GLP 1 Medication Australia
GLP 1 medications are now widely used in Australia for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. This guide explains the main medicines available, what they are approved for, how they compare and the latest 2026 safety updates.
The main GLP 1 based medicines currently marketed in Australia are Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity and Mounjaro. Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management. Mounjaro is approved for both type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management. Ozempic and Trulicity are primarily approved for type 2 diabetes.
What is GLP 1 medication?
GLP 1 stands for glucagon like peptide 1. It is a hormone released after eating that helps regulate blood glucose, appetite and digestion.
GLP 1 receptor agonist medicines copy some of these effects. Depending on the medicine, they may be prescribed for type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management or both.
Appetite
GLP 1 activity can increase feelings of fullness and reduce appetite.
Blood glucose
These medicines can increase glucose dependent insulin secretion and improve blood glucose control.
Digestion
GLP 1 medicines can slow gastric emptying, particularly during treatment initiation and dose escalation.
Weight
Reduced energy intake can produce substantial weight loss with medicines specifically studied and approved for chronic weight management.
GLP 1 medications currently marketed in Australia
The Therapeutic Goods Administration currently lists four major GLP 1 based medicines as marketed in Australia.
Wegovy
SemaglutideWegovy is specifically approved in Australia for chronic weight management in eligible adults and adolescents.
Mounjaro
TirzepatideMounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP 1 receptor agonist. It is approved in Australia for type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
Ozempic
SemaglutideOzempic is a semaglutide medicine approved primarily for type 2 diabetes. It should not be treated as interchangeable with Wegovy simply because both contain semaglutide.
Trulicity
DulaglutideTrulicity is another GLP 1 receptor agonist currently marketed in Australia for type 2 diabetes.
Mounjaro is slightly different. Tirzepatide activates both GIP and GLP 1 receptors. It is commonly grouped with GLP 1 medications because GLP 1 activity is central to how it works.
GLP 1 medication comparison Australia
| Medicine | Ingredient | Receptors | Australian approved use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | GLP 1 | Chronic weight management |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | GIP plus GLP 1 | Type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management |
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | GLP 1 | Type 2 diabetes |
| Trulicity | Dulaglutide | GLP 1 | Type 2 diabetes |
Which GLP 1 medication is used for weight loss in Australia?
Wegovy
Wegovy has a specific Australian chronic weight management indication. It contains semaglutide and is used alongside reduced energy intake and increased physical activity in eligible patients.
Mounjaro
Mounjaro also has a chronic weight management indication in Australia. It contains tirzepatide and targets both GIP and GLP 1 receptors.
Key distinction: Ozempic is widely associated with weight loss online, but its Australian registration is primarily for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy contains the same active ingredient, semaglutide, but has a specific chronic weight management indication.
How effective are GLP 1 medications for weight loss?
Results vary substantially by medicine, dose, trial population and treatment duration.
| Medicine | Major trial result | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide 2.4 mg | About 14.9 percent average weight reduction | STEP 1 at 68 weeks in adults with obesity or overweight without diabetes |
| Tirzepatide 15 mg | About 20.9 percent average weight reduction | SURMOUNT 1 at 72 weeks in adults with obesity or overweight without diabetes |
Trial averages do not predict an individual result. Weight loss depends on dose, adherence, side effects, baseline health, nutrition, activity and individual response.
GLP 1 medication side effects
Gastrointestinal effects remain the most common issues across the class.
Common
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
Important considerations
- Gallbladder problems
- Dehydration
- Pancreatitis warnings
- Delayed gastric emptying
- Risks around anaesthesia and deep sedation
New in 2026: the TGA updated product warnings across the GLP 1 receptor agonist class after reviewing reports of non arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, a rare but serious eye disorder that can cause permanent vision loss. Sudden vision loss requires urgent medical assessment.
GLP 1 medication and surgery
GLP 1 medicines can slow gastric emptying. The TGA has updated Australian product information because this can increase the risk of stomach contents entering the lungs during general anaesthesia or deep sedation.
Anyone taking one of these medicines should tell their surgeon, anaesthetist and other treating health professionals before a procedure.
Pregnancy and contraception
GLP 1 based medicines are not recommended for use during pregnancy.
Australian product information for Mounjaro was also updated after regulators could not rule out reduced effectiveness of oral contraception during treatment initiation and dose escalation.
The TGA advises people using oral contraception with tirzepatide to discuss additional or alternative contraception with their health professional during initiation and after dose increases.
Can you buy GLP 1 medication in Australia?
Genuine GLP 1 receptor agonist medicines are prescription only in Australia and should be supplied through legitimate pharmacy and medical pathways.
Be careful with online GLP 1 products. In March 2026 the TGA reported laboratory testing of imported products that claimed to contain GLP 1 ingredients but contained no GLP 1 or GLP 1 analogue at all.
The TGA advises Australians to purchase prescription medicines from registered pharmacies rather than unregistered social media or online sellers.
What about Retatrutide?
Retatrutide is often discussed alongside GLP 1 medications because it activates the GLP 1 receptor.
It is different from currently approved medicines because it activates three receptors: GIP, GLP 1 and glucagon.
Retatrutide remains investigational and is not currently a TGA approved medicine.
Sources
Current Australian marketed medicines and updated rare eye disorder warning.
Australian chronic weight management indication for tirzepatide.
Australian chronic weight management indication for semaglutide 2.4 mg.
March 2026 Australian testing of counterfeit imported weight loss products.
Major Phase 3 weight management study of semaglutide 2.4 mg.
Major Phase 3 obesity study of tirzepatide.
GLP 1 medication Australia FAQ
What GLP 1 medications are available in Australia?
The TGA currently lists Ozempic, Wegovy, Trulicity and Mounjaro among GLP 1 based medicines marketed in Australia. Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP 1 receptor agonist.
Which GLP 1 medication is approved for weight loss in Australia?
Wegovy is approved for chronic weight management. Mounjaro is also approved for chronic weight management as well as type 2 diabetes.
Is Ozempic approved for weight loss in Australia?
Ozempic is primarily registered for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy contains semaglutide but has a specific chronic weight management indication.
Is Mounjaro a GLP 1 medication?
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and activates both GIP and GLP 1 receptors. It is therefore a dual agonist rather than a pure GLP 1 receptor agonist.
Which causes more weight loss, Wegovy or Mounjaro?
Separate major obesity trials reported about 14.9 percent average weight reduction with semaglutide 2.4 mg at 68 weeks and about 20.9 percent with tirzepatide 15 mg at 72 weeks. Cross trial comparisons are not the same as a direct head to head study.
What are the most common GLP 1 side effects?
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal symptoms are among the most common adverse effects.
Can GLP 1 medication cause vision problems?
The TGA updated class warnings in July 2026 regarding non arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy, a rare but serious eye disorder that can result in permanent vision loss.
Can I buy GLP 1 medication online in Australia?
GLP 1 receptor agonist medicines are prescription only. The TGA advises Australians to obtain prescription medicines through legitimate medical and registered pharmacy pathways and has warned about counterfeit and unregistered online GLP 1 products.
Is Retatrutide a GLP 1 medication?
Retatrutide activates the GLP 1 receptor but also targets GIP and glucagon receptors. It remains investigational and is not currently TGA approved.