Is Wegovy available in Canada? Here's where things stand

You’ve seen the weight loss drug Wegovy splashed all over social media, and now you’re wondering whether you can get it here in Canada.

The good news is, you certainly can – although there are a few eligibility requirements you’ll need to meet in order to get your hands on it. Here’s the lowdown on the availability of Wegovy in Canada and how you can access it.

What is Wegovy and why is it in demand?

Wegovy is an injectable medicine used for weight management. It relies on an active ingredient known as semaglutide, which is able to mimic a hormone known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). GLP-1 is released by your gut to tell your brain that you’re full, and because semaglutide can imitate it, it has similar appetite-suppressing abilities.

In the past, semaglutide was traditionally used to help manage type 2 diabetes and sold as a product called Ozempic. The medication can lower blood sugar and slow digestion, helping to control appetite and energy levels. 

Increasingly, though, Ozempic was being used ‘off-label’ as a weight loss treatment, because of its appetite-suppressing abilities. It became increasingly popular for both its effectiveness and its convenience, and demand surged.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, things got a little out of control. There were major shortages of the drug, given that its manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, was only producing it for diabetes management. In 2022, Ozempic was incredibly hard to come by, even for those using it to treat their diabetes.

Eventually, Novo Nordisk started making a semaglutide medication specifically addressing weight loss (Wegovy) and increasing supply. Now, Wegovy is widely available around the world, including in Canada.

How Wegovy works for weight loss

Wegovy is a GLP-1 agonist, meaning it can mimic the GLP-1 hormone, which is responsible for making you feel full. It targets both parts of your brain and your gut to enhance feelings of fullness and reduce cravings for nutrient-poor foods, ultimately leading to eating fewer calories and healthier foods. Eventually, this can lead to significant weight loss.

Wegovy is administered as a subcutaneous injection, meaning it gets injected just under your skin. You can inject it into your stomach, thigh or upper arm, rotating the injection site each week to minimize irritation. 

The medication is administered once per week, starting on the lowest dose of 0.25 mg and moving to a higher one every four weeks. As you increase the dose, the medication becomes increasingly effective, helping you to lose more weight. In fact, research shows that patients taking Wegovy alongside diet and exercise changes lost an average of 15% of their body weight after 68 weeks, compared to 2.4% in the placebo group [1].

Who Wegovy is (and isn't) for

In Canada, Wegovy is approved as a weight loss treatment alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise among:

• Adults with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 (obesity)
• Adults with a BMI greater than or equal to 27 (overweight), plus at least one medical condition related to their weight, such as type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or high cholesterol
• Adults with a BMI greater than or equal to 27, plus a history of heart disease
• Patients aged 12-17 who have obesity and haven’t been able to lose weight with diet and physical activity alone

While it can be a highly effective option for weight loss, Wegovy isn’t for everyone. Your doctor may avoid prescribing it if:

• You have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer: Some rat studies have found that the medication can cause thyroid C-cell tumours, and while the results haven’t been confirmed in humans, clinicians generally don’t advise those with a history of thyroid cancer to take Wegovy – especially if you or a close family member has had medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)[2]
• You’ve got a history of pancreatitis: Even though it’s not a common side effect, some Wegovy users have reported pancreatitis – an acute condition where the pancreas becomes severely inflamed – when taking the medication. For this reason, it’s best to exercise caution in case it triggers the condition
• You’re pregnant or breastfeeding: Some animal studies have found that semaglutide may increase the risk of birth defects, which is why it’s not recommended when you’re pregnant [3]. Clinicians also advise stopping the medication for at least two months before trying to conceive. The data on Wegovy and breastfeeding is scarce, so doctors generally don’t prescribe it if you’re still nursing
• You’ve got other conditions such as depression, severe digestive disorders and kidney issues

Common side effects of Wegovy

According to the manufacturer [4], the most common side effects of Wegovy include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Digestive upset
• Dizziness
• Bloating
• Burping
• Excess gas
• Heartburn
• Runny nose
• Sore throat

However, that’s not to say other side effects can’t occur. Some people report more unusual ones, like a change in taste, mood shifts and restless legs. If any of your symptoms persist or become too bothersome, chat to your doctor about ways to manage them.

It’s also worth mentioning a few more symptoms that are rare but can be very serious. If you experience any of these, stop taking the medication and make an appointment with your doctor for an urgent review. And if the symptoms appear to be life-threatening or require emergency attention, call 911 immediately.

• Low blood sugar, especially if you have type 2 diabetes
• Low blood pressure
• Increased heart rate
• Issues with your gallbladder
• Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Appendicitis
• Pancreatitis 
• Vision changes
• A lump in your neck
• Difficulty swallowing

Is Wegovy better than Ozempic?

Wegovy and Ozempic may rely on the same active ingredient (semaglutide), but the two aren't necessarily the same drug. Wegovy is marketed specifically for chronic weight management, while Ozempic is prescribed for type 2 diabetes and often used ‘off-label’ as a weight loss treatment.

Both treatments have been proven to be very effective when it comes to weight loss. Clinical studies show that both can lead to significant weight reductions.[5]

However, Wegovy may have a slight edge as a weight loss aid, simply because it comes in higher doses. Wegovy users can reach a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg, while Ozempic maxes out at 2 mg.

Has Health Canada approved Wegovy for weight management?

Health Canada officially approved Wegovy as an obesity drug in 2021, allowing eligible patients to access it with a prescription. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above, you can obtain a prescription from your doctor and collect the medication from your local pharmacy. 

Or, you can take the simpler route and do it all online with Juniper – we cut the red tape and deliver the medication straight to your door.

Find out more about the cost of Wegovy in Canada. 

Will insurance cover Wegovy in Canada?

Since Wegovy was added to Health Canada’s approved drugs list, an increasing number of insurance providers have chosen to cover it under private health insurance.

In the majority of cases, though, weight loss medications like Wegovy are covered only by group insurance plans, not personal plans. If your employer has chosen to include weight loss drugs, you’ll have part or all of the cost reimbursed. The amount you can claim differs from insurer to insurer and policy to policy.

You’ll need to apply for prior authorization to receive coverage, which involves submitting certain documentation from your doctor showing why the treatment is necessary. Check your group insurance policy to find out if Wegovy is covered, how much you can claim and which documentation you’re required to submit.

Is Wegovy included in provincial drug plans?

At the moment, no provinces or territories in Canada include Wegovy in their public drug plans. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to claim a rebate if you’re using the drug for weight loss.

However, if you’re prescribed Ozempic as a medical treatment for type 2 diabetes, the rules change. Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, Alberta, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island include Ozempic in their drug plans when it’s used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Can I use my Health Spending Account (HSA) to claim for Wegovy?

With a prescription from your doctor and proof that Wegovy is necessary to manage your health, you may very well get a reimbursement via your HSA, allowing you to offset some of the cost. The rules change if you’re buying the medication directly from a pharmacy without a prescription. In this scenario, you won’t get a reimbursement.

Access Wegovy with Juniper

Living in Canada and keen to get started with Wegovy? Juniper is a comprehensive solution that combines this powerful prescription medication with sustainable lifestyle changes to help you lose weight and keep it off.

With Juniper, you’ll get convenient access to weight loss medications, including Wegovy, along with tailored guidance and ongoing support that meets you where you’re at. We’ll work with you to establish your weight loss goals and develop a personalized plan to help you meet them.

Using Juniper’s dedicated app, you can reach out to your dedicated care team and access expert support around the clock, manage your medication, and track your progress towards your goals – helping you stay consistent, motivated and confident.

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

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