Wegovy has emerged as a prescription drug for weight loss, and it’s now making its way into Canada.
What is Wegovy?
Wegovy is a brand name semaglutide, a medication originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, now approved in Canada specifically for weight management. It belongs to a class of drugs called GLP-1 analogues, which were originally designed to control blood sugar but also help with weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness.
Wegovy is administered as a once-weekly injection. Patients start at a low dose and gradually work up to the full 2. Mg dose over several weeks. Wegovy is only available for prescription since it’s intended for adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or higher) or those who are overweight (BMI of 27+).
Wegovy vs Ozempic- What’s the Difference?
Ozempic is another semaglutide drug which works similarly to Wegovy but there are key differences in its dosage and approved use.
Ozempic is prescribed at doses of up to 1 mg per week, whereas Wegovy goes up to 2.4 mg per week. Wegovy’s higher dose is what achieves a greater weight loss effect.
Ozempic is officially approved for Type 2 diabetes and is used to lower blood sugar while Wegovy is intended for weight loss. However, there are some doctors who have been prescribing Ozempic as off-label (prescribing a drug for a purpose other than what it’s been approved for) for weight loss.
Both drugs work similarly by suppressing your appetite due to their common ingredient. Wegovy’s trials have shown that it can help patients lose a significant percentage of body weight when combined with lifestyle changes. Ozempic can also aid in weight loss, however, that is not its intended use.
Wegovy and Ozempic are sister drugs but one is used for weight loss (Wegovy) while the other is typically used for diabetes management (Ozempic). They both share a common ingredient (semaglutide) which activates the GLP-1 receptors which helps people feel full.
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Is Wegovy Available Online in Canada?
Wegovy was approved in 2021 by Health Canada for adults who struggle with obesity. This means that many pharmacies in Ontario and Canada should have the drug available in-store. However, there was a shortage so make sure to check if your local pharmacy has Wegovy in stock.
While you can physically go get Wegovy at pharmacies, there are also telehealth services which can deliver it to you. The process for approval is very similar to visiting a doctor in-person but there are a few differences.
How to Get Wegovy Online in Ontario?
First you have to start by booking a virtual consultation with a health care provider. You can do this by registering at Ogaei. During your consultation, you and your doctor will discuss whether Wegovy is appropriate for you.
If the doctor determines that Wegovy is right for you, they will write you a prescription. This prescription will be sent electronically to a pharmacy of your choice. The prescription will have a specific starting dose and how to increase it over time.
Once the prescription is issued you can either pick up Wegovy at your local pharmacy or you can have it delivered to your door. The medication comes in pre-filled injection pens along with instructions on how to use it.
After starting Wegovy it’s important to have follow-up care, especially if it’s your first time using it. Ogaei offers easy follow-ups where you can check in with a doctor and monitor your progress, adjust the dose, and address any side effects or questions.
Using online healthcare services means that you can skip the long clinic wait time and get