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Buy Semaglutide Online in Australia: What You Need to Know Before You Decide - Emerging Writers' Festival
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Broadly speaking, my main areas of interest are in fiction, review writing, and activism-related opinion writing. In terms of fiction, I’ve always enjoyed speculative fiction and how it can utilise the most imaginative aspects of storytelling. Recently, though, I’ve been exploring and come to really appreciate non-fiction and realistic stories as well – I’ve found it particularly powerful in sharing the stories of people outside the mainstream. Historical fiction walks the line between these two forms perfectly, so it’s an area I’m particularly interested in at present. Generally, I write at my desk at home; I don’t have a specific routine for writing beyond that, other than often doing it late at night!
I’ve had a few pieces of creative writing appear in small publications in the past, including SpineOut and Something with Bite. I’ve also written a few pieces for that reminds me, an online magazine of personal reflections on pop culture, and recently contributed an opinion piece to Right Now.
I’ve long enjoyed reading Voiceworks, so it would be great to have my work published there at some point. Being published in The School Magazine would also be incredible – I loved reading the stories, poetry and comics in there when I was in primary school and really admire its pieces and authors. Beyond that, I’m keen for any opportunities to share my writing.
What are you working on right now?
I’ve written a fair bit of non-fiction in the first half of this year, so at present, I’m aiming to focus on creative writing. I’m in the planning phase for a historical fiction piece, which I’m hesitant to say more about at this stage as it’s still fairly experimental. I’m also tossing around concepts for a few speculative short stories and long-form manuscripts, as I like to have many ideas to think about at once, to keep me excited.
What have you read recently?
A recent favourite was Outrun the Moon by Stacey Lee, a Young Adult historical fiction novel about a fifteen-year-old girl from Chinatown attempting to follow her ambitions and dealing with the tragedy of the San Francisco earthquake in 1906. I fell in love with the humorous, emotional, and captivating narrative voice, and enjoyed being immersed in the characters’ lives and the vivid historical setting.
I’ve also been reading more non-fiction than usual recently, and found Her Father’s Daughter by Alice Pung incredibly moving; I loved her perceptions of growing into adulthood and her relationship with her parents, and though the portrayal of her father’s experience under the Cambodian genocide was confronting, it was also incredibly insightful and I’m so glad I read it.
What would you like to work on after your studies? What professional development would you like to receive?
After my studies, I’d like to continue what I’m doing now with writing: to continue learning and improving, and to focus on fiction but also to keep experimenting in other areas.
In terms of professional development, mentoring from more experienced writers in similar areas would be incredible. Whilst I always find general advice and workshops about the craft of writing useful, it’s with my own stories’ and pieces’ specific aspects that I have the most challenges with and learn the most from, so individual mentoring would help me a lot!
I’d also like to meet more writers (which I’m eager to do at EWF this year!) and find critique partners, which I know will be particularly useful once I have more fiction work under way!
Wendy Chen is a writer and student from New South Wales, with a focus on storytelling and humanitarian issues. She has been a youth ambassador for The Salvation Army since 2013, is Chinese-Australian, and has a particular passion for fiction, advocacy, and review writing. Her work has been published in SpineOut, Right Now and That Reminds Me.
Semaglutide: An Australian Doctor’s Honest Review of the Weight-Loss and Diabetes Game-Changer
By an Australian GP | For patients over 30
Attention: You Deserve Better Than Another Failed Diet
By the time most Australians reach their 30s and 40s, they have tried multiple diets, gym memberships, meal replacements and detoxes. Yet the scales barely move, or the weight creeps back. You may feel tired, embarrassed, worried about your blood sugar or blood pressure. Perhaps you have knee pain, sleep apnoea, or a family history of type 2 diabetes. You may even avoid seeing your GP because you feel judged. I want to tell you: the problem is not a lack of willpower. Your body’s appetite and weight regulation system is working against you. Semaglutide is a prescription medicine that finally addresses the underlying biology, and it is changing lives in Australia.
Interest: What Is Semaglutide and Why Do Doctors Rate It?
Semaglutide belongs to a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It mimics a natural gut hormone that tells your brain you are full, slows stomach emptying, and helps your pancreas release insulin when glucose is high. In clinical trials and real-world practice, semaglutide helps people lose an average of 10–15% of their body weight, improves HbA1c, and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke in people with type 2 diabetes. It is given once weekly as a small injection under the skin.
Many patients ask me to compare semaglutide with dulaglutide, another weekly GLP-1 medicine. Both work, but semaglutide tends to be more effective for weight loss and glucose control, which is why I often choose it first.
