Ozempic in Canada

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Ozempic is a prescription medication used to manage type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. These include heart attacks or strokes in adults who have both type 2 diabetes and known heart disease. The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists. This medication works by mimicking the effects of GLP-1 that targets areas in the brain responsible for regulating appetite and food intake. Because it targets appetite, Ozempic can be used as a weight loss medication. ^[1] 

Ozempic is primarily prescribed to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet and exercise. It works to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks, strokes or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and pre-existing heart disease.

An Ozempic prescription lowers the blood sugar levels while being an effective weight management treatment. It stimulates insulin release from the pancreas when blood sugar levels are high, decreases the amount of glucose produced by the liver and slows down how quickly the stomach empties to create a feeling of being full for longer. ^[1]

Before you start taking Ozempic, it’s important to know if it’s right for you. Some health conditions and medications don’t mix well with Ozempic, so always check with your doctor first. Ozempic shouldn’t be taken by individuals: 

• With a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a rare type of thyroid cancer that produces excess of the hormone calcitonin
• Who are experiencing Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), a genetic disorder that increases the risk of developing tumors in the endocrine glands
• Who are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Ozempic
• Who are pregnant or breastfeeding

Like most medications, Ozempic can cause side effects. It’s good to know what to expect, and if something doesn’t feel right, you should reach out to your doctor. Common side effects of Ozempic include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Abdominal distension
• Flatulence
• Gastroenteritis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease 
• Nasopharyngitis

More serious risks associated with Ozempic include:

• Pancreatitis (the inflammation of the pancreas)
• Changes in heart rate
• Kidney problems, such as worsening kidney function
• Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
• Severe allergic reactions
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly when taken with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas
• Suicidal behavior and ideation, not to be given to anyone with existing suicidal thoughts

The most important information to be aware of when taking Ozempic is its potential link to an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), which produces an excess of the hormone calcitonin. Ozempic shouldn’t be used by those with a personal or family history of MTC or those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Additionally, Ozempic can cause pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas, which can lead to severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back. Individuals should also be aware of the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), particularly when Ozempic is used in combination with other diabetes medications. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is crucial to ensure the medication is working effectively and to prevent any adverse effects [1].

Ozempic is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, which means it’s injected just under the skin. You can inject Ozempic into your abdomen, thigh or upper arm. The initial dose of Ozempic is typically 0.25mg once a week for the first 4 weeks. After this period, the dose is usually increased to 0.5mg once a week. If further blood sugar control is needed after at least 4 weeks on the 0.5mg dose, your healthcare provider may increase the dosage to 1mg or, in some cases, to the maximum dose of 2mg once weekly ^[1].

If you miss a dose of Ozempic, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it’s within five days of your missed dose. If more than five days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Don’t take an extra dose to make up for the missed one.

Ozempic has a long half-life of approximately 1 week, which allows for convenient once-weekly dosing. After you start taking Ozempic, it will take about 4-5 weeks to reach steady levels in your bloodstream. This means the full effects on blood sugar control may take several weeks to become apparent. When taken as prescribed, Ozempic helps maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the week, with its effects lasting from one injection to the next ^[1].

Ozempic typically starts to show results within the first few weeks of use, but significant improvements in blood sugar levels may take up to 8 weeks.

When taken regularly, Ozempic can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications from type 2 diabetes. Many people also experience weight loss while using Ozempic, allowing for an easier weight management treatment. 

Yes, Ozempic has an expiration date. Before opening, the Ozempic pen should be stored in the refrigerator until its expiration date. After the first use, the pen can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator, but it should be discarded after 56 days. It’s not recommended to use Ozempic after its expiration date as its effectiveness is reduced.

• Metformin: A common first-line medication that helps improve the body’s response to insulin and decreases glucose production by the liver
• Sulfonylureas such as glipizide and glyburide: These medications stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin
• DPP-4 inhibitors such as sitagliptin, linagliptin: These drugs work by delaying the inactivation of GLP-1, which increase insulin release
• SGLT2 inhibitors such as empagliflozin, dapagliflozin: These medications help the kidneys remove excess glucose from the bloodstream through urine
• Other GLP-1 receptor agonists such as, liraglutide, dulaglutide, semaglutide: Similar to Ozempic, these drugs help manage blood sugar by mimicking the effects of GLP-1

While Ozempic, Saxenda, and Contrave are all used for weight management in addition to their primary uses, they differ in their active ingredients and mechanisms. Saxenda, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, specifically targets obesity and is used at a higher dose for weight loss, whereas Ozempic is focused more on glucose regulation with secondary weight loss benefits. Contrave isn’t a GLP-1 but a combination of two drugs, naltrexone and bupropion, that work on the brain’s reward system to reduce hunger and cravings, making its mechanism distinct from both Ozempic and Saxenda.

Yes, Ozempic can be used in combination with other diabetes medications, depending on individual treatment needs and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Common medications that may be used alongside Ozempic include metformin, insulin, and sulfonylureas. However, it’s important to monitor blood sugar levels closely, as combining medications can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. 

No, Ozempic is a prescription-only medication. You can only obtain Ozempic with a valid prescription from a Canadian-licensed healthcare provider.

In Canada, Ozempic can be prescribed online by licensed healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, endocrinologists, and other specialists who manage diabetes care.

Yes, through legitimate virtual care platforms where doctors assess your condition and provide the appropriate prescription. Many licensed healthcare providers now offer virtual consultations, making it easier to buy Ozempic online after an evaluation. 

If you’re interested in Ozempic, talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner on Maple today. If they determine an online prescription for Ozempic is right for you, you can get a prescription at their discretion and have it sent to your local pharmacy or delivered to your home. We connect you with our network of doctors and nurse practitioners in minutes online, any time, 24/7, for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.

Sources:
[1] https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/8/4346