Ozempic in Australia: What You Need to Know

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a prescription medication containing semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is manufactured by Novo Nordisk and registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). Ozempic is a Schedule 4 (S4) prescription-only medicine — it is not available over the counter.

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic works by binding to and activating GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors in the body. GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone produced in the gut that plays roles in insulin secretion, glucagon suppression, gastric emptying, and appetite signalling.

By mimicking this hormone, semaglutide activates GLP-1 receptors involved in glucose-dependent insulin secretion (stimulating insulin release in response to elevated blood glucose), glucagon suppression, and slowing of gastric emptying.

Ozempic is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection using a pre-filled pen device. Dosing typically begins at a low starting dose and is titrated upward over several weeks under clinical supervision.

Clinical Studies

Semaglutide has been studied extensively in large-scale randomised controlled trials. The STEP clinical trial programme evaluated higher-dose semaglutide (2.4mg — the Wegovy formulation) specifically in adults with elevated BMI. The SUSTAIN programme evaluated semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Key trial publications include:

• Wilding et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2021 (STEP 1 — semaglutide 2.4mg)
• Marso et al., New England Journal of Medicine, 2016 (SUSTAIN-6 — cardiovascular outcomes)

Ozempic in Australia — Availability & Prescription

Ozempic is available in Australia with a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. A clinical assessment is required before any prescription can be issued. Your clinician will evaluate your medical history, current medications, and individual health circumstances.

For its registered indication (type 2 diabetes), Ozempic is listed on the PBS — reducing costs significantly for eligible patients. Access for other purposes is typically private.

Supply of Ozempic has been subject to intermittent constraints due to global demand. The TGA supply shortage database is the authoritative source. Your pharmacist can advise on current local availability.

Speaking With Your Clinician

Whether Ozempic is appropriate for your circumstances is a clinical decision made in consultation with a registered Australian medical practitioner. Your clinician will review your complete medical history, current medications, existing health conditions, and individual circumstances before making any prescribing decision.

If you are considering a consultation, it is helpful to:

• Bring a complete list of your current medications, including supplements
• Be open about your medical history, including any previous treatments
• Ask your clinician about the full range of options appropriate for your circumstances
• Discuss what ongoing monitoring and clinical oversight would be involved

What to Expect

Ozempic is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection. Starting doses are low and are gradually increased under clinical supervision based on tolerability.

Common side effects reported in clinical studies include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and constipation — particularly during dose escalation. These often reduce over time. The TGA-approved Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) for Ozempic — available from your dispensing pharmacist — provides a complete list of potential side effects.

See also: Ozempic and Mounjaro: Understanding the Difference

Frequently Asked Questions