Zepbound

Zepbound Online Australia

Zepbound (Tizepatide) is still awaiting registration with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), Australia's medicine safety and governing body. Zepbound contains the same active ingredients as Mounjaro (Tizepatide) but for a different therapeutic use and has been cleared by the USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as the UK’s medicines regulator in late 2023.

Before release in Australia Zepbound manufacturer Eli Lilly will need to gain approval from the TGA and secure enough stock to adequately and consistently meet demand in the Australian market. This is particularly important as Zepbound, like other GLP-1 receptor agonist treatments, is likely to experience high demand and have complex storage, transport and manufacturing challenges to keep up with it.

When will Zepbound be available in Australia?

There is no confirmed release date for Zepbound in Australia. The time until release will largely rely on two factors. How long the TGA will take to confirm the safety and effectiveness of the treatment and register the treatment in Australia. And whether Eli Lilly can manufacture enough treatment to meet the demands in Australia but also the markets where it is currently, or soon to be, available such as the USA and UK.

What will Zepbound cost in Australia?

The cost of treatment has not been released in Australia. Like other similar treatments of its kind, the manufacturing, transportation and storage process is quite complex which will likely mean it has a similar high-end cost in the hundreds of dollars per month.

As Zepbound has not yet been registered with the TGA, it is yet to be formally assessed by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). If listed, it is likely to bring the cost down significantly for Australian patients.

How will Zepbound be used?

The exact form of the initial release is yet to be confirmed however Eli Lilly does provide other injectable treatments in several different forms. Auto-injectors are the most common form of GLP-1 receptor agonist delivery into the body. These pens deliver the correct dose of treatment through a very small needle with one press and hold of a button. They are the most simple method to use and require the least training.

Syringes and single-use drawing vials are another form that may be released. These require more training however may prove useful in meeting Australia’s high demand for Zepbound.

Zepbound, like other GLP-1s, will be steadily increased over months until the dose deemed most effective in studies for the condition has been reached. It will be prescribed alongside a balanced diet and exercise and your progress monitored by your prescriber.

How to get Zepbound in Australia

Once released, Zepbound will be a prescription-only item in Australia. To buy Zepbound you will need to consult a doctor online via telehealth or in person. The prescription can then be filled by any Australian registered pharmacy with stock available.

Zepbound Summary

*Always use your prescription medication as prescribed by the doctor. For a full list of side effects read the consumer medicines information upon release.

Zepbound side effects

The reported side effects of Zepbound are yet to be confirmed by the TGA however studies and registration information available from USA and UK regulators indicate that the potential side effects are similar to those of other GLP-1s.

Common side effects can include but are not limited to gastrointestinal upset (nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, heartburn), headaches, feeling tired and injection site irritation.

Rarer but more serious potential side effects could include pancreatitis, gall bladder issues, stomach problems, low blood sugar, and changes in mood.

For further information, speak to your doctor or visit Eli Lilly’s Zepbound information.