Wegovy cost in Australia: What to expect

If you've been doing your research around weight loss medications, you may have come across the name, Wegovy.

Currently available in countries like the UK, US, Germany and Denmark, this injectable prescription medicine has now landed in Australia. But how much does it cost? Is it more or less expensive than its alternatives, and does insurance cover it? Here's everything we know so far.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a weight loss medication containing semaglutide, an active ingredient originally developed to treat diabetes — but now commonly used to help those living with obesity or who are overweight lose weight.

Unlike Saxenda, but similar to Mounjaro, Wegovy is a once-weekly injectable medication.

It works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 (or GLP-1), which our bodies release when we eat, as a way to regulate blood sugar levels and induce satiety.

By doing so, Wegovy can help control your hunger levels and slow down your 'gastric mobility.' This means that the food you eat stays in your stomach longer — so your stomach empties at a slower rate and you feel fuller for longer [1].

Combined with lifestyle changes, like a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, Wegovy can be incredibly effective in helping people lose excess body weight. According to a clinical trial, patients taking Wegovy lost 15% of their initial weight over 68 weeks, versus the placebo group who only lost 2.5% [2].

Who's suitable for Wegovy?

There are certain criteria patients need to meet in order to be eligible for Wegovy in Australia, particularly when it comes to their body mass index (BMI).

The medication may be suitable for those who have:

• a BMI of 30 or over, or
• a BMI of 27 or over as well as weight-related medical problems

There are, however, certain circumstances where Wegovy isn't a suitable choice.

For example, if you (or a family member) have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma, if you've kidney disease or liver disease, or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, Wegovy may not be the right medication for you.

What are the side effects of Wegovy?

All medications have potential side effects and Wegovy is no different. These may include:

• Nausea and abdominal pain
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea
• Bloating and gas buildup
• Fatigue
• Stomach flu symptoms, like a sore throat or runny nose

Other less common (but serious) side effects may include an increased heart rate, kidney problems or kidney failure, and severe pain (for example, in the stomach).

Also in rare cases, Wegovy can cause serious allergic reactions, which typically manifest with symptoms like swelling of the face and difficulty breathing and swallowing [5]. In this case, you must seek medical attention immediately.

For those with type 2 diabetes, there may be a higher chance of hypoglycemia, which often comes with symptoms like blurred vision, fast heartbeat, and light-headedness [5]. If you have diabetes, be sure to speak to your doctor, so they can let you know how to treat low blood sugar and manage these side effects.

Can you take Wegovy with other medications?

There are potential drug interactions associated with Wegovy [6].

For this reason, it's crucial that you tell your doctor about all the medicines you're on, including other prescription drugs, herbal supplements and vitamins, and over-the-counter medicines.

Is Wegovy available in Australia yet?

Yes, Wegovy is now available in Australia, with stock accessible from August 2024.

How much will Wegovy cost in Australia?

The cost of Wegovy will be similar to other medicines of the same class, depending on where you buy it from.

In Australia, Juniper's Weight Reset Program starts from $449 per month depending on which treatment plan is best suited to the patient.

This doesn't just give you access to the medication, but to all the tools you need to lose weight and keep it off far into the future — including unlimited follow-up consultations with your practitioner, health coaching, 1:1 health tracking, and access to our supportive Juniper community.

Comparing the cost of Wegovy vs other weight loss drugs

From Mounjaro to Phen-Top, Saxenda and more, different weight loss medications are available at different price points.

In Australia, other GLP-1 drugs can cost anywhere from $130 to $600 a month, so you can expect Wegovy to also fall within that range.

Will my insurance cover Wegovy?

At present, some insurance plans do cover weight loss medications that are approved by the Therapeutic Good Administration (TGA) [4], but this may vary from insurer to insurer.

It's best that you contact your provider to find out if your treatment is covered.

Where can I buy Wegovy in Australia?

You can access Wegovy through traditional providers, like GPs and chemists, as well as digital healthcare clinics.

If you're interested in giving this medication a try, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

• You'll need a script from a doctor. Wegovy is a prescription medication, so in order to access it, a  practitioner needs to assess your health history. They'll then be able to confirm if Wegovy is the right choice for you or if there are other weight management medications worth considering.
• You should always choose a reputable healthcare provider. Your safety comes first, so it's important to consider where you're getting your medications from. In Australia, Juniper is the only telehealth company with a certification from the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS), reflecting our commitment to patient safety and national regulation.