GLP-1 receptor agonistPrescription required in Canada

Ozempicsemaglutide

Also sold as: Wegovy (higher-dose weight loss formulation), Rybelsus (oral tablet form)

A once-weekly injection for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood sugar and slows how quickly the stomach empties.

Quick answer

What it is: A GLP-1 receptor agonist — a once-weekly injection that mimics a natural gut hormone involved in blood sugar control and appetite.
What it's used for: Type 2 diabetes in adults, alongside diet and exercise. In Canada, Ozempic is approved for diabetes; semaglutide for weight management is sold as Wegovy.
Worth knowing: Same day each week, with or without food. The dose is increased in steps to let nausea settle.
Main safety point: Nausea is common early on. Persistent severe abdominal pain needs medical assessment. Coverage in BC generally requires Special Authority.

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Drug class

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Use in Canada

7,400,000 prescriptions

DIN (Canada)

02471884, 02471892 +1 more

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It also reduces the risk of serious cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death) in adults with type 2 diabetes who already have heart disease.

How Ozempic works

Semaglutide mimics a natural gut hormone called GLP-1, which is released after eating. It stimulates the pancreas to release insulin only when blood sugar is high, slows how quickly food leaves your stomach (making you feel full longer), and signals your brain to reduce appetite. It does not work for type 1 diabetes.

Forms and strengths

Pre-filled injection pen for weekly subcutaneous (under-skin) injection. Doses: 0.25 mg/dose (starter dose), 0.5 mg/dose, 1 mg/dose, 2 mg/dose. Each pen delivers multiple weekly doses.

How Ozempic is taken

Injected once weekly, on the same day each week. Can be taken at any time of day, with or without food. Injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Start at 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks to minimize nausea, then increase. Store in the refrigerator; once in use, can be kept at room temperature for 56 days.

This is general information, not a dose for you. Dosing depends on the reason you are taking it, your kidney and liver function, your age, and everything else you take — follow the directions on your own label, and ask us if they differ from what you read here.

If you miss a dose

Ozempic is once weekly. Product guidance allows you to take a missed dose as soon as you remember, as long as it is within 5 days of the day it was due; then continue on your usual weekly day. If more than 5 days have passed, skip that dose entirely and take the next one on your regular schedule. Do not take two doses within 48 hours of each other. If you are unsure where you are in the cycle, ask your pharmacist before injecting.

Side effects

Common — usually manageable

Nausea — most common, especially when starting or increasing the dose
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Constipation
Stomach pain or discomfort
Decreased appetite
Indigestion or heartburn
Belching or bloating

Get medical help for these

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): severe, persistent stomach pain — seek emergency care
Gallbladder problems: gallstones, cholecystitis — watch for right-sided abdominal pain
Kidney problems: dehydration from nausea/vomiting can worsen kidney function
Worsening of diabetic retinopathy (eye disease) — report any sudden vision changes
Thyroid tumours — report any lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing

Important warnings

Do not use if you or a family member have had medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2 syndrome

Stop Ozempic and contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe, persistent abdominal pain — this could be pancreatitis

Nausea and vomiting leading to dehydration can harm your kidneys — stay well hydrated, especially when starting

If used with insulin or sulfonylureas (glipizide, glyburide), your risk of low blood sugar increases — your doctor may lower the other medication

Ozempic is not approved for weight loss in Canada (that indication uses Wegovy at a higher dose) — use only as prescribed

Who should take extra care

Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer: GLP-1 medications carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumours and are not used in this situation, or with MEN 2.
History of pancreatitis: Discuss with your prescriber before starting — severe, persistent abdominal pain while on treatment needs prompt assessment.
Gastroparesis or significant stomach emptying problems: Semaglutide slows stomach emptying further and may worsen symptoms.
People also taking insulin or a sulfonylurea: The combination can cause low blood sugar — doses of those medications often need reducing.
Pregnancy or planning pregnancy: Not used in pregnancy; discuss timing with your prescriber well in advance.
Diabetic retinopathy: Rapid improvements in blood sugar can temporarily worsen existing eye disease — mention it if you have it.

