Half a Million Australians Using GLP-1 Drugs Amid Private Prescription Surge

An estimated 500,000 Australians were regularly using GLP-1 medicines and related medications each month by April 2025, with almost half of those users paying between $200 and $700 out of pocket monthly, according to new research led by UNSW Sydney. The study, which combines pharmaceutical sales records with Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) dispensing data, provides the first national look at both subsidised and private access trends for treatments like Ozempic, Trulicity, Victoza, Mounjaro, and Wegovy.

Private Prescriptions Drive Nearly Half of All Monthly GLP-1 Use

Private prescriptions accounted for nearly 44 per cent of total estimated GLP-1 consumption across Australia by April 2025, according to the UNSW Sydney findings. Lead author Associate Professor Michael Falster noted that monthly sales climbed dramatically from 58,000 units in May 2020 to 500,000 units in April 2025.

“Over the same five-year period, PBS-subsidised access increased steadily from 58,000 units in the first month to 280,000 units in the last,” Falster stated. Meanwhile, private access grew from zero to claim 43.8 per cent of total estimated use over the identical timeframe.

Clinical Uses and the Current Subsidy Divide

While originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 medications are frequently prescribed for obesity, cardiovascular disease, and kidney conditions. At present, PBS subsidies remain strictly restricted to eligible type 2 diabetes patients.

This funding restriction has sparked growing calls to expand subsidised access to patients struggling with obesity and heart disease. Falster pointed out that diabetes and obesity disproportionately impact individuals from low socio-economic backgrounds, creating significant hurdles for those who rely on private supply.

“While it’s clear many people are willing to pay for private GLP-1 prescriptions, it’s also likely many who would benefit will struggle to afford them,” Falster said, adding that the newly mapped data could help policymakers navigate future decisions regarding expanded eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Australians use GLP-1 medicines regularly?

An estimated 500,000 Australians were using these medications monthly by April 2025, according to UNSW Sydney research.

How much do patients pay out of pocket for private prescriptions?

Almost half of regular users pay between $200 and $700 out of pocket each month for their supply.

Which medications are included in the GLP-1 class?

Tracked treatments include Ozempic, Trulicity, Victoza, and Wegovy, alongside Mounjaro, which belongs to a related class targeting GLP-1 pathways.

Why are these drugs prescribed beyond diabetes?

Clinicians frequently prescribe them to address obesity, cardiovascular disease, and kidney conditions alongside type 2 diabetes management.