The major Ozempic shortage in Australia has resolved as of late 2025, with supply returning to normal, allowing new and existing diabetes patients to access it. However, the 1.5 mL pen is being discontinued by late 2025 and replaced by a 3 mL pen, with the older version available for dispensing until mid-2026. The shortage was caused by massive global demand, partly from off-label weight loss prescriptions, but increased manufacturing capacity has eased the situation.
In Australia, key substitutes for Ozempic (semaglutide) for diabetes or weight loss include Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a newer, dual-acting drug, and Wegovy (also semaglutide, but approved for weight loss), while other options like Trulicity (dulaglutide) and Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) are also available; natural supplements like Berberine and lifestyle changes are other avenues, but prescription medications require a doctor's consultation.
Peter Hatswell from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia said Australia was experiencing shortages of the drug due to Novo Nordisk not being able to produce enough to meet skyrocketing global demand.
What now? After nearly three years of backorders and pharmacy scrambles, the high-demand weight-loss drugs Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro are finally back in full supply. The FDA recently declared an end to the nationwide shortage of their active ingredients, semaglutide and tirzepatide.
Missing an Ozempic dose can lead to extreme hunger, diarrhea, nausea, and diabetes complications. Repeatedly skipping Ozempic doses makes it harder to control blood sugar and maintain weight loss. If you miss an Ozempic dose, take it within five days, then stick to your schedule.
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) users are advised to take a missed dose “as soon as possible within five days after the missed dose.” If more than five days have passed, users should skip the week's dose entirely and resume their regularly scheduled injections.
Upon realization that your Ozempic® pen is empty, you should immediately replace it. It's important to not delay replacement as consistent, intervention-free treatment is necessary for effective glucose regulation.
Sometimes your pharmacy may be out of stock of Ozempic. When that happens, call around to other local pharmacies in your area. Make sure to have your prescription on hand so you can inquire about your exact dosage. Depending on the pharmacy, you may be able to get your prescription delivered to your home.
When you stop taking Ozempic, you may notice some immediate effects, like an increase in appetite or blood sugar levels. Most people will gain back most of the weight that they lost while taking Ozempic. But some research shows that you may still get heart-health benefits even after stopping Ozempic.
Summary: Ozempic does not wear off by the end of the week when used as prescribed, as it is specifically designed with a seven-day half-life to maintain therapeutic effects throughout the entire weekly dosing interval.
Buy Ozempic 1.34mg/mL 3mL Pre Filled Pen 1 - Semaglutide online at Chemist Warehouse.
The digestive effects of sugary drinks can be particularly uncomfortable: Increased nausea and vomiting - Sweet beverages can trigger or worsen the most common side effects of Ozempic. Exacerbated GI upset - Sugary drinks often intensify digestive discomfort already present from the medication.
Key Takeaways
Patients typically lose around 5 pounds per month on Semaglutide (Ozempic®). Weight loss results vary based on dosage, body composition, and lifestyle. Combining the medication with diet and activity boosts success.
The BMI requirements for using Ozempic for weight loss follow general medical guidelines for anti-obesity medications. Ozempic is typically considered for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which falls into the clinical obesity category.
If you're having trouble accessing Ozempic, your healthcare team may recommend an alternative that works in a similar way. For Type 2 diabetes, this may include Rybelsus, Trulicity, or Mounjaro. If you're taking Ozempic off-label for weight loss, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Saxenda are three FDA-approved options.
The cost of a 30-day supply of Ozempic is $997.58 without insurance. However, the amount you pay will depend on your insurance coverage, the pharmacy you use, and any Ozempic coupons you may be eligible for.
But about half of people with obesity on this class of medications, called glucagon-like peptide agonists or GLP-1s, stop taking it within a year. Studies suggest that most people discontinue their use due to the high cost and adverse gastrointestinal side-effects.
"Ozempic face" as a side effect of GLP-1 drugs
"Ozempic hands" is a slang term for the skeletal or aged appearance hands can develop due to rapid fat loss from medications like Ozempic (semaglutide), where thinner skin reveals more prominent veins, tendons, and bones, resulting in a loss of fullness. It's not a formal diagnosis but describes a visible sign of significant weight loss, similar to "Ozempic face" or "Ozempic feet," caused by reduced subcutaneous fat and skin not contracting quickly enough.
Due to high demand, semaglutide injections (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy) were in shortage from early 2022 until late February 2025. After the shortage was resolved, the FDA gave pharmacies phase-out periods to stop compounding copies of FDA-approved semaglutide injections. These deadlines have since passed.
Key takeaways:
It's injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm. It shouldn't make a difference which injection site you choose for injecting Ozempic. And you can stick with the same area of the body or rotate areas each time.
While supply is improving, it may take time for some local pharmacies to restock. If Ozempic is unavailable, pharmacists are encouraged to contact their wholesalers or Novo Nordisk for delivery updates. Patients can also speak with their pharmacist about when stock will arrive.
A pill form of Ozempic, called Rybelsus, is also available. But this has to be taken daily on an empty stomach. Malkani said the GLP-1 drugs have another potentially therapeutic effect: In some individuals they seem to cut down craving for alcohol and tobacco.
Always follow your health care professional's instructions on how to dose Ozempic®. Take Ozempic® once a week, on the same day every week, exactly as prescribed by your health care professional.
Both Ozempic and Wegovy are indicated for long-term use. Like with most chronic prescription medications, skipping a dose is not a good idea unless your health provider specifically tells you to do so. Both Ozempic and Wegovy have a half-life of about one week, which is why both drugs are injected on a weekly basis.