Ozempic and Wegovy are manufactured by the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. Both drugs use the same active ingredient Semaglutide.
Semaglutide is used to treat type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient mimics the hormone released by the gut after eating.
Used alongside diet and exercise, Wegovy and Ozempic have helped patients lose weight.
Wegovy is administered through a once-weekly pen, like Ozempic. However, Wegovy has a higher dose of Semaglutide compared to Ozempic.
Wegovy will not be subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and patients will need a prescription to use it.
A monthly prescription of Wegovy is said to cost patients about $460, but the company has not revealed its Australian pricing plans.