Patient guide · Reviewed June 2026
How to Get Mounjaro in Australia — Eligibility, Cost, and Prescribers (2026)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is TGA-registered in Australia for type 2 diabetes management, weight management, and — since January 2026 — obstructive sleep apnoea. It is available by private prescription from any AHPRA-registered doctor. There is no PBS subsidy for weight management, which means most patients pay full cost out of pocket.
This guide explains exactly who can prescribe Mounjaro, what the eligibility criteria are, how much it costs in 2026, and what monitoring you need while taking it.
Published 2026-06-01 · Clinically reviewed 2026-06-03
Patient guide · Reviewed June 2026
What Is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide — a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Unlike semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), which targets only the GLP-1 receptor, tirzepatide…
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide — a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. Unlike semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), which targets only the GLP-1 receptor, tirzepatide activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors simultaneously. This dual mechanism is why clinical trials show greater average weight loss with Mounjaro than with semaglutide.
The SURMOUNT-5 trial, published in the New England Journal of Medicine in May 2025, directly compared tirzepatide and semaglutide at equivalent stages. Tirzepatide produced approximately 20% weight loss versus approximately 14% for semaglutide at 72 weeks.
TGA Registration Status (2026)
Mounjaro is registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) for:
- Type 2 diabetes — blood glucose management in adults with T2D
- Weight management — chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition
- Obstructive sleep apnoea — approved January 2026, making Mounjaro Australia's first registered pharmacological treatment for OSA
No PBS subsidy exists for weight management or OSA. For type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro may be PBS-listed — confirm current PBS status at pbs.gov.au as listings are updated regularly.
Patient guide · Reviewed June 2026
Who Can Prescribe Mounjaro in Australia?
Any AHPRA-registered doctor in Australia can prescribe Mounjaro. You do not need to see a specialist. There is no requirement for a GP referral to access a…
Any AHPRA-registered doctor in Australia can prescribe Mounjaro. You do not need to see a specialist. There is no requirement for a GP referral to access a private prescription — your GP or a telehealth doctor can assess and prescribe directly.
In-person GP pathway: Your GP assesses your eligibility, reviews your medical history, orders any required baseline blood tests, and issues a private prescription if appropriate. This is the most comprehensive pathway — your GP knows your medical history, can order the full monitoring panel recommended by Australian guidelines, and can refer you to an endocrinologist, hepatologist, or dietitian if needed.
Telehealth pathway: Several Australian telehealth platforms offer Mounjaro assessment and prescription through AHPRA-registered doctors. Availability confirmed in 2025–2026. A video or phone consultation takes place, and if eligible, a prescription is issued. Medication can be delivered to your home or collected from a pharmacy.
Supply has improved significantly in 2025–2026 compared to the shortages of 2023–2024. Mounjaro is more widely available at Australian pharmacies as of mid-2026.
Eligibility Criteria
Mounjaro for weight management is typically prescribed to adults who meet the following criteria:
- BMI ≥30 (obesity), or
- BMI ≥27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity — type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, or MASLD (fatty liver disease)
- No contraindications — personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, MEN2 syndrome, or active pancreatitis
For the sleep apnoea indication: moderate-to-severe OSA in adults with obesity. For type 2 diabetes: as per T2D management guidelines.
Mounjaro is contraindicated in pregnancy. It is generally not recommended in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Patient guide · Reviewed June 2026
What Mounjaro Costs in Australia (2026)
Mounjaro has no PBS subsidy for weight management. All patients pay privately.
Mounjaro has no PBS subsidy for weight management. All patients pay privately.
Mounjaro cost in Australia varies by dose strength and pharmacy. Based on indicative pricing, a monthly maintenance supply may fall within an approximate range of $280 to $690, depending on the dose strength prescribed.
