Update on Wegovy's Availability in Australia

As of Thursday, August 1, 2024, Wegovy has become available in Australia. This eagerly awaited weight loss medication is now accessible to those in need.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is an injectable pen used once a week to help adults combat chronic weight issues by aiding in weight loss and maintenance. It contains semaglutide, a prescription medication belonging to the GLP-1 Receptor Agonists class.

The pen is designed for ease of use, featuring a built-in needle for injection into the fat tissue of the lower abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.

How Does Wegovy Work?

Semaglutide operates by targeting brain areas that regulate appetite. It slows down stomach emptying, which helps suppress appetite and extends the feeling of fullness.

To minimize side effects, the Wegovy dose is gradually increased, starting at 0.25mg and increasing monthly over five months to reach a maintenance dose of 2.4mg weekly.

For optimal results, it’s important to pair Wegovy with a healthy lifestyle, including a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity. These changes are crucial for long-term success with the medication.

Who Can Use Wegovy?

Wegovy is suitable for adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. It can also be used by individuals with a BMI of 27 or more who have weight-related medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, or high cholesterol. Patients with type 2 diabetes should have their blood glucose levels closely monitored when starting Wegovy treatment.

People already using semaglutide in another form should not use Wegovy simultaneously. The interactions between Wegovy and other medications, over-the-counter products, or herbal supplements are not well understood, so it is best to avoid combining them.

Wegovy is not recommended for individuals with certain conditions, including pancreatitis, hypoglycemia, acute gallbladder or kidney issues, and diabetic retinopathy.

Availability of Wegovy in Australia

Yes, Wegovy is available in Australia as of August 1, 2024. It was registered with the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) in 2022 but had been awaiting release. The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) has not yet announced the cost, though it is expected to be comparable to other medications in its class.

Given obesity's potential to cause serious health complications, Wegovy was first released in the USA in 2021, followed by Europe in mid-2023, and now Australia in August 2024.

How to Obtain Wegovy in Australia

Wegovy is a prescription-only medication now available in Australia. Any registered Practitioner can prescribe it to eligible patients. Assessments can be done in person or online through a health assessment followed by a video or phone consultation with an Australian Practitioner.

 

How Does Wegovy® Work? | Wegovy® (semaglutide) Injection 2.4 mg

WEGOVY (Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd) | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

Wegovy® (semaglutide) injection 2.4 mg Official Physician Site (novomedlink.com)