How much is Wegovy in Canada?

Weight loss injectables like Ozempic and Wegovy have become incredibly popular in recent years, and here in Canada, demand is surging. In fact, in a study that looked at semaglutide usage over a five-year period, prescriptions were 25 times higher in 2023 than in 2018. There was also a major increase in prescriptions specifically for weight loss compared to diabetes [1].

If you’re also considering it, you might be curious about the monthly cost. Here’s what to know about the cost of Wegovy in Canada.

What is Wegovy?

Wegovy is a type of weight loss injection that uses semaglutide as its active ingredient. Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. In simple terms, this means it mimics GLP-1, a hormone released by your intestines after you eat that helps you feel full.

Traditionally, semaglutide has been used to treat type 2 diabetes, helping to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite. But more recently, it’s become a popular tool for weight management because of its appetite-suppressing abilities.

You might be curious about the difference between Wegovy and Ozempic. The two contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide) and are both produced by Novo Nordisk. The difference is that Ozempic is approved as a diabetes medication and used off-label for weight loss, while Wegovy is approved as a weight loss injection. Wegovy also has a higher dosage, which can make it slightly more effective for weight loss.

How does Wegovy work?

When you take Wegovy, it acts just like the GLP-1 hormone. It targets the parts of your brain involved in appetite regulation, as well as your gut, helping you feel fuller, less hungry and less inclined to reach for certain foods – like high-fat and high-sugar ones. Over time, consuming fewer calories and eating more nutritious meals can help you lose weight.

Wegovy is taken once weekly, ideally on the same day each week. You can inject it into either your thigh, upper arm or abdomen, rotating the injection site each week to minimize irritation and soreness. 

Every four weeks, you increase your dosage, working your way up from a starting dose of 0.25mg to the highest one of either 1.7mg or 2.4mg. This gradual increase allows you to reap the maximum benefits of the medication while reducing the chance of side effects.

In Canada, you can access both single- and multi-use pens. The former comes in a carton of four pens, and each pen has a single dose that can only be used once. The latter contains four doses per pen and comes with four disposable needles.

Who can access Wegovy in Canada?

Health Canada approved Wegovy as an obesity treatment in 2021. At the moment, Wegovy can be used for weight management among adults with [2]:

• A BMI greater than or equal to 30 (obesity)
• A BMI greater than or equal to 27 (overweight) and with at least one weight-related health problem, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes

It’s also available to those with a BMI greater than or equal to 27 and with a history of heart disease, as well as patients aged 12-17 who are living with obesity and haven’t had success losing weight using diet and exercise alone. 

Wegovy has to be accompanied by changes to diet and exercise, not relied on as a standalone treatment.

How much does Wegovy cost in Canada?

Now to the big question: how much are you likely to pay for Wegovy? All up, it’s estimated that a year’s worth of Wegovy treatments costs about CA6,000, or roughly CA$500 per month [3].

That said, the retail price can range from CA$300 to CA$600 per carton, depending on where you buy it from and the strength of your dose. This assumes you don’t have private health insurance; if you do, you’ll probably pay less – but more on that below.

Several other factors can affect the price, such as:

• The dosage: Many pharmacies charge the same amount per carton, regardless of dosage. However, some charge less for lower dosages and more for higher ones
• Whether you buy in bulk: Buying multiple cartons in one go may unlock special bulk-buy deals
• Drug availability: During drug shortages (as happened in 2023), the price of Wegovy can, and often does, go up

Does private insurance cover Wegovy?

It absolutely can. Many private insurance plans cover weight loss medications Wegovy, depending on the specifics of your policy. 

It’s worth noting, though, that Wegovy is generally only covered by group plans, not personal ones. Some employers choose to have weight loss drugs included as part of their benefits, while others don’t. If your employer offers health insurance, check your policy to see if weight loss drugs are listed. 

If you can access Wegovy under your group insurance plan, you’ll likely have to apply for prior authorization. Your doctor will need to provide a submission to your insurer justifying the treatment, with details on the medical condition you’re being treated for, proof that other lifestyle interventions haven’t worked and other types of medical documentation.

The amount offset by insurance varies between plans and providers. Some might cover 50% of the retail price, while others could pay for up to 80% or even the full amount. Once again, you’ll need to check your policy’s fine print to find out your exact insurance coverage.

Is there provincial coverage for Wegovy?

You might also be curious about provincial coverage. Currently, nowhere in Canada offers provincial coverage for weight loss medications like Wegovy [4]. This means you won’t be able to claim any of the cost if you’re using Wegovy purely for weight management.

The rules are different when it comes to diabetes medications. At the moment, Ozempic may be covered by provincial drug plans in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island when used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Can I claim Wegovy via my Health Spending Account (HSA)?

If Wegovy is prescribed by your doctor and deemed a necessary medical intervention, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to claim it through your HSA. If you’re purchasing directly from a pharmacy without a prescription, though, you won’t be able to receive any reimbursement.

How much does Wegovy cost without insurance?

If you don’t have health insurance or your policy excludes weight loss medications, you’ll be required to pay the full retail cost of CA$300 to CA$600 per carton. 

However, that could soon change. In January 2026, Novo Nordisk will no longer have exclusive patent rights, meaning generic versions could enter the market and bring the price down. Depending on how the situation plays out, the introduction of generic medications could reduce the price of semaglutide weight loss injections by hundreds of dollars.

Can you get help with the cost of Wegovy?

Wegovy doesn’t exactly come cheap, but there are other ways you might be able to lower the cost.

One is the innoviCares card, a free savings card that covers a portion of your out-of-pocket costs when you buy a brand-name medication. Wegovy is included in the program, meaning you’ll recoup some of the cost when you purchase it from a pharmacy. It can be used alongside insurance to lower the price even further, or on its own if you’re not insured. The card is available to anyone living in Canada.

Alternatively, see if your pharmacy offers payment plans (where you can pay for the medication in instalments) or other discount programs. Some pharmacies may offer the medication for cheaper if you buy multiple cartons in one go.

Your health is an investment

We get it: hundreds of dollars a month may feel like a huge amount to spend on a single medication. But remember that there are several ways to potentially lower the cost of Wegovy, from group insurance provided by your employer to savings schemes like the innoviCares card.

Regardless, the money you’re spending now could pay off in dividends later. You’re investing in your long-term well-being, and giving yourself the best chance possible of living a healthier, happier and more active life. And you can’t put a price on that.

If you’re feeling unsure about where to start with Wegovy, we’re here to guide you.

Juniper isn’t an ordinary weight loss solution. We offer access to weight loss medications, including Wegovy, tailored to your health, lifestyle and goals. You’ll get personalized guidance to help you meet your objectives, with ongoing support and a dedicated app that lets you manage everything from the palm of your hand.

Through the Juniper app, you can message your care team and access expert advice whenever you need, set milestones and track your progress towards them, and adjust your medication as required.

All in all, you’ll have everything you need to establish sustainable changes – helping you lose weight and keep it off for good.

Ready to see if Juniper is right for you? You can check your eligibility here. 

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