Approximate indicative range by dose:
| Dose | Approx monthly cost (indicative) |
|---|---|
| 2.5mg (starting dose) | $280–$350 |
| 5mg | $300–$400 |
| 7.5mg | $350–$450 |
| 10mg | $400–$500 |
| 12.5mg | $450–$580 |
| 15mg (maintenance) | $500–$690 |
These are indicative figures only. Actual costs depend on the dispensing pharmacy, handling fees, and cold-chain delivery charges. Always confirm pricing directly with your pharmacy.
Telehealth bundled cost: Many telehealth platforms in Australia bundle consultation fees and prescription into a monthly programme cost, typically ranging from approximately $250–$500/month at lower doses including the consultation.
Private health insurance: Some insurers (Medibank, HBF, NIB) may provide partial rebates for Mounjaro prescribed for obesity. Check your specific policy and whether you meet the insurer's eligibility criteria for weight management benefits.
Lilly support programmes: Eli Lilly offers patient support programmes. Consult lilly.com.au or discuss with your prescriber for current availability.
The Monitoring You Need on Mounjaro
Mounjaro is a metabolically active medication. Australian clinical guidelines recommend monitoring beyond what telehealth platforms typically provide.
Before starting:
- Liver function tests (ALT, AST, GGT)
- FIB-4 calculation for fatty liver risk assessment
- Kidney function (creatinine, eGFR)
- Thyroid function (TSH)
- Lipid panel and HbA1c (if diabetic)
- Blood pressure
At 3 months:
- Repeat liver function and kidney function
- HbA1c (if diabetic)
- Weight, blood pressure, side effect review
Annual monitoring:
- Full metabolic panel
- FIB-4 recalculation
- Liver elastography if FIB-4 was previously indeterminate
Sleep apnoea monitoring: If you are taking Mounjaro for OSA, your sleep physician will advise a repeat sleep study after significant weight loss to assess whether CPAP requirements have changed. Do not reduce CPAP unilaterally without specialist review.
Complete monitoring guide for GLP-1 patients in Australia →
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a specialist referral to get Mounjaro in Australia?
No. Any AHPRA-registered GP or doctor can prescribe Mounjaro privately. No specialist referral is required. However, a GP who understands the full monitoring requirements — FIB-4, liver function, thyroid, kidney function — will provide better ongoing care than a telehealth consultation focused only on the prescription.
Is Mounjaro PBS-listed in Australia?
As of mid-2026, Mounjaro is not PBS-listed for weight management or OSA. It may be PBS-listed for type 2 diabetes — confirm the current PBS status at pbs.gov.au as listings change. For weight management, all patients pay privately.
How much does Mounjaro cost per month in Australia?
Indicative pricing ranges from approximately $280 to $690 per month depending on dose strength and pharmacy. Telehealth platforms may bundle consultation and prescription for $250–$500/month at lower doses.
Is Mounjaro the same as Ozempic?
No. Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists but they contain different active ingredients. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Ozempic contains semaglutide, which targets only GLP-1. Clinical trials show Mounjaro produces greater average weight loss.
Can I get Mounjaro through telehealth in Australia?
Yes. Multiple AHPRA-registered telehealth providers in Australia assess and prescribe Mounjaro. Supply has improved significantly in 2025–2026. A video or phone consultation determines eligibility.
What happens if my weight loss plateaus on Mounjaro?
A plateau is normal and expected, typically occurring after 6–12 months as your body adapts to a lower weight. Options include dose adjustment (if not at maximum), dietary review with a dietitian, resistance training assessment, and in some cases switching to or adding another medication. Discuss with your prescribing doctor before making any changes.
Sources: Vively complete guide to Mounjaro in Australia (May 2025); weightloss.com.au Mounjaro Australia guide 2026; Burst Health Pharmacy Mounjaro cost guide April 2026; Regimen Ozempic and Mounjaro PBS guide April 2026; TGA product information tirzepatide; SURMOUNT-5 NEJM May 2025.
This article is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your GP or a specialist about your individual health circumstances.
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