How to Get Ozempic Prescribed For Weight Loss in Canada

What is Ozempic and how does it work?

From pharmaceutical ads to celebrity endorsements, it seems like Ozempic is everywhere. Yet, while most people have heard of it, Ozempic’s effects aren’t always as well known. Here’s everything you need to know about Ozempic, from how and who it works for, to where to find it.

Originally developed as a diabetes medication, Ozempic comes in a pre-filled injector pen you can self-administer once a week. The drug’s active ingredient is semaglutide, a synthetic version of glucagon-like peptide-1 or GLP-1, which is a hormone in your body.

By mimicking GLP-1, Ozempic prompts your body to produce more insulin, helping to lower your blood sugar levels. Its effects don’t end there, however. The GLP-1 hormone also slows your digestion and sends satiety signals to your brain, which make you feel more full. This leaves you feeling fuller sooner and longer than normal.

What is Ozempic used for?

Ozempic may be known as a weight-loss drug, however, weight-loss is actually an off-label benefit which it’s not officially approved for. Instead, Ozempic is authorized for treating type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic is part of a group of medications known as GLP-1 agonists. Like other medications in this group, Ozempic prompts your pancreas to produce insulin. This helps control your blood sugar, making it a powerful tool for those with type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic’s additional abilities to suppress hunger and cravings are why it’s become increasingly popular as a weight-loss tool. However, if weight loss is your primary goal and you don’t have diabetes, your healthcare provider may recommend a different GLP-1 agonist such as Wegovy or Saxenda.

These medications contain semaglutide, the same active ingredient that’s in Ozempic. However, unlike Ozempic, Wegovy and Saxenda are Health Canada-approved for weight loss. 

Do you need a prescription for Ozempic in Canada?

Yes, you need a prescription for Ozempic. Taking too much Ozempic or taking it when you’re not supposed to, can result in health issues like low blood sugar or damage to your pancreas or kidneys. Improper dosage may also lead to unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Unfortunately, there have been reports of individuals buying non-prescription Ozempic online. This is illegal in Canada and potentially quite dangerous.

Researchers looking into buying Ozempic online without a prescription encountered a number of different issues. These ranged from scams where no medication was delivered, to contaminated medication to samples that contained significantly more medication than listed.

For your safety, it’s important that you use Ozempic only as prescribed and directed by a doctor or nurse practitioner (NP).

Who can qualify for Ozempic prescriptions?

In Canada, Ozempic is approved for the treatment of diabetes in adults. In other words, you must be over 18 and have type 2 diabetes to qualify for an Ozempic prescription — with a couple of stipulations.

Some health conditions may increase your risk for side effects. As a result, you shouldn’t take Ozempic if you have a history of certain conditions such as pancreatitis, kidney or liver disease.

Additionally, it’s not known if Ozempic transfers into breast milk or if it affects an unborn child, so you shouldn’t take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to find a Healthcare Provider for Ozempic

While any registered healthcare provider — like a family doctor, NP, or medical specialist —  can prescribe Ozempic, you may want to keep certain things in mind when choosing your provider.

Ozempic isn’t a one-size-fits-all drug. That makes it important to seek out a healthcare practitioner who will take a personalized approach that’s right for you. By taking your specific goals, medical history, and lifestyle into account, your provider can work with you to determine the appropriate dosage and even if Ozempic is right for you.

And, because Ozempic is most effective when it’s used in tandem with exercise and a balanced diet, your provider can recommend appropriate lifestyle modifications or refer you to another provider such as a registered dietitian for additional support.

Ideally, the provider you speak with should also have experience with GLP-1 agonist medications. This ensures they understand any pre-existing health conditions that may affect your ability to safely take Ozempic.

Similarly, your healthcare provider should give you a clear understanding of both the benefits and the risks of this medication.

Some individuals do report side effects such as nausea, constipation, burping, and vomiting while taking Ozempic. In light of this, it’s a good idea to choose a provider that’s available to connect with regularly and easily. That way they can provide follow-up appointments, help you adjust dosage, and prescribe additional medications, if necessary.

Perhaps most importantly, you should feel comfortable with the healthcare provider you see. Talking about your weight can leave you feeling vulnerable. Many patients report feeling embarrassed or even stigmatized when discussing it with their doctor. Regardless of who you choose, you should be able to access care that’s supportive and free from judgment. 

Virtual Options for Ozempic Prescriptions in Canada

Curious about weight loss medication? Maple members in Ontario now have complimentary access to our Weight Medication Assessment, part of our comprehensive Weight Health program. This program offers a holistic approach to weight management, connecting eligible patients with Canadian-licensed primary care providers who may prescribe GLP-1 medications, including needle-free options, where appropriate. Guided by medical expertise, it provides a supportive and patient-centred path toward your weight health goals.

Currently, the Weight Health program including GLP-1 medications is only available in Ontario, but we’re working to expand soon. Maple members across Canada can still access many expert-led weight health services tailored to their needs, including medical weight coaches, mental health therapists, sleep therapists and registered dietitians — each offering personalized support for your weight health journey.

Alternative Medications for Weight Loss

If you’re interested in weight loss medication but you’re not diabetic, there are other options.

Wegovy

Wegovy contains semaglutide, the same medication that’s effective for weight loss in Ozempic. In Canada, Wegovy is approved for weight loss in adults with a body max index (BMI) of 30 and above or for individuals with a BMI of 27 with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol. 

Saxenda

The active ingredient in Saxenda is iraglutide, which means it acts on the body in much the same way as Wegovy and Ozempic.

Saxenda is approved for weight loss in the same populations as Wegovy. However, it has one additional stipulation for those with a BMI of 27 and one weight-related comorbidity: you must also have failed a previous weight management intervention to qualify for Saxenda.

Contrave

Unlike Ozempic, Wegovy, and Saxenda, Contrave isn’t a GLP-1 agonist. Instead, Contrave is a combination of two medications: naltrexone and bupropion. Together, these two drugs work to control cravings and hunger.

Contrave is approved for weight loss in adults with a BMI over 30, or a BMI of 27 with at least one comorbid weight-related condition. However, if you’re needle-averse, perhaps the most important thing to note is that Contrave is taken orally in pill form.

The Final Word on Ozempic

Whether your concern is diabetes, weight loss or both, beginning a new medication can cause anxiety. Especially one like Ozempic that may change something as central to life as your relationship with food.

To access reliable information and the professional knowledge and experience to work towards your goals, connect with a qualified weight management specialist securely through your phone, computer, or tablet on Maple.

Ozempic can be a great tool for controlling diabetes and helping with weight loss. However, it should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Most importantly, you should feel comfortable with your treatment plan and understand the pros and cons of taking Ozempic. Finding the right healthcare provider will ensure that you’re properly monitored and supported through this process.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional.

When using virtual care, all medical treatment is at the sole discretion of the provider. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies, and your provider will determine if your case is appropriate for virtual care. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.