Are you considering injectable medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Trulicity, or Mounjaro for your weight loss journey? Then, common questions like “How much do these weight loss shots actually cost?” or “What are the cheapest weight loss injections among these options?” are bound to likely arise. These queries are worthy of consideration, as financial matters often play a significant role in any health-informed decision.
In this article, we’ll break down the costs of these popular weight loss injections in Australia, distinguishing between private prescription prices and what you may have to expect with the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
PBS vs. Private Prescriptions: Did You Know?
Before diving into pricing concerns, an important distinction to understand in Australia is the difference between medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and those available on a private prescription.
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS): The PBS subsidises the cost of many prescription medicines, making them more affordable for Australians [1]. However, as of July 2025, no medications are currently listed on the PBS specifically for weight loss [2]. This means that for weight management purposes, these injections are generally considered “private prescriptions.”
- Private Prescriptions: When a medication is not on the PBS for your specific condition, you will have to pay the full cost, or the “private price,” out-of-pocket [3]. This could be significantly higher than PBS-subsidised costs.
It’s worth noting that there’s an ongoing discussion [4] about adding weight loss medications to the PBS, particularly for those with severe clinical obesity and related health conditions. However, this is still under consideration and not yet implemented.
Cost Comparison of Key Weight Loss Injections in Australia
Here’s a breakdown of what you may have to expect to pay for some of the most common weight loss injections in Australia. Keep in mind that prices may vary between pharmacies, dosages, and individual circumstances.
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Frequency of Injection | Typical Monthly Private Cost (AUD) | PBS Listing for Weight Loss [4,5] |
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | Once weekly | Around $199 (for 1.5 mL pen) [6] | No (PBS for Type 2 Diabetes only) |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | Once weekly | Around $199 – $439 (depending on dose) [7] | No |
| Saxenda | Liraglutide | Once daily | Around $439 (for a 5-pen pack) [8] | No |
| Trulicity | Dulaglutide | Once weekly | Around $987.19 (monthly list price, out-of-pocket cost varies with insurance) [9] | No (PBS for Type 2 Diabetes only) |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | Once weekly | Around $289 – $689 (depending on dose) [10] | No |
Note: These prices are indicative private prescription costs and might vary. Always consult with your healthcare provider and pharmacy for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing.
Additional Costs to Factor In
Beyond the medication itself, there are other potential additional costs associated with a weight loss injection program:
Medical consultations: You’ll need regular consultations with a doctor, and potentially other health professionals like a dietitian or exercise physiologist, to ensure safe and effective use of these medications.
- Initial doctor consultations could range from around $300-$350 (with potential Medicare rebates) [11].
- Follow-up consultations may cost between $145-$245 [11].
Pathology tests: Your doctor may recommend blood tests to monitor your health and the effectiveness of the medication.
Dietary and lifestyle support: While the injections might aid in weight loss, they are most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Investing in professional dietary advice or a structured weight loss program might be beneficial. Online programs offering medication and support might start from around $349 per month [12].
Important Considerations Before Starting
While weight loss injections could be a game-changer for you, it’s important to approach them with a comprehensive understanding:
- Medical supervision is indispensable: These are prescription medications and must be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Your doctor will assess your eligibility, monitor your progress, and manage any potential side effects.
- Side effects [13]: Like all medications, weight loss injections might have side effects. Common ones include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, and constipation. More serious side effects, though less common, could include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney issues. Discuss all potential risks with your doctor.
- Long-term commitment: Weight loss injections are generally intended for long-term use. If you stop the medication, weight regain might be possible.
- Not a magic bullet: These medications are an aid to weight loss, not a standalone solution. Sustainable results require ongoing commitment to healthy eating and physical activity.
- Supply issues: Particularly with medications like Ozempic, there have been ongoing supply issues in Australia [14]. This may impact availability and necessitate exploring alternative options with your doctor.
Wrapping It Up!
Navigating weight loss injections in Australia also involves understanding associated costs. While medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Trulicity, and Mounjaro offer promising paths to health, most are not currently PBS-subsidised for weight loss, leading to significant private prescription costs.
Ultimately, these injections are best used as part of a holistic health plan, with lifestyle changes and medical guidance. Always discuss your options with your healthcare provider to find a sustainable solution for your health goals and budget.
References
- Australian Government Department of Health. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) | About the PBS. www.pbs.gov.au. Published 2025. https://www.pbs.gov.au/info/about-the-pbs
- newsGP – Push for weight-loss drugs’ PBS listing ramps up. NewsGP. Published 2025. Accessed July 18, 2025. https://www1.racgp.org.au/newsgp/clinical/push-for-weight-loss-drugs-pbs-listing-ramps-up
- Health AGD of. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) | Frequently asked questions. www.pbs.gov.au. Published 2021. https://www.pbs.gov.au/info/general/faq
- Kanellis C, Williams K, Holt DQ, et al. The role of GLP‐1 receptor agonists in the management of obesity: risks and opportunities for the Australian health care system. The Medical Journal of Australia. Published online January 9, 2025. doi:https://doi.org/10.5694/mja2.52582
- Goods T. New diabetes and weight loss medicines. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Published June 3, 2025. https://www.tga.gov.au/news/safety-alerts/new-diabetes-and-weight-loss-medicines
- Ozempic Semaglutide (0.25mg/0.5mg) 1.5ml x 1 Pre-Filled Pen – (Australia). Fitchs.com.au. Published 2024. https://fitchs.com.au/ozempic-semaglutide-0-25mg-0-5mg-1-5ml-x-1-pre-filled-pen-australia?srsltid=AfmBOopZFHCQXNfozrQ2YrQlPxk4RX1uRzkiMYnXGl02djR5hgmPxelf
- Search results for: “wegovy” – Fitch’s Pharmacy Online | Chemist WA. Fitchs.com.au. Published 2024. https://fitchs.com.au/catalogsearch/result/?q=wegovy
- Search results for: “saxenda” – Fitch’s Pharmacy Online | Chemist WA. Fitchs.com.au. Published 2024. https://fitchs.com.au/catalogsearch/result/?q=saxenda
- Search Results for: undefined. Chemistwarehouse.com.au. Published 2025. https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/search?query=trulicity&contexts=default
- Search results for: “Mounjaro” – Fitch’s Pharmacy Online | Chemist WA. Fitchs.com.au. Published 2024. https://fitchs.com.au/catalogsearch/result/?q=Mounjaro
- Medsurg Weight Loss. MedSurg Weight Loss. Published June 30, 2025. https://medsurgweightloss.com.au/fees/
- How much does the Pilot Weight Loss Program cost? Pilot. Published 2025. https://help.pilot.com.au/hc/en-us/articles/4408473769241-How-much-does-the-Pilot-Weight-Loss-Program-cost
- Collins L, Costello RA. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. PubMed. Published February 29, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/
- Goods T. Ozempic (semaglutide) supply information. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Published December 8, 2022. https://www.tga.gov.au/safety/shortages/information-about-major-medicine-shortages/ozempic-semaglutide-supply-information
