority Required)
- Off-label Use
- Restricted since Oct 2024 for new weight loss prescriptions
- Supply Status
- Ongoing shortage since 2022; improving but not resolved
- Compounding
- Compounded versions banned from 1 October 2024
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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.