The Ozempic shortage in Australia has largely resolved, and the supply has returned to normal. Both new and existing patients can typically access the treatment.
The supply shortages are not related to a quality defect or a safety issue. In case Ozempic® is not available for patients currently on treatment, patients should be safely switched to another injectable GLP-1 RA, or other suitable alternative, based on your clinical judgement and local guidelines.
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.
Ozempic supply will continue to be limited until the end of 2025, according to the latest advice from Novo Nordisk, Ozempic's supplier.
Ozempic 1.34mg/mL 3mL Pre Filled Pen 1 - Semaglutide
Find your local Chemist Warehouse storeto talk to our pharmacists for further assistance. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.
If you stop taking Ozempic, you'll digest food at the same rate as you did before taking the drug. In addition, you'll likely have cravings and increased hunger. There's also a risk of binge eating after quitting Ozempic. All of these can contribute to gaining weight back.
Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has advised us that the Ozempic (semaglutide) shortage has resolved. Patients can be prescribed Ozempic for both initiation and maintenance of treatment. Pharmacists can order stock from wholesalers to fill prescriptions for Ozempic now that Australian supply has returned to normal.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 choice between Duromine and Ozempic depends on various factors: Health Conditions: If you have type 2 diabetes, Ozempic might be beneficial. However, its use for weight loss is off-label in Australia. Lifestyle: Duromine requires daily commitment, while Ozempic's weekly injection might be more convenient for some.
Dr. Adeyemo: Ozempic is a medication that is intended to be taken weekly and not as needed, thus it is not recommended to intentionally skip your Ozempic dose.
Here are five tips for finding Ozempic in stock near you.
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.
After you stop taking Ozempic, the effects reverse pretty quickly. This can lead to a number of changes in your body. Some of them are symptoms you can feel — like an increased appetite. Other changes happen below the surface that may not cause any symptoms — like increased blood glucose (sugar) levels.
There's no best time to inject Ozempic. But you should inject Ozempic once a week on the same day of the week, every week.
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.
How often is Ozempic® taken? Ozempic® should be administered by a patient once weekly on the same day each week, at any time of the day, with or without meals. The day of weekly administration can be changed if necessary as long as the time between 2 doses is at least 2 days (>48 hours).
Basically, if you develop Ozempic feet, it means your rapid weight loss has sped up the natural process of fat pad atrophy in your feet. Some people are upset about this because it negatively impacts the appearance of their feet: the skin starts to sag, and the veins of the feet appear more prominent.
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.
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.
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.