How does Semaglutide work? 

Insulin helps move sugar from the blood to other body tissues so it can be used or stored as energy. This delivery system is compromised in those with type 2 diabetes because there is a combination of impaired insulin production from the pancreas and the body responding poorly to that insulin.[1]

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called incretin mimetics, which help the pancreas release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are elevated.[2] The drug also works by slowing digestion, helping to regulate blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes.[3]

How do you take Semaglutide?

While other forms may be available elsewhere, semaglutide, in Australia, is administered by injection underneath the skin (subcutaneously), usually with a pen-like device.[4] 

The frequency of your semaglutide injections will depend on your doctor’s advice but typically once per week. To ensure the greatest effectiveness, we recommend the following steps for storing your semaglutide:

• Take note of the drug’s expiration date. The shelf life of not-in-use semaglutide ranges from twenty-four to thirty-six months, depending on the pharmaceutical manufacturer.[5] In-use (opened) semaglutide solutions, meanwhile, typically have a much shorter shelf life of forty-two days.[6] Always check the expiration date of your dose before injecting the drug.
• Refrigerate, but do not freeze. Semaglutide is a temperature-sensitive drug, meaning it requires specific storage conditions to remain effective. The recommended temperature for storing semaglutide is within the 2 degrees Celsius to 8 degrees Celsius range. You must not freeze semaglutide; do not administer any doses that have been frozen.[7]
• Keep Semaglutide (eg. Ozempic) away from direct sunlight and cooling elements. Do not expose your doses to direct sunlight or store them too close to the cooling parts of your refrigerator or cooling unit. Either situation could affect the chemistry of the drug and, consequently, change its interactions with your body if injected.

While Chemist2U may answer general questions about the proper administration or storage of medicines, our answers are not medical advice and should not be taken as such. It’s best to follow the advice of healthcare professionals instead of relying on the search results for terms like ‘semaglutide Australia’ or ‘modafinil Australia’.

Plus, of course, read the label thoroughly before administering a semaglutide injection.

How much does Semaglutide cost?

The cost of Semaglutide (Ozempic) can differ substantially, contingent upon the patient’s Medicare status and the medical condition for which it is prescribed. If the medication is used for the treatment of diabetes, it is included on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), For instance, a PBS prescription for Ozempic costs $31.60, or $7.30 for individuals holding a Concession Card.

Conversely, the cost per Ozempic injection pen from Chemist2U, obtained through a private prescription, can be anywhere between $140 and $200. 

Wegovy is not listed on the PBS, and the price depends on the dosage. See the table below for typical prices of Wegovy in Australia.

Delivery of Ozempic or Wegovy typically costs around $20, which includes transportation in an insulated box to maintain temperature.

Who can take Semaglutide?

Semaglutide injection is prescribed in Australia to manage type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise.

It is, however, not used to treat type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis, which is important to note to prevent cross-medications between diabetes types.[8] 

Wegovy, a semaglutide product, is specifically approved for weight management in Australia. Wegovy is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced energy diet and increased physical activity in adults with a Body Mass Index of 30 or greater, or 27 or greater but with other conditions such as high blood pressure.

Research into the effects of ‘semaglutide Australia’ in young adults and children is still ongoing. Do not administer the drug to anyone under eighteen years old without the explicit advice of their doctor.[9] It is also important to follow any dietary or lifestyle changes advised by your doctor or healthcare professional.

The drug is also not advised for patients who:[10]

• are seventy-five years old or older;
• have severe kidney or liver problems;
• have severe heart conditions;
• have retinopathy (diabetic eye disease);
• have a history of pancreatitis;
• are pregnant or trying to fall pregnant;
• have gastroparesis (a gastric condition); and
• have inflammatory bowel disease.

Side effects of Semaglutide

Each drug interacts uniquely with an individual’s bodily chemistry. As such, some side effects may present themselves during your treatment with the semaglutide Australia-based doctors may have prescribed.

Here are the more common side effects observed from taking semaglutide:[11]

• Headaches
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Hair loss
• Feeling weak or tired
• Inflamed, upset or bloated stomach
• Stomach pains
• Reflux, indigestion or heartburn
• Adverse reactions around the injection site
• Hypoglycaemia in type 2 diabetics.

Some symptoms present during dose escalation and typically go away over time. That being said, always inform your doctor immediately if the side effects persist, especially if they are not listed above.

Semaglutide and other medications

When discussing treatment using semaglutide, always inform your doctor or healthcare professional of any medications you are taking. This includes any over-the-counter supplements and vitamins, not just other prescription medications. Instead of reading unreliable forums and searching for terms like ‘orlistat Australia’ online, turn to a medical professional for personalised advice.

Medicines you should not use with Semaglutide

Critically, inform your doctor if you’ve been prescribed insulin or sulfonylurea drugs like glimepiride or glibenclamide. Continued use of these drugs in tandem with semaglutide may lead to hypoglycemia (greatly lowered blood sugar levels).[12] Inform your health care provider about any metformin Australia-based doctors may have prescribed to you previously.[13]

You can also check with your doctor, Chemist2U pharmacist, or diabetes education nurse if you’re not certain how the medicines, vitamins or supplements you’re taking may interact with Semaglutide (eg. Ozempic).

How to dispose of a Semaglutide pen (Ozempic or Wegovy)

Ozempic and Wegovy come in a pen with a needle, and you should avoid discarding them in the regular rubbish bin. Instead, securely place it in a sealed container or a sharps bin. You can buy these online from Chemist2U.

Is home delivery of Semaglutide (eg. Ozempic) available with Chemist2U?

At Chemist2U, we’re committed to making medication easy, starting with our convenient home delivery service. Here’s how it works:

• Download the app or use this website. You can download our app from the App Store or Google Play . You can also order through the website. 
• Upload your prescriptions online. Just enter your address and contact details, and upload your prescription. 
• Add other products. Need more than just your prescription medication? You can also add over-the-counter medications as well as other products that you would expect at a typical community pharmacy. 
• Dispensing by pharmacists. Rest assured, your order will be carefully filled by a qualified pharmacist from a partner pharmacy.
• Home delivery. Chemist2U provides delivery services for prescription medications, ensuring access and convenience for patients, with same day delivery, Express Post and Click & Collect available subject to your location.

For any order-related concerns, contact our customer service team using the web chat icon at the bottom right of this page.

Chemist2U offers various services for a wide range of prescription medications, so order home delivery of your medication with us today!

References

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/7504#symptoms

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a619057.html

https://dom-pubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/dom.14944?af=R

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/amt,1401991000168100/ozempic

https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/wegovy-epar-product-information_en.pdf

https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/auspar-semaglutide-201030-pi.pdf

https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/auspar-semaglutide-201030-pi.pdf

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/medicines/brand/amt,1401991000168100/ozempic

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a619057.html

https://www.novonordisk.com.au/content/dam/nncorp/au/en/pdfs/Ozempic-0.25_0.5mg-cmi-v3.0.pdf

https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/wegovy-epar-product-information_en.pdf

https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/wegovy-epar-product-information_en.pdf

https://www.novonordisk.com.au/content/dam/nncorp/au/en/pdfs/Ozempic-0.25_0.5mg-cmi-v3.0.pdf

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/metformin/about-metformin/

Please Note: Chemist2U does not endorse or promote the therapeutic benefit of any medication. Any decision to administer a therapeutic good should be taken in consultation with your doctor.