Making Ozempic involves a complex process to produce semaglutide using specialised equipment in a unique manufacturing setting. This means that re-establishing supply for a global shortage is taking some time.
The availability of Ozempic (semaglutide) in Australia continues to improve and the supplier, Novo Nordisk, anticipates steady ongoing supply.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said while stockpiles of the drug are improving, the scale of the demand for it means it will be in short supply until at least December 31. Novo Nordisk, the supplier of Ozempic, is anticipating supply will be steady for the remainder of 2023.
Unlike Ozempic, Saxenda is a daily injection for weight loss. Your health provider will increase the dosage every week until the highest maintenance dosage of 3 mg daily is reached. There is no Saxenda shortage, making this medication a promising alternative for those desperately trying to find Ozempic, or Wegovy.
The company that manufactures semaglutide has since licensed a version for use in weight loss (called Wegovy). But the sheer demand for the drug is greater than the manufacturer is able to supply – which means that some people are turning to Ozempic for use off-label (unlicensed use) to lose weight.
As there is concern that stock levels of semaglutide for the TGA-approved indication may not accommodate off-label prescribing for other health conditions, doctors treating patients with obesity should continue to consider alternatives to semaglutide until supply is expected to stabilise after 31 December 2023.
On the PBS, Ozempic costs Australians about $42 a month (four weekly injections). On a private prescription, the cost is about $132 a month. According to the medical news website WebMD, Ozempic can cost uninsured Americans more than a $US1000 a month and many flock to Canada to save $US700 a month.
How to Get Ozempic in Australia. Ozempic is a highly sought after drug for managing diabetes and weight management, but it is important to know that it is prescription only. In Australia, this means you will need to speak with your doctor and have a prescription written up before you can start taking Ozempic.
Other GLP-1 agonists that are alternatives to Ozempic include Byetta, Victoza, Tanzeum, Trulicity, and Mounjaro.
If you stop taking Ozempic, the weight you lost will likely return, fast. People who ceased use of semaglutide gained back, on average, a full two-thirds of the weight they had lost on the drug within one year, according to an August 2022 study, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Key points: Ozempic® is more effective than Saxenda® at supporting weight loss and blood sugar reductions. Ozempic® seems to lead to fewer side effects and is better tolerated than Saxenda®. However, individuals will vary in their response to medications, so choose the right one for you.
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).
“GLP-1 medications [like Ozempic] are designed to be taken long-term,” explains Dr. McGowan. “They are chronic medications for the treatment of chronic conditions (both diabetes and obesity).”
Wegovy is available at a higher dosage (2.4 mg weekly) than Ozempic.
(NewsNation) — A plant-derived supplement called berberine is going viral on social media for being a cheaper, natural alternative to Ozempic for those wanting to lose weight. Posts calling it “nature's Ozempic” have racked up millions of views on TikTok as users claim it can help with weight loss.
PhenQ – This all-natural weight loss supplement offers almost the same benefits as Ozempic and other semaglutide drugs. It's also more versatile than Ozempic because aside from suppressing appetite, it also boosts metabolism to help patients burn more calories throughout the day.
Zotrim Costs Compared to Semaglutide Injections
At around $50 for a month's supply, it provides an affordable alternative to diabetes medications like Ozempic (Semaglutide) for effective weight management with fewer risks and lower costs.
Purchase from a local pharmacy: Once you have your prescription, you can purchase Ozempic® from your local pharmacy. The cost may vary depending on your insurance coverage. Order online: Many online pharmacies offer Ozempic®. However, it is important to ensure that you are ordering from a reputable source.
If you have private or commercial insurance, such as insurance you receive through an employer, you may be eligible to pay as little as $25 for a 1-, 2-, or 3-month prescription (maximum savings of $150 per 1-month prescription, $300 per 2-month prescription, or $450 per 3-month prescription).
The most common side effects when using Ozempic® are diarrhoea and nausea. These side effects are usually mild and normally decrease with continued use. Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.
Semaglutide is commonly known as Ozempic, the brand name for the drug when prescribed as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. Ozempic has been widely used off-label for weight loss; the same drug, branded as Wegovy, is now approved for weight management in Australia, but is not currently available.
Ozempic was developed to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels but it can also lead to significant weight loss of 15 to 20 per cent of body weight in some people.
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.