Mounjaro vs Wegovy in Australia: Cost, Effectiveness & How to Choose (2026)
Comparing Mounjaro and Wegovy in Australia — cost ($285 vs $269/month starter), effectiveness (22% vs 15% weight loss), availability, and which is right for you.
Mounjaro and Wegovy are the two most prescribed weight loss injections in Australia. Both are once-weekly injections, both are prescription-only, and neither is PBS subsidised for weight loss. Here's how they compare.
Head-to-head comparison
| | Mounjaro | Wegovy | |-|----------|--------| | Active ingredient | Tirzepatide | Semaglutide | | Mechanism | Dual GIP + GLP-1 | GLP-1 only | | Frequency | Once weekly | Once weekly | | Starter dose cost | $285/month | $269/month | | Maintenance dose cost | $550-690/month | $390/month | | Average weight loss | 22.5% (SURMOUNT-1) | 15% (STEP 1) | | PBS status | Not listed | Not subsidised | | TGA approved for weight loss | Yes | Yes | | Dose range | 2.5mg – 15mg | 0.25mg – 2.4mg | | Escalation period | 20 weeks | 16 weeks |
Which produces more weight loss?
Clinical trials show Mounjaro produces greater average weight loss:
- Mounjaro (SURMOUNT-1): 22.5% average body weight loss at highest dose over 72 weeks
- Wegovy (STEP 1): 15% average body weight loss at maintenance dose over 68 weeks
Individual results vary significantly. Some patients respond better to semaglutide, others to tirzepatide.
Which is cheaper?
It depends on the dose:
- Starter doses: Wegovy is slightly cheaper ($269 vs $285)
- Maintenance doses: Wegovy is significantly cheaper ($390 vs $550-690)
- Total cost over 6 months: Wegovy ~$3,600 / Mounjaro ~$4,500-5,500
If cost is the primary factor, Wegovy is more affordable at maintenance doses. If maximum weight loss is the priority, Mounjaro has stronger clinical evidence.
Availability in Australia
Both medications have experienced supply constraints in Australia:
- Mounjaro: Supply has improved since the December 2025 price reduction. Most pharmacies now stock it, though higher doses may have intermittent shortages.
- Wegovy: Available but not as widely stocked as Ozempic. Some pharmacies require advance ordering.
How to switch between them
Switching is possible but requires a new consultation. Your doctor will typically restart you at a lower dose on the new medication. Allow 1-2 weeks washout between different GLP-1 medications.
Compare all Australian weight loss injection prices on our Australia weight loss page.