Wegovy, an on-label weight loss medication, has finally become available in Canada, offering hope to those struggling with obesity and related conditions. The drug, manufactured by Novo Nordisk, was officially launched on Monday after being approved in Canada in 2021. Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam of Obesity Canada emphasized that Wegovy is a medical treatment specifically for people living with obesity, with evidence showing that it can improve cardiovascular health in those with a history of cardiovascular events. With the prevalence of obesity in Canada on the rise, medications like Wegovy are seen as a valuable tool in managing this chronic condition and reducing associated health risks.
Wegovy is a form of semaglutide, the same drug used in Novo Nordisk’s diabetes medication Ozempic. Both drugs belong to the GLP-1 analogue family, designed to control blood sugar and induce weight loss by making users feel full. Wegovy is administered in weekly injections, starting at 0.25 mg and gradually increasing to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. Dr. Tom Elliott, an endocrinologist, noted that Wegovy contains a higher dose of semaglutide compared to Ozempic, which makes it more effective for weight management. While Ozempic is primarily used for diabetes treatment, Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management and is administered as a higher-dose injection once a week.
Elliott has been prescribing Ozempic off-label for weight management and is looking to transition his patients to Wegovy now that it is available in Canada. He believes that Wegovy’s approval for obesity treatment removes the stigma associated with using medications off-label. The drug is recommended for individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg or higher and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes. However, it is important to note that Wegovy is not a cosmetic solution for quick weight loss and should be used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
While Wegovy represents a crucial treatment option for obesity, it is not without potential side effects. Gastrointestinal side effects are common, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. It is important for individuals using Wegovy to be monitored by a physician to manage these side effects effectively. Elliott emphasized that the drug is not a quick fix for shedding a few pounds and should be used as a long-term treatment for obesity. However, one drawback of Wegovy is its cost, with treatment expected to be approximately C$4,726 per patient per year, making it potentially inaccessible to some individuals.
Despite the cost, Elliott noted that most people who start taking Wegovy will continue as long as they can afford it, as the drug only works while it is being taken. It may take some time for public and private insurance plans to cover the cost of Wegovy, making it a potentially expensive treatment option for individuals seeking long-term weight management. Overall, Wegovy’s availability in Canada provides a new and effective tool for individuals struggling with obesity and related health conditions, offering hope for improved health outcomes for those in need of additional support in managing their weight.
