Wegovy
Semaglutide

How to get a Wegovy prescription online in Canada

With Cloudcure, you may be eligible to get treatments like Wegovy in a simple, digital experience from a licensed healthcare professional.

Highlights

Convenient experience

How to Get Wegovy in Canada

To get Wegovy in Canada, you will need a prescription. You can get one by consulting with your primary care provider or through an online consultation with our licensed clinician.

Cloudcure can also conveniently deliver Wegovy right to your door. Our programs complement this with lifestyle change for effective treatment.

How much is Wegovy in Canada?

The pricing for Wegovy in Canada is approximately 30-40% higher than Ozempic in Canada. Your cost may depend on whether your drug insurance plan covers the cost of Wegovy for you. If you do not have insurance, you may be able to request an off-label script for an alternate medical treatment from Health your medical practitioner.  In addition, for higher doses, the cost of medication may increase if there are future shortages.

What is Wegovy and what conditions does it treat?

Wegovy (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, approved by Health Canada, for adults who meet the criteria for medical weight loss, including adults with obesity. Typically, this means individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30, or with a BMI between 27 and 30 with an accompany condition caused by weight.

Wegovy requires a prescription and should only be used under the supervision of a licensed medical practitioner. Wegovy should always be used with lifestyle change such as physical activity and nutritional changes. For more information, please see the Product Monograph

Health Canada's regulations require confirming your patient status to learn more. Please provide the Drug Identification Number (DIN) from your product packaging.

How does Wegovy work, and how do you take it?

Wegovy works by activating the GLP-1 (glucagon-like-peptide-1) receptor. This regulates appetite and sends fullness signals to the brain, reducing cravings and food intake. Wegovy works best in addition to lifestyle change, including exercise and a healthy diet 

You take Wegovy in the form of a once-weekly injection, which is applied just below the skin, using a very small needle (less than 4 mm long). The best practices for application include injecting to the front of your thigh or stomach. Your pharmacist can provide more information on proper and safe injection techniques.

Health Canada's regulations require confirming your patient status to learn more. Please provide the Drug Identification Number (DIN) from your product packaging.

What are common Wegovy side effects?

Side effects of Wegovy are similar to other GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic. If you experience any side-effects, please speak to your prescriber to get further advice and assistance.

Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues like nausea and constipation, as well as headaches and fatigue. In addition, other reported size effects include: hair loss, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, lowered blood sugar, stomach pain, indigestion, bloating, gas, gastritis, low blood pressure, and increase in lipase.

Health Canada's regulations require confirming your patient status to learn more. Please provide the Drug Identification Number (DIN) from your product packaging.
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What is the difference: Wegovy vs Ozempic?

Wegovy contains semaglutide, which is also the active ingredient in Ozempic. However, Wegovy is available at higher doses compared to Ozempic, and is officially approved for other conditions by Health Canada and the FDA.

Novo Nordisk has had Wegovy available in the United States since June, 2021. It received Health canada approval the same year, but the manufacturer did not make it available in Canada due to extremely high demand in the US. 

Is Wegovy covered by my insurance? What if my insurance previously required a special authorization or denied coverage for a similar drug?

Private drug insurance plans are more likely to cover Wegovy as long as it is prescribed for the conditions approved by Health Canada. If you were previously prescribed another drug like Ozempic, Mounjaro or Saxenda off-label, your insurance plan may have not covered the cost as a result.

It is too early to see whether provincial government plans will offer coverage for it, given the high cost of medication. 

If your drug plan requires documentation such as special authorizations, our medical practitioners can help you complete and submit this documentation to secure your coverage.

FAQs

Have questions about Wegovy? We can help!

Is Wegovy available in Canada?

Wegovy is not yet commercially available in Canada from the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. Health Canada approved this product in 2021 and it is expected to be available in the near future.

Is Wegovy covered by insurance in Canada?

Whether Wegovy is covered or not depends on the health condition it has been prescribed for, along with the criteria set by your provincial health plan or private insurance provider.

Please check directly with your insurance plan administrator for more information about your insurance coverage for Wegovy.

Can doctors prescribe Wegovy in Canada?

