Semaglutide is an FDA-approved injectable weight loss medication. Compared to other medications on the market, it may help you lose more weight. It takes a few months to reach the target dose, and you may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
In Australia, the retail price for a 4-week supply of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) typically ranges from $870 to $980 AUD, depending on the dose strength prescribed (5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg). However, out-of-pocket costs for patients may be lower through several options: 1.
Wegovy is an injectable weight loss medication that is being prescribed by Australian health professionals and doctors. Such is the popularity that the main component - Semaglutide - ran out of stock in pharmacies in Australia and worldwide in early 2023.
Ozempic has a new rival: Mounjaro, also a diabetes drug, has led to average weight losses of 15 to 24 kg. A powerful new diabetes drug is poised to become a hit on the global weight loss market.
Ozempic® is more effective for weight loss and blood sugar improvements than Saxenda®. Studies have also shown that Ozempic® leads to fewer side effects and adverse events than Saxenda® with people tolerating Ozempic® better.
Mounjaro is a more effective drug than Ozempic. As demonstrated above, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) leads to more clinically significant weight loss and blood sugar reductions than semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic).
How much is saxenda in Australia in Australia can vary depending on several factors, such as the place of purchase, the form of the medication, and if it is covered by private health insurance. As a general estimate, the cost of a single pen of Saxenda (3 ml) can range from AUD 250 to AUD 400.
On the PBS, Ozempic costs Australians about $42 a month (four weekly injections). On a private prescription, the cost is about $132 a month.
If you qualify for insurance coverage, Ozempic can cost as little as $25 for a monthly supply. However, without insurance, Ozempic costs around $892.06 per month, on average (NovoCare-a, 2022). However, savings programs can sometimes help lower the cost of the medication if you qualify.
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) may be prescribed if you have type 2 diabetes. FORM physicians may also choose to prescribe Mounjaro if you have a BMI of 30 or higher or 27 or higher with weight-related conditions, and you have not been successful in losing weight or maintaining weight loss with lifestyle changes alone.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce weight in people with type 2 diabetes. Doctors may also prescribe it off-label for obesity.
Cost: Tirzepatide is a prescription medication that can be very expensive, depending on a person's insurance coverage. On the other hand, Zotrim is a much more affordable option for weight loss, and it is available over-the-counter without a prescription.
According to the manufacturer, Saxenda has a list price of $1,349.02 for a 30-day supply. However, the cost of Saxenda varies for each patient depending on insurance plans, assistance programs, and more.
Possibly, if a doctor recommends it. Currently, Ozempic is only approved for use in people with type 2 diabetes. However, doctors may prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss.
Medicare covers Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes
Because it's an outpatient prescription drug, Ozempic falls under Medicare Part D. Original Medicare (Part A and/or Part B) won't cover it.
Following the DA communication, health professionals have now been asked to prescribe and dispense Ozempic for only those adults living with type 2 diabetes.
Can my NHS GP prescribe Saxenda®? NICE, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, advises against your NHS GP prescribing Saxenda®. It recommends that the NHS only prescribe the treatment through a 'specialist multidisciplinary tier 3 weight management service'.
Patient assistance programs: Saxenda's manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, offers a patient assistance program for people who cannot afford the medication. You must meet certain income and insurance requirements to be eligible for the program.
In studies, significant weight loss of at least 5% was seen after 8 weeks of treatment. After one year of treatment in adults, 85% of patients treated with Saxenda lost weight (an average of 21 lb. [9.5 kg] weight loss, or 9.2% of their weight). Your results may be different.
Will Ozempic or Wegovy reduce belly fat? The answer appears to be yes. That Novo Nordisk-funded study of almost 2,000 overweight or obese adults without diabetes also found their visceral fat — the type that accumulates in the belly — was reduced from baseline with semaglutide, along with their total fat mass.
“Ozempic face” is a term for common side effects of the type 2 diabetes medication semaglutide (Ozempic). It can cause sagging and aging of facial skin. A doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications or facial fillers to treat these effects.
How Long Can You Stay on Ozempic (semaglutide)? A person can stay on Ozempic® so long as they are tolerating the medication and it is deemed appropriate by their treating provider. There is no specific time frame when someone should stop taking Ozempic as it is a medication that is intended for chronic (long-term) use.