Everything You Need to Know About Injectable Semaglutide

Key Takeaways

If you're exploring injectable semaglutide as a potential treatment option, you probably have questions about the medication, our program, and how it works. We've got you covered with the details you need to know.

What is Injectable Semaglutide ?

Semaglutide is an injectable drug that goes by two different brand names. One form of this drug, Ozempic, is authorized for sale by Health Canada to manage type 2 diabetes while its counterpart, Wegovy, is indicated for long-term weight management. Both use the same semaglutide compound and work the same way on the body.

Injectable semaglutide helps the body better regulate blood sugar levels. It does this by mimicking natural hormones secreted from the pancreas that control blood sugar production. injectable semaglutide also slows down digestion, making your body feel “full”.

Until recently, injectable semaglutide was only available in Canada under a single brand name. We now are able to offer multiple forms of injectable semaglutide. Your prescription will be written for injectable semaglutide and the version of the drug you will be dispensed will, in part, depend on what is the more cost effective option. However, you can request a specific brand if you wish through your healthcare practitioner. Remember that both brand name products contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide.

What is the difference between the various forms of injectable semaglutide?

In Canada, there are two brands of the same drug/compound, called injectable semaglutide.

The key differences are:

Intended use
Dosage
Cost

Intended Use:

Both forms of injectable semaglutide function and work on the body the same way. The pancreas secretes hormones that control blood sugar production— these medications mimic this natural hormone. Injectable semaglutide helps the body to better regulate blood sugar levels as well as slowing down digestion, making your body feel “full.”

In Canada, injectable semaglutide was initially authorized for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It was later authorized for the indication of weight management.

Dosage:

Dosing for weight management is generally higher than the dosing for diabetes. Generally speaking, injectable semaglutide dosing starts at 0.25 milligrams (mg) every week. Dosing typically increases every 4 weeks depending on your body’s response to the medication. Once you reach a dosage of above 1 mg, it starts to differ.

The maximum dose for the treatment of diabetes is 1 mg. The maximum weight management dose is 2.4 mg. From 1mg, the dosage will generally be increased to 1.7mg, then the maximum dose of 2.4mg. The goal of dose increases isn’t to reach the maximum dose available, but to find the lowest possible dose that provides effective results for you. This means that the dose that’s right for you may not be the same as someone else.

Dosage	Potential Costs for Ozempic*	Potential Costs for Wegovy*
0.25 mg	Starts at $320	Starts at $530
0.5 mg	Starts at $320	Starts at $530
1 mg	Starts at $320	Starts at $530
> 1 mg	Start at $640	Starts at $530

*Prices shown do not reflect provincial or private insurance coverage and may vary by province.

Cost:

The cost of injectable semaglutide varies because the different brand medication pens are different costs, as seen in the table above.

Novo Nordisk’s Care Program

The Novo Nordisk Care program offers assistance for patients that are taking injectable semaglutide. They offer patient resources and tools to help you better understand your medication and Educator Support for any questions about your medication, such as what to expect during treatment, how to manage possible side effects, or any other topic you need support with.

‍They also offer Drug Coverage Navigation appointments, where you can get guidance on how to navigate your insurance coverage and assistance with paperwork required to get your treatment costs covered. Note that this service does not cover or reimburse the cost of your medication; this service only helps you to get your treatment cost covered through existing insurance plans.