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Pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has advised us that a new brand of semaglutide will be available in Australia from early August 2024.
Wegovy is approved specifically for chronic weight management in adults and adolescents ‘as an adjunct to a reduced-energy diet and increased physical activity when specific criteria are met’. See the Wegovy Product Information for more information.
Semaglutide is the same active ingredient found in Ozempic, a type 2 diabetes treatment, which has been subject to intermittent shortages since 2022. See the ‘About the Ozempic (semaglutide) shortages 2022-2024’ webpage for more information.
While Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient, the approved indications (circumstances for use) are different. They also have different dosages and delivery devices. Wegovy is available at doses of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg, while Ozempic is available in doses of 0.25/0.5 mg and 1 mg.
It is not known what impact the introduction of Wegovy will have on Ozempic’s availability. Novo Nordisk has advised us that they continue to receive orders of Ozempic, however supply will continue to remain limited throughout the remainder of 2024.
We recently reconvened our Ozempic Medicine Shortage Action Group, comprised of clinical and patient groups, to discuss the potential impacts of Wegovy’s availability on the prescribing advice for Ozempic. The updated advice from the action group to prescribers is:
- to recommend Ozempic and Wegovy be prescribed to patients in accordance with their approved indications:
- do not initiate new patients on Ozempic unless there are no suitable alternatives available
- for patients already prescribed Ozempic for ‘off-label’ use, consider if they can be changed to an alternative treatment such as Wegovy as Ozempic supplies continue to be limited
- supplies of Ozempic should be conserved for use in patients in accordance with its approved indication and who are stabilised on the medicine
- ongoing intermittent supply of all strengths of Ozempic is likely to continue throughout the remainder of 2024.
We will continue to monitor the supply of Ozempic in coming months, and update this advice as required.
Wegovy is currently not subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and is only available via private prescription.
Information for prescribers
Ozempic and Wegovy should be prescribed in accordance with their approved indications so that limited Ozempic supplies can be reserved for patients with type 2 diabetes who are stabilised on Ozempic and have no other treatment options.
After consultation with the Ozempic Medicine Shortage Action Group, we continue to advise prescribers not to initiate new patients on Ozempic for the time being unless there are no suitable alternatives available.
When deciding whether to continue treatment with Ozempic, consult the appropriate prescribing guidelines. Prioritise type 2 diabetes patients for whom Ozempic will have the most clinical impact, including patients already stabilised on the medicine and without other treatment options.
Information for pharmacists
Pharmacists should continue to prioritise limited supplies of Ozempic for type 2 diabetes patients stabilised on treatment.
Pharmacists may choose to advise patients who are prescribed semaglutide for chronic weight management that a new brand (Wegovy) is available and encourage them to talk to their prescriber.
Pharmacists should be aware that stock availability can change and sudden spikes in demand may affect continuity of care for patients stabilised on Ozempic.
Information for patients
Wegovy and Ozempic contain the same active ingredient but are approved for different uses with differing strengths at higher doses.
Wegovy cannot be dispensed using a prescription for Ozempic and you will need your doctor to write you a new prescription.
Talk to your prescribing doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about which semaglutide product is most appropriate for your circumstance.