Saxenda cost guide · 2026 prices
Saxenda Cost Australia 2026: Liraglutide Daily Injection vs Wegovy / Mounjaro
Saxenda (liraglutide) was the first GLP-1 receptor agonist registered for weight loss in Australia — but has been substantially superseded by Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide) which offer stronger weight-loss outcomes + the convenience of weekly rather than daily injection. Saxenda remains relevant for specific patient situations.
★Key takeaways
- ✓Saxenda (liraglutide) is NOT on the PBS. Private price: $320-$400/month.
- ✓DAILY subcutaneous injection (unlike Wegovy + Mounjaro which are weekly).
- ✓Lower weight-loss efficacy than newer GLP-1s: ~5-10% body weight at 56 weeks (SCALE trial).
- ✓Mostly superseded by Wegovy + Mounjaro for new starters. Remains an option for patients who haven't responded to semaglutide / tirzepatide.
- ✓Same indication criteria as other GLP-1s: BMI 30+ or BMI 27+ with weight-related comorbidity.
| Provider ⇅ | Monthly cost ⇅ | Includes ⇅ | Notes ⇅ | Notes ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Telehealth / in-person clinic | $320-$400/month | Subscription / script + program fee | No PBS subsidy | Less commonly prescribed now |
| Your own GP + pharmacy | $280-$360/month | + GP consultation (Medicare-rebated) | Private script | Cheapest pathway |
Saxenda is NOT on the PBS. All pathways are private price. Less commonly prescribed than Wegovy or Mounjaro for new patients in 2026.
Why Saxenda has been superseded
Saxenda (liraglutide) was approved by the TGA in 2016 as the first GLP-1 receptor agonist for chronic weight management. SCALE trial demonstrated ~5-10% body weight loss at 56 weeks — clinically meaningful but modest compared to subsequent drugs.
Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4mg) arrived in 2024 with STEP-1 demonstrating ~15% body weight loss. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) followed with SURMOUNT-1 demonstrating ~21%. Both newer drugs are weekly injections vs Saxenda\'s daily — meaningful practical advantage. Same price tier.
The combination of inferior efficacy + daily injection burden + same price has driven most new patient starts to Wegovy or Mounjaro in 2026.
When Saxenda is still the right choice
- Patient hasn\'t responded to semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) trial
- Patient hasn\'t responded to tirzepatide (Mounjaro)
- Patient has specific intolerance to weekly-dose GLP-1s
- Specific clinical reason for preferring daily dosing (rare)
Common questions
Is Saxenda still relevant in 2026?
Mostly superseded by Wegovy (weekly injection, stronger outcomes) and Mounjaro (dual-agonist, strongest outcomes). Saxenda remains an option for: (1) patients who haven't responded to weekly semaglutide / tirzepatide, (2) patients with specific tolerance issues, (3) patients where the daily injection routine is preferred (rare). Most new GLP-1 patients in 2026 start on Wegovy or Mounjaro.
What's the difference between Saxenda and Wegovy?
Saxenda = liraglutide (older-generation GLP-1, daily injection). Wegovy = semaglutide 2.4mg (newer-generation GLP-1, weekly injection). Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists. Wegovy produces ~15% body weight loss at 68 weeks (STEP-1) vs Saxenda ~5-10% at 56 weeks (SCALE trial). Wegovy is preferred for most patients in 2026.
How much weight will I lose on Saxenda?
SCALE trial: ~5.4-7.5% mean body weight loss at 56 weeks. Lower than newer GLP-1s. Some patients respond well to liraglutide who don't respond to semaglutide or tirzepatide — individual variation matters.
Is Saxenda on the PBS?
No — Saxenda is NOT on the PBS for weight loss in Australia. Patients pay full private price (~$320-$400/month).
Why daily vs weekly?
Liraglutide (Saxenda) has a much shorter half-life than semaglutide (Wegovy/Ozempic) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro). Requires daily subcutaneous injection vs weekly for newer drugs. The daily routine is the main practical disadvantage.
What are the side effects?
Similar profile to other GLP-1s: nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, fatigue, decreased appetite — most common in first 4-8 weeks. Slightly different intensity vs semaglutide due to daily dosing rather than weekly peaks/troughs.
Compare alternatives
For most new patients: Wegovy or Mounjaro are stronger first-line options. Full GLP-1 medication comparison.