A new weight loss medicine, Wegovy, will be available in Australia from early August 2024.

Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk made the announcement on 1 August 2024.

Wegovy is not currently subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and is only available via private prescription. People may be able to receive a portion of the cost of a private prescription from their private health insurance.

According to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Wegovy, which is a brand of semaglutide, is approved specifically for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents “as an adjunct to a reduced-energy diet and increased physical activity when specific criteria are met”.

Semaglutide is the same active ingredient found in Ozempic, a type 2 diabetes treatment.

The TGA has advised that while Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, the approved indications (circumstances for use) are different, as are the dosages.

Anyone interested in learning more about semaglutide products should speak with their health professional.

See the Wegovy Product Information for more information.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a semaglutide injectable prescription medicine.

According to Novo Nordisk it is used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity:

• to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with known heart disease and with either obesity or overweight.
• that may help adults and children aged 12 years and older with obesity, or some adults with overweight who also have weight-related medical problems, to help them lose excess body weight and keep the weight off.