Table 1: Semaglutide vs Dulaglutide — An Australian GP’s Comparison
Feature
Semaglutide
Dulaglutide
Dosing frequency
Once weekly
Once weekly
Average weight loss
10–15% (often greater)
3–6% (meaningful but usually less)
HbA1c reduction
Strong (up to 1.8–2%)
Good (up to 1.5%)
Heart protection
Proven in high-risk type 2 diabetes
Proven in type 2 diabetes
Device
Pre-filled pen, small needle
Single-use pen
Typical side effects
Nausea, bloating, reflux — usually settles
Similar, often slightly less nausea
My clinical preference
First choice for weight loss and diabetes
Alternative if cost or tolerance issues
Desire: Safety, Storage and the Questions Every Patient Asks
As a doctor, I know you will hear frightening stories online. Let me address the most common concerns I hear from Australian patients over 30.
Semaglutide allergy symptoms — what to watch for
True allergy is rare. However, you must stop semaglutide and seek urgent medical help if you develop swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, severe dizziness, or a widespread blistering rash. These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction. Mild injection-site redness or itch is not usually an allergy and often fades within days.
Table 2: Skin Rash and Allergy Symptoms — When to Act
Most rashes are local and settle. A small number of patients report a generalised itchy rash. If you have a history of eczema or sensitive skin, mention it before starting. Do not ignore a rash that blisters, peels or involves your mouth or eyes — this requires urgent review.
Semaglutide and contraception advice
This is essential for women who could become pregnant. Semaglutide slows stomach emptying, which can reduce the absorption of the oral contraceptive pill, particularly when you start treatment or increase the dose. I advise using a non-oral method (implant, IUD, injection or barrier) or adding a barrier method for at least 4 weeks after starting semaglutide or after any dose increase. Do not rely on the pill alone during this time. If you are planning pregnancy, semaglutide should be stopped at least 2 months before trying.
Compounded semaglutide risks — please do not risk it
You may see cheap “compounded semaglutide” advertised online or in some clinics. As a doctor, I strongly advise against it. Compounded versions are not TGA-approved. They may contain semaglutide salts that have not been studied, incorrect concentrations, or contaminants from unsterile preparation. There have been reports of dosing errors and serious adverse events. In Australia, I only recommend the registered pharmaceutical semaglutide pens (Ozempic or Wegovy) supplied by a licensed pharmacy.
Semaglutide and osteoporosis
If you have osteoporosis or osteopenia, you can generally use semaglutide. Clinical trials have not shown semaglutide itself increases fracture risk. However, any significant weight loss can slightly reduce bone mineral density over time because bones carry less load. I recommend adequate calcium, vitamin D and weight-bearing exercise, and I may repeat a bone density scan if you are high risk. The metabolic and cardiovascular benefits often outweigh this small risk, but it must be monitored.
Semaglutide storage requirements
Getting storage right protects the medicine and your safety.
Table 3: Semaglutide Storage in Australia
Brand
Before first use
After first use
Travel tip
Ozempic
Fridge 2–8°C
Room temp below 30°C or fridge; use within 56 days
Use an insulated pouch with cool pack
Wegovy
Fridge 2–8°C
Room temp below 30°C or fridge; use within 28 days
Avoid heat, sunlight, freezing
Never freeze semaglutide. If it freezes, discard it. Keep the cap on when not in use.
Semaglutide and digestive enzymes
Because semaglutide slows stomach emptying, you may feel full, bloated or mildly nauseous. Some patients ask whether they should take digestive enzymes. In most people, the pancreas produces enough enzymes; adding over-the-counter digestive enzymes is not necessary and will not speed up weight loss. If you have pancreatic insufficiency and already take prescribed enzymes, continue them unless your doctor advises otherwise. Always tell your GP about any supplements, because semaglutide can alter how other oral medicines are absorbed.
Action: Take the First Step Towards a Healthier You
As an Australian doctor, I see the difference semaglutide makes every week. Patients return with lower blood sugar, less joint pain, better sleep, more confidence and a real sense of control. Yes, it is a medicine, not magic — you still need balanced nutrition and movement. But for the first time, many people feel their biology is on their side.
If you are over 30 and struggling with type 2 diabetes, obesity or weight-related health problems, book an appointment with your GP. Ask whether semaglutide is suitable for you. Ask for a prescription from a registered Australian pharmacy, and avoid unregulated compounded products. Your health is worth the real thing.
Do not wait another year. Speak to your GP today about semaglutide and take the step that could change your life.
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