Yes, Wegovy may be prescribed to you by your licensed healthcare provider at Cloudcure, if deemed appropriate.

Do I need an appointment or bloodwork to get Wegovy?

If eligible for enrollment, your Cloudcure team will require a video call with you to complete a medical evaluation. In addition, lab work is required prior to this appointment to ensure that any medications prescribed are safe and suitable for you. However, all your Cloudcure appointments can be completed virtually.

Can you buy Wegovy online?

Yes, you can buy Wegovy online from a licensed pharmacy in Canada if you have a valid prescription. For patients enrolled in a Cloudcure care plan, our team can ship Wegovy to your door with no additional fees.

What is the Cloudcure approach and how does it work?

Cloudcure programs combine psychology-based curriculum, effective medical treatments and ongoing support. Some plans may also offer coaching, which can help maintain long-term weight loss success.

Am I eligible to join Cloudcure?

Generally, the following individuals may qualify for the program: Aged 18+, with a BMI of 27 to 30, and one or more metabolic conditions such as: diabetes, pre-diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obstructive sleep apnea or PCOS.  Alternatively, individuals with a BMI over 30 may also be eligible.

Not all individuals meeting this criteria may qualify for our program and other factors may be taken into consideration by the clinician including your medical history.

How do you use Wegovy?

Wegovy is generally administered weekly as a subcutaneous injection, using these instructions. Be sure to follow your healthcare provider's prescribed dosage and schedule. If you have any concerns or questions about using Wegovy, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Does Wegovy come in an oral or pill form?

Wegovy is exclusively provided as an injectable pen at this time.

What is Wegovy prescribed for?

Wegovy has been approved by Health Canada for  medically necessary weight loss.

How Long Does it Take for Wegovy to Start Working?

Understanding the timeline for Wegovy’s effectiveness is crucial for those considering this medication for weight loss. Typically, it requires a gradual increase in dosage to reach its full potential.

Timeline for Results:

  • Initial Phase: The journey begins with a lower dose, intended to minimize potential side effects. This phase usually spans the first few weeks.
  • Reaching Target Dosage: It generally takes about 5 months (approximately 20 weeks) to reach the optimal dosage of Wegovy.
  • Visible Weight Loss: During these initial months, users have experienced an average weight loss of about 10% of their starting body weight.
  • Long-Term Effects: Over the course of 68 weeks, individuals have reported an additional weight loss, averaging a total of 18% body weight reduction.

Patience is Key

Weight loss with Wegovy is a gradual process. While the medication starts working from the outset, the most significant results become evident over time. Immediate dramatic changes should not be expected; the process requires consistent use and adherence to the prescribed dosage regimen.

In summary, although you may start noticing some changes in the first few weeks, the full benefits of Wegovy are typically observed over several months, with substantial results appearing by the end of the first year. Patience and consistency are essential for achieving the desired outcomes.

What is the Typical Dosage Schedule for Wegovy?

When starting with Wegovy, gradual dose escalation is crucial for best results and to minimize potential side effects. Here’s an outline of the recommended schedule:

  • First Month: Begin with 0.25 mg once a week.
  • Second Month: Increase the dose to 0.5 mg once weekly.
  • Third Month: Further raise the dosage to 1 mg once weekly.
  • Fourth Month: Adjust the dose to 1.7 mg once daily.
  • Fifth Month and Beyond: Aim for a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once per week, which is the target maintenance dosage.

This step-by-step increase helps your body adjust and optimizes the efficacy of the medication. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions for any adjustments.

Are there alternatives to Wegovy if I don't like needles?

There are other alternatives to Wegovy, which can be discussed with your cloudcure clinical team. These alternatives can be effective and lead to long-term adherence and improved outcomes for patients uncomfortable with needles.

Health Canada's regulations require confirming your patient status to learn more. Please provide the Drug Identification Number (DIN) from your product packaging.
Health Canada's regulations require confirming your patient status to learn more. Please provide the Drug Identification Number (DIN) from your product packaging.

What if I have other questions?

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your primary healthcare provider or a licensed medical practitioner. Please note that the information presented here is of a general nature and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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