Wegovy, a weight loss drug similar to Ozempic, will be sold in Australia from Aug 5

The drug, which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic and is approved to manage chronic weight conditions, will be sold in pharmacies from next week.

A drug that mimics popular weight loss medicine Ozempic will be available in Australian pharmacies within days.

Both Ozempic and Wegovy are manufactured by pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk and use the same active ingredient Semaglutide, which mimics the hormone released by the gut after eating, reducing cravings and controlling hunger.

Like Ozempic, the drug is administered through a once-weekly pen, however it contains a higher amount of the active ingredient and is used to manage chronic weight conditions, whereas Ozempic is only approved to manage type 2 diabetes.

Wegovy, which contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, will be sold in Australian pharmacies from next week. Picture: Scott Olson/ Getty Images via AFP

The drug has been approved for use by the Therapeutic Goods Administration since 2022, which allows its use for weight loss and weight management of people who are classified as obese or overweight when combined with increased exercise and a reduced-calorie diet, however it has never been sold in Australia.

It will be available for purchase for the first time on August 5, 2024.

However, Wegovy will not be listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and details on costings have yet to be released.

In America, the medicine is listed at US$1349.02 (AU$2064.23) for a 28-day pack.

The introduction of the drug on the market follows a supply shortage of Ozempic, which Novo Nordisk advised the TGA would continue throughout 2024.

In May the Australian government also banned chemist-made copy cat versions of Ozempic, following concerns around severe side-effects like nerve damage, bleeding gums, severe diarrhoea, vomiting blood and rashes.

Wegovy, while TGA approved, is not listed on the PBS. Picture: Supplied

National Association of Clinical Obesity Services’s (NACOS) vice president John Dixon said obesity was a “greatly misunderstood” and complex disease, with Australia having one of the highest rates of the disease globally.

“There is a substantial unmet need to address this chronic and complex disease, and early intervention may help reduce the risk of many other serious conditions,” said Prof Dixon.

“I encourage people living with obesity to talk to their doctors. We need to continue to have conversations about this chronic condition and eliminate stigma.”

Novo Nordisk’s senior medical director for its Oceania operations Ana Svensson said the release of Wegovy in pharmacies offered a new treatment option for people struggling with obesity.

“We encourage healthcare professionals and their patients to talk openly about obesity and weight issues and engage in meaningful conversations about long term strategies,” she said.