Semaglutide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Cost in Canada

Semaglutide is the medicine in Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus, and generic versions are now authorized in Canada. Learn its uses, doses, side effects, cost and how to ask a BC doctor.

weight managementDoctor-reviewedPrescriptionAvailable in Canada
Illustration of an injection pen for Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Overview

Semaglutide is a prescription medicine that acts like the natural hormone GLP-1. In Canada it is sold under three brand names from Novo Nordisk: Ozempic, a weekly injection for type 2 diabetes; Wegovy, a weekly injection for weight management; and Rybelsus, a daily tablet for type 2 diabetes.

Generic semaglutide is also authorized in Canada. In April and May 2026, Health Canada authorized the first two generic versions of Ozempic, from Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and Apotex, for adults with type 2 diabetes. In June 2026 it authorized Sevmia from Apotex, the first generic version of Wegovy, for weight management in people 12 and older. Health Canada said more submissions were under review, so ask your pharmacist which products are available.

Semaglutide needs a prescription. BC residents can speak with a BC-licensed doctor by phone through Avee Health to ask whether it is appropriate for them. The doctor decides based on your health history. A prescription is not guaranteed.

What semaglutide is authorized for in Canada depends on the product:

  • Ozempic and its generics: blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise. Ozempic is also authorized to lower the risk of heart and kidney events in some adults with type 2 diabetes.
  • Rybelsus: blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes
  • Wegovy and its generic: chronic weight management, along with a reduced-calorie diet and more physical activity, in adults and in teens 12 and older who meet set criteria. Wegovy has other authorized uses as well.

Semaglutide is not for type 1 diabetes and is not a substitute for insulin. Only one semaglutide product should be used at a time, and it should not be combined with other GLP-1 medicines. See our Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus pages for the full details of each product.

Generic name

Semaglutide

Drug class

GLP-1 receptor agonist

Category

weight management

Availability

Prescription required

In Canada

Available

How Semaglutide Works

GLP-1 is a hormone the gut releases after eating. Semaglutide acts on the same receptors:

  • It helps the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar is high and lowers the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar
  • It slows how fast the stomach empties
  • It acts on appetite centres in the brain, which can reduce hunger and how much you eat

The injections are given once a week. The tablet is taken once a day on an empty stomach.

Dosage Instructions of Semaglutide

Your doctor sets your dose. The dose is always started low and raised step by step to limit stomach side effects. The usual schedules in the Canadian product monographs are:

  • Ozempic (diabetes): 0.25 mg once weekly for 4 weeks, then 0.5 mg once weekly. It can be raised to 1 mg after at least 4 weeks, up to a maximum of 2 mg once weekly.
  • Wegovy (weight management): 0.25 mg once weekly, raised every 4 weeks through 0.5 mg, 1 mg and 1.7 mg, to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg once weekly from week 17
  • Rybelsus (diabetes): one tablet a day on an empty stomach, starting at the lowest strength for 30 days. There are two tablet formulations with different strengths, so take only the tablets named on your prescription.

A generic product follows the dosing of the brand it copies. The injections go under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm on the same day each week, with or without food. Missed-dose rules are different for each product, so follow the leaflet that comes with yours.

Storage Instructions

Storage depends on the product. Injection pens are usually kept in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C before first use and must not be frozen. Rybelsus tablets are kept at room temperature in the original blister pack. Follow the instructions in the package insert for your product, and keep it out of reach of children.

Side Effects of Semaglutide

The most common side effects affect the stomach and gut. They are most likely when starting or raising the dose. In adult weight-management trials of Wegovy 2.4 mg, compared with placebo:

  • Nausea: 44%, compared with 16%
  • Diarrhea: 30%, compared with 16%
  • Vomiting: 24%, compared with 6%
  • Constipation: 24%, compared with 11%
  • Abdominal pain: 20%, compared with 10%

Rates were lower at the doses used for diabetes. In trials of Ozempic 0.5 mg and 1 mg, nausea was reported by about 17% to 20% of people. Headache, tiredness, dizziness and decreased appetite are also common.

