April 2024 Update: We now offer ozempic and other glp-1 agonists for both weight loss and diabetes.
What is Ozempic
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, mainly prescribed for type 2 diabetes. It's a GLP-1 receptor agonist: it pushes the body to make more insulin and tells the liver to release less glucagon, which brings blood sugar down. It also slows gastric emptying, which curbs appetite and often leads to weight loss. In plain English: it helps you feel full after a meal.
Will Ozempic ever be available again?
Please see canada.ca for the latest information: “Novo Nordisk has advised Health Canada that the intermittent shortage of Ozempic that had been reported to end in October 2023 is now expected to last longer. Novo Nordisk expects intermittent shortages of the Ozempic 1 mg pen will last until March 31, 2024. It is also reporting intermittent shortages of their lower-dose pen (0.25/0.5 mg) until March 31, 2024. This is due to increased worldwide demand for the products and overall supply constraints.”
What are the alternatives?
Health Canada has approved five GLP-1 receptor agonists so far, but only two are approved for weight loss.
Diabetes
- Dulaglutide (Trulicity): A once-weekly injection that improves glycemic control and reduces body weight.
- Liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda): A once-daily injection that improves glycemic control and reduces body weight. Saxenda is approved for weight management in adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m^2 or more, or 27 kg/m^2 or more with weight-related comorbidities.
- Semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus): A once-weekly injection (Ozempic) or a once-daily oral tablet (Rybelsus) that improves glycemic control and reduces body weight. Rybelsus is the first oral GLP-1 agonist approved in Canada.
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): A once-weekly injection that improves glycemic control and reduces body weight.
- Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon): A twice-daily injection (Byetta) or a once-weekly injection (Bydureon) that improves glycemic control and reduces body weight.
- Lixisenatide (Adlyxin, Soliqua): A once-daily injection that improves glycemic control and reduces body weight.
Weight Loss
The price will vary from one pharmacy to another, with Costco Pharmacy often being the most cost-effective choice.
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): Approved by Health Canada but supply is currently limited. Ozempic is usually around $200 to $300 for a month's supply.
- Liraglutide (Saxenda): $400 to $600 for a month's supply.
- Tirzepatide (Zepbound): Approved by FDA but not by Health Canada. Mounjaro is usually around $300 to $500 for a month's supply.
What's the difference between Ozempic and Rybelsus?
Both treat type 2 diabetes and both contain semaglutide. The difference is how you take them. Ozempic is a once-weekly injection under the skin. Rybelsus is the first GLP-1 to come in pill form. You take it once a day on an empty stomach.
What's the difference between Ozempic and Wegovy?
Same drug (semaglutide), same maker (Novo Nordisk), different purpose. Ozempic is for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is for weight management in adults who are obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI of 27+) with at least one weight-related condition like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.
The dosing is what sets them apart:
- Ozempic uses lower doses (0.25mg, 0.5mg, 1mg, 2mg) focused on blood sugar control. You start low and step up to limit GI side effects.
- Wegovy goes up to 2.4mg since the goal is weight loss. You ramp up the dose the same way, just to a higher endpoint.
Some patients prefer Wegovy because the pen hides the needle from view.
Which is better for weight loss? Tirzepatide, Liraglutide, or Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Trials show it drives meaningful weight loss by boosting insulin secretion, blunting appetite, and slowing gastric emptying. It's given as a subcutaneous injection.
Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. On top of the GLP-1 effects, it also mimics GIP, which can mean better glucose control and bigger weight loss. Also a subcutaneous injection.
Liraglutide works similarly to semaglutide, with a different molecular structure and a different dosing schedule. Effective for weight loss and glycemic control, also injected.
For weight loss specifically:
- Semaglutide has solid trial data showing real weight reduction.
- Tirzepatide tends to come out slightly ahead thanks to its dual action, though head-to-head trials with semaglutide and liraglutide are still limited.
- Liraglutide works, but tends to be less potent than semaglutide based on current data.
Which one fits depends on your medical history, other conditions, and goals. Your prescriber takes all of that into account when picking a treatment plan.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal health concerns.