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.