The "new pill" for obesity often refers to the recently FDA-approved daily oral version of Wegovy (semaglutide), a GLP-1 agonist that mimics appetite-suppressing hormones, making it the first daily pill of its kind for weight loss, available in early 2026. Another significant new oral treatment in development is Orforglipron, a small-molecule GLP-1 agonist from Eli Lilly showing promising results in clinical trials, potentially offering another non-injection option for substantial weight loss, with its approval anticipated.
*A 28 day supply of the Wegovy® pen or a 30 day supply of the Wegovy® pill equals one month of treatment. Pay as little as $25 (maximum savings $100/month). For self-pay, patients pay $149 for each month of 1.5 mg and 4 mg. 4 mg offer only available until April 15, 2026, then $199 per month for 4 mg.
The newest prominent weight loss medications in Australia are GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide), available via prescription for chronic weight management alongside diet and exercise, though often at a high private cost. While these are injections, an oral semaglutide pill is emerging, and doctors are advocating for subsidized access through the PBS for specific high-risk groups, but currently, patients mainly pay out-of-pocket or through private insurance.
Drugmaker Novo Nordisk announced Monday that its daily oral Wegovy pill is now available by prescription. Consumers with prescriptions may pick up the new Wegovy pill at pharmacies nationwide or have it delivered through telehealth companies, according to Novo Nordisk.
PLAINSBORO, N.J. and BAGSVÆRD, Denmark, Jan. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Wegovy® pill is now available, providing those seeking help with their weight the revolutionary science of GLP-1 medicine in a pill for the first time.
GLP-1 drugs can only be prescribed to people after meeting stringent regulatory standards set by agencies like the FDA.
It wasn't clear why individual patients stopped the drugs, but researchers found some common reasons. Patients who experienced significant side effects were more likely to quit the medications. Patients with lower income levels were also more likely to quit, presumably because they couldn't afford them.
Price for 3 months (3 boxes)
For each fill after and for other Wegovy® dose strengths, you will pay $349 per 1-month prescription (1 box), $698 per 2-month prescription (2 boxes), or $1,047 per 3-month prescription (3 boxes) of Wegovy®.
Where can I get the Wegovy pill? The tablet form of Wegovy can be found at pharmacies, including CVS and Costco, certain telehealth providers, such as Ro and LifeMD and Weight Watchers, NovoCare Pharmacy, GoodRx and other locations.
The starting dose of the once-daily pill costs $150 a month for patients without insurance coverage, while the largest dose — on which patients lose the most weight — will be available by the end of the week for $300 a month.
What is the strongest weight loss prescription medication?
Duromine is used in adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or more. It is also used in adults with a BMI of 27 to 29 (overweight) if they have at least one weight-related health problem such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or obstructive sleep apnoea.
The most common side effects of Wegovy® may include:
Nausea. Diarrhea. Vomiting. Constipation.
Compounded semaglutide as a Wegovy alternative
Compounded semaglutide contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy. Compounding pharmacies, online pharmacies, and some providers and health clinics may prescribe compounded semaglutide for weight loss, which can be a more affordable version of Wegovy.
If you qualify for insurance coverage, Ozempic can cost as little as $25 for a monthly supply. Without insurance, the cost of Ozempic is just under $1,000 per month. Ozempic is a prescription medication that is FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes in combination with diet and exercise.
You can only take semaglutide (Wegovy®) if it's prescribed for you by a specialist weight management service.
Amy Schumer stopped taking Ozempic because it made her feel "bedridden," severely nauseous, and unable to play with her young son, attributing her extreme reaction to a genetic marker (GDF15) that causes intense nausea, similar to her difficult pregnancies. She found the side effects—vomiting, lack of energy—made the medication "not livable," despite experiencing significant weight loss.
If you're wondering how much weight you can lose on Wegovy in three months, clinical data suggests around 6% body weight reduction by week 12. Many patients report feeling satisfied with their progress once they reach this or a slightly higher dosage (1.7 mg).
$249.99. Find your local Chemist Warehouse storeto talk to our pharmacists for further assistance.
Yes, Wegovy (semaglutide) is set to be listed on Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for patients with obesity and established cardiovascular disease, following a December 2025 recommendation from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) for subsidised access, though it's not yet universally available for general weight loss and still requires government implementation. The PBS listing, once active, will significantly reduce costs for eligible patients, particularly those who have had a heart attack, stroke, or have symptomatic peripheral arterial disease, with eligibility tied to specific BMI criteria.
Each pack contains 4 Wegovy® pens (1 for each week) *A 3-month supply for appropriate patients would be dispensed as 3 packs, each containing 4 Wegovy® 1.7 mg or 2.4 mg dose single-use pens (1.7 mg/0.75 mL or 2.4 mg/0.75 mL) for a total dispense quantity of 9 mL. NDC, National Drug Code; SUBQ, subcutaneous.
"Ozempic hands" is a slang term for the visible changes in hands due to rapid fat loss from GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, making them look thinner, bonier, and more aged with prominent veins, tendons, and thinner skin, as subcutaneous fat diminishes and skin doesn't fully contract quickly. It's not a formal diagnosis but a common cosmetic effect of significant weight loss, similar to "Ozempic face".
While you can stop Ozempic "cold turkey" without dangerous withdrawal symptoms, a gradual reduction might help your body adjust more easily. Some healthcare providers recommend tapering with lower doses before stopping completely. This approach might help with the transition as your body readjusts its hormone levels.
Both alcohol and Ozempic have a risk of pancreatitis and kidney damage. A drink or two every now and then may not be a big deal with Ozempic. But if you combine Ozempic with long-term or heavy alcohol use, you may be at higher risk for two serious complications: pancreatitis and kidney damage.