Wegovy
OzempicWegovy vs Ozempic
Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide) made by the same company (Novo Nordisk), but at different doses for different purposes. Ozempic (up to 1mg) is TGA-approved for type 2 diabetes and PBS subsidised at $32/month. Wegovy (up to 2.4mg) is TGA-approved for weight management but currently costs $350-460/month privately, with PBS listing pending.
Compare Wegovy vs Ozempic at a Glance
| Wegovy | Ozempic | |
|---|---|---|
| Drug class | GLP-1 receptor agonist | GLP-1 receptor agonist |
| How taken | Weekly injection (oral pill in US only) | Weekly injection |
| Avg. weight loss | ~15-17% | ~15% |
| First approved | 2021 (FDA), 2024 (TGA) | 2017 (FDA), 2019 (TGA) |
| AU cost/month | $350-460 private | $32 PBS / $134 private |
| PBS status | Pending (Jan 2026 rec.) | Yes (diabetes only) |
| Prescription needed? | Yes | Yes |
| AU supply status | Stable | Constrained (improving) |
Compare Wegovy vs Ozempic Cost in Australia
Wegovy: $350-460 private (PBS: Pending (Jan 2026 rec.))
Ozempic: $32 PBS / $134 private (PBS: Yes (diabetes only))
Compare Wegovy vs Ozempic Weight Loss Efficacy
Wegovy Clinical Trials
STEP 1
14.9% weight loss vs 2.4% placebo
STEP UP (7.2mg)
21% weight loss
SELECT
20% reduction in CV events
OASIS-4 (pill)
16.6% weight loss (oral form)
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 Wegovy vs Ozempic Side Effects
Wegovy
Very common
- Nausea (up to 44%)
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
Common
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Dyspepsia
- Injection site reactions
Serious (rare)
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Acute kidney injury
- Suicidal ideation (under investigation)
- Potential fracture risk (Dec 2025 warning)
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 Wegovy and Ozempic Work
Wegovy
GLP-1 receptor agonist
Same mechanism as Ozempic but at higher dose (2.4mg vs 1mg) optimised for weight management. Mimics GLP-1 hormone, reducing appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and improving satiety. The oral pill (US only) uses SNAC technology to protect the molecule in the stomach.
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 Wegovy vs Ozempic Dosing Schedule
Wegovy
Weekly injection (oral pill in US only)
| Dose | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0.25mg | Weeks 1-4 | Starting dose |
| 0.5mg | Weeks 5-8 | Escalation |
| 1mg | Weeks 9-12 | Escalation |
| 1.7mg | Weeks 13-16 | Escalation |
| 2.4mg | Week 17+ | 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 Wegovy vs Ozempic Australian Regulatory Status
Wegovy
Ozempic
Full Wegovy profile
View Wegovy DetailsFull Ozempic profile
View Ozempic DetailsCompare Other Medications
This 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.