Get medical help right away if you have:

  • Severe stomach pain that does not go away, with or without vomiting (possible pancreatitis)
  • A lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing
  • Changes in your vision
  • Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat or trouble breathing
  • Vomiting or diarrhea that leaves you unable to keep fluids down
  • Signs of low blood sugar (sweating, shakiness, confusion), mainly if you also take a sulfonylurea or insulin

Important Safety Information About Semaglutide

  • Thyroid tumours: semaglutide caused thyroid C-cell tumours in rodents. It is not known whether this happens in people. Do not use it if you or a family member have had medullary thyroid cancer, or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: do not use semaglutide while pregnant or breastfeeding. Stop it at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
  • Allergy: do not use it if you are allergic to semaglutide or any ingredient in the product.
  • Pancreatitis: stop the medicine and get care if you develop severe, persistent stomach pain.
  • Gallbladder problems, including gallstones, have been reported.
  • Diabetic eye disease: tell your doctor if you have diabetic retinopathy or notice changes in your vision.
  • Kidneys: vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can worsen kidney function. Drink fluids and tell your doctor if these effects persist.
  • Mood: tell your doctor about any new or worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Wegovy should not be used by people with current suicidal thoughts or a history of suicide attempts.
  • Surgery and procedures: semaglutide slows stomach emptying. Tell your care team you take it before general anesthesia or sedation.
  • Products sold online: buy semaglutide only from a licensed pharmacy with a prescription. Products sold without one may not be genuine.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about everything you take, including non-prescription products. The main interactions are:

  • Insulin and sulfonylureas: higher risk of low blood sugar. Your doctor may lower their dose.
  • Warfarin and similar blood thinners: more frequent INR monitoring is recommended when starting semaglutide.
  • Medicines taken by mouth: slower stomach emptying could change how they are absorbed. With Rybelsus, wait at least 30 minutes before taking other oral medicines.
  • Other semaglutide products and other GLP-1 medicines, such as tirzepatide or liraglutide: do not use together.

Brands & DIN Number of Semaglutide

Brand Names

  • Ozempic
  • Wegovy
  • Rybelsus

Key Takeaways

  • 1Semaglutide is the medicine in Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus.
  • 2Ozempic and Rybelsus are for type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is for weight management and other authorized uses.
  • 3Health Canada authorized the first generic semaglutide products in 2026, including generic versions of Ozempic and Wegovy.
  • 4The dose starts low and is raised gradually to reduce nausea and other stomach side effects.
  • 5Do not use semaglutide if you or a family member have had medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • 6Use only one semaglutide product at a time, and do not combine it with other GLP-1 medicines.
  • 7Semaglutide needs a prescription. BC residents can ask a BC-licensed doctor by phone whether it is right for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is generic semaglutide available in Canada?
Yes. Health Canada authorized the first generic semaglutide in April 2026, a generic version of Ozempic from Dr. Reddy's Laboratories for type 2 diabetes. A generic Ozempic from Apotex followed in May 2026, and Sevmia from Apotex, a generic version of Wegovy for weight management, in June 2026. Ask your pharmacist which products your pharmacy can supply.
Is generic semaglutide the same as Ozempic or Wegovy?
Health Canada says the generic versions are pharmaceutically equivalent to the brand-name drug, and that its review makes sure any differences do not affect safety, effectiveness or quality. Each generic is authorized for the same uses as the brand it copies.
How much does semaglutide cost in Canada?
The price depends on the product, the dose, the pharmacy and your coverage, so ask your pharmacist for a current price. Health Canada says generic drugs in Canada are often much cheaper than the brand-name versions.
Does BC PharmaCare cover semaglutide?
Coverage depends on the product, what it is prescribed for and your plan, and the rules change. Check with your pharmacist, BC PharmaCare or your private insurer.
How do I get semaglutide in BC?
Semaglutide needs a prescription. You can see your family doctor, or book a phone visit with a BC-licensed doctor through Avee Health. Visits are covered by MSP with a valid BC health card. The doctor reviews your health history and decides whether semaglutide is appropriate. A prescription is not guaranteed. If one is written, it is sent to the pharmacy you choose.
What is the difference between Ozempic, Wegovy and Rybelsus?
All three contain semaglutide. Ozempic is a weekly injection for type 2 diabetes with a maximum dose of 2 mg. Wegovy is a weekly injection for weight management with a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Rybelsus is a daily tablet for type 2 diabetes.
Can I use Ozempic for weight loss?
In Canada, Ozempic is authorized for type 2 diabetes, not for weight management. Wegovy and its generic are the semaglutide products authorized for weight management. Your doctor decides which product, if any, is appropriate.
What are the most common side effects of semaglutide?
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and stomach pain are the most common, especially when starting or raising the dose. Get help right away for severe stomach pain that does not go away, a lump in the neck, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Written By
Avee Editorial

Avee Editorial

Avee Editorial Team