Ozempic is an injectable drug that is being prescribed off-label by Australian health professionals and doctors for weight loss. Originally meant as a diabetes treatment, the active ingredient Semaglutide has experienced supply issues in pharmaceutical wholesalers around Australia and the world.
This article details the Ozempic Australia situation in 2023 with regard to cost, availability, side effects and gives cheaper alternatives over the counter.
Cheaper Ozempic Alternatives In Australia
- PhenQ - natural fat burner and appetite suppressant
- Altai Balance - blood sugar control
Both of the dietary supplements above are cheaper alternatives to semaglutide injections and can suppress appetite in much the same way as the pharmaceutical drug - but without the side effects.
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Many people who are overweight - but not classed as clinically obese - are choosing natural alternatives for many reasons.
- Ozempic is expensive - over AUD$1000 per month
- There are several side effects connected to the semaglutide drug
- Once you stop injecting the drug you will put the weight lost back on again (good natural dietary supplements contribute to weight loss that is permanent without endangering your health!
PhenQ - Natural Fat Burner and Appetite Suppressant
PhenQ is marketed as a natural weight loss supplement that aims to suppress appetite, burn fat, and boost energy levels. It contains several natural ingredients such as caffeine, capsicum extract, nopal, and L-carnitine, among others.
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Ozempic, on the other hand, is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient semaglutide. It is a once-weekly injection that is used to treat type 2 diabetes and aid weight loss. While it can be effective for weight loss, it's important to note that it is a prescription medication that requires a doctor's supervision.
PhenQ is a safer alternative that is not likely to cause any unpleasant side effects. Not to mention, it is far more cost-effective at only AUD$104.99 compared to the astronomical cost of a monthly injection of Semaglutide, which can cost upward of AUD$1000 in Australia.
Altai Balance - Natural Glucose Lowering Medicines
Altai Balance is a revolutionary natural blood sugar lowering supplement that promises to bring balance to your body's blood sugar level.
Unlike popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic, Altai Balance offers a safer alternative without any unpleasant side effects.
The great thing about Altai Balance is that it is completely natural, meaning it is less likely to cause any harm to your body.
Additionally, it is a fraction of the cost compared to a monthly injection of Semaglutide, which can cost an average of AUD$1000. With Altai Balance, you can rest assured that your blood sugar levels will be balanced effectively and at a much lower cost than other alternatives.
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Pharmacies That Sell Ozempic in Australia
Here are the 10 most likely chemists and pharmacies in Australia that sell Ozempic
- Chemist Warehouse
- Priceline Pharmacy
- TerryWhite Chemmart
- Amcal
- Guardian Pharmacy
- Blooms The Chemist
- Chemmart
- Discount Drug Stores
- Good Price Pharmacy Warehouse
- National Pharmacies
If you have been prescribed Ozempic by your healthcare provider, they should be able to provide you with information on where to obtain the medication. Alternatively, you can check with your local pharmacy or search online for pharmacies that may carry Ozempic.
It is important to note that there may be a shortage of Ozempic in Australia and other parts of the world, so it is recommended to contact the pharmacy in advance to confirm availability and to consider alternative treatment options if necessary.
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What is Ozempic
Ozempic is an injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Ozempic works by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) that is naturally produced in the body. GLP-1 helps regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin secretion from the pancreas, slowing down the rate at which glucose is absorbed into the bloodstream, and reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver.
Ozempic is typically administered once a week via subcutaneous injection, and it is often used in combination with diet and exercise to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
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It is not recommended for use in people with type 1 diabetes or in people with diabetic ketoacidosis. As with any medication, it is important to follow the dosage and administration instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
How to Get Ozempic in Australia
Ozempic is a highly sought after drug for managing diabetes and weight management, but it is important to know that it is prescription only.
In Australia, this means you will need to speak with your doctor and have a prescription written up before you can start taking Ozempic.
While the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has approved Ozempic for diabetes management, it has not yet been approved for weight management. Still, the benefits of this medication are well known in the medical community, and your doctor can help you determine if it is right for you.
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If you are looking to start taking Ozempic, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss it further.
Ozempic Cost in Australia
This treatment will now be available to the approximately 40,000 individuals who accessed a comparable treatment for this chronic disease through the PBS in 2022.
Patients would have to pay more than $1,700 for each Ozempic course without the subsidy. Now, each script will cost $41 or $6.60 if using a concession card.
Who Can Use Ozempic
Glucose lowering medicines like semaglutide are meant for people with type 2 diabetes. They are not meant for people who want to lose a few pounds.
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Arguably the best diabetes drug for weight loss is Wegovy as it has been approved for weight loss by the FDA.
Side Effects and Warnings
Like all medications, Ozempic may cause side effects in some people. Some of the most common side effects of Ozempic include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
In some cases, Ozempic may also cause more serious side effects, such as:
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Acute kidney injury
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder disease
- Retinal disorders (problems with the eyes)
If you experience any of these side effects, or if you have any other concerns about taking Ozempic, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
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In addition to the potential side effects, there are also some important warnings and precautions associated with the use of Ozempic. These include:
- Ozempic may increase the risk of thyroid cancer, so it should not be used in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in people with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Should not be used in people with type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
- Ozempic may interact with other medications (and other glucose lowering medicines), so it is important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.
- May cause dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
- Could affect the absorption of some vitamins and minerals, so it is important to have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your levels.
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It is important to discuss any potential risks and benefits of Ozempic with your healthcare provider before starting this medication.
Ozempic Shortage in Australia
Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonist medications such as Wegovy have been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults. However, some doctors in Australia have been prescribing these medications off-label for weight loss, despite the fact that they have not been approved for this use.
This off-label use of Ozempic and similar medications has led to an increase in demand for these drugs, which has caused a shortage in distribution in Australia and other parts of the world. The current media hype around the potential weight loss benefits of these drugs has further fueled demand, exacerbating the supply and stock problems.
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It is important to note that while these medications may have some weight loss benefits, they are not a substitute for a healthy diet and regular exercise. Additionally, these medications can have serious side effects, and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional for their approved use.
The shortage of Ozempic and other GLP-1 receptor agonists highlights the importance of responsible prescribing and the need to ensure that medications are used only for their approved indications.
It also underscores the need for better communication and coordination between healthcare providers, regulators, and manufacturers to help manage drug shortages and ensure that patients have access to the medications they need.
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Ozempic in Australia Summary
If you have diabetes and need a medication that can control blood sugar levels, semaglutide is highly effective.
If you are overweight and do not necessarily have high blood glucose levels you are best advised to use a more natural and cheaper Ozempic alternative.
The above is a sponsored post, the views expressed are those of the sponsor/author and do not represent the stand and views of Outlook Editorial.