Who should not take it

Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (a type of thyroid cancer)
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
Type 1 diabetes — not effective and not approved for this use
Previous serious allergic reaction to semaglutide
Pregnancy — semaglutide should be stopped at least 2 months before planned pregnancy

Drug interactions

When combined with insulin or sulfonylureas (glyburide, glipizide), hypoglycemia risk increases — dose adjustment of those medications is often needed. Ozempic slows gastric emptying and can delay absorption of oral medications taken at the same time, particularly oral contraceptives and antibiotics — take time-sensitive medications at least 1 hour before the Ozempic injection day if concerned.

Commonly asked about alongside Ozempic: Mounjaro, Metformin, Jardiance.

This is not a complete list. If you take several medications, or buy anything over the counter, a pharmacist medication review is the reliable way to catch interactions that matter.

Coverage in British Columbia

Ozempic (semaglutide) may be covered under BC PharmaCare depending on your plan. Diabetes medications are covered under the National Pharmacare plan (Plan NP) at no cost for eligible BC residents. Note: some diabetes drugs like saxagliptin, linagliptin, and pioglitazone require Special Authority approval — your doctor must apply before you fill. Ozempic and Metformin do not require Special Authority. Coverage amounts vary — Fair PharmaCare covers 70–100% after your annual deductible depending on your income. Call us at 604-705-3644 and we'll check your specific coverage in minutes. No generic version is currently available in Canada. BC PharmaCare covers the brand name where it is on the formulary. Coverage information is a general guide only. Your actual coverage depends on your PharmaCare plan and eligibility. We check coverage for free — call 604-705-3644 or ask at the counter.

Coverage may depend on indication, PharmaCare plan and Special Authority requirements. Ask Pill4Me Pharmacy to check your coverage, or see BC PharmaCare.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Ozempic for weight loss even if I don't have diabetes?

Ozempic (semaglutide 0.5–2 mg) is Health Canada approved only for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy (semaglutide 2.4 mg) is the version approved in Canada for chronic weight management in people with obesity. They contain the same drug at different doses. BC PharmaCare does not currently cover Wegovy for weight management without diabetes.

Why do I feel so nauseous when I first start Ozempic?

Ozempic slows how quickly food leaves your stomach, which commonly causes nausea, especially in the first few weeks. Starting at a low dose (0.25 mg) and eating smaller, lower-fat meals helps significantly. Nausea usually improves within 4–8 weeks as your body adjusts. Staying hydrated is important — if you cannot keep fluids down, contact your pharmacist or doctor.

What do I do if I miss a weekly Ozempic dose?

If it has been 5 days or fewer since the missed dose, inject it as soon as possible and then resume your regular weekly schedule. If it has been more than 5 days, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day. Never inject two doses within 2 days of each other.

Is Ozempic the same as Wegovy?

Both contain semaglutide, but they are different products at different doses for different purposes. Ozempic delivers up to 2 mg weekly for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy delivers 2.4 mg weekly and is approved for chronic weight management in Canada. They cannot be substituted for each other.

How do I inject Ozempic and does it hurt?

Ozempic is injected once weekly under the skin of the abdomen, outer thigh, or upper arm. Use a new needle each time and rotate injection sites. Most patients find the needle very fine and the injection nearly painless. Let the pen warm to room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting to reduce discomfort.

Related medications

Mounjaro (tirzepatide)Metformin (metformin hydrochloride)Jardiance (empagliflozin)

Conditions it’s used for

Type 2 Diabetes

Already taking Ozempic?

Move your prescription to Pill4Me and we handle the rest — we contact your current pharmacy, and refills, reminders and free local delivery come with it.

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Pill4Me Pharmacy is at 5625 Promontory Rd Unit 101, Chilliwack, BC. We deliver free to Chilliwack, Sardis, Promontory, Vedder and Yarrow, and you can reach a pharmacist directly at 604-705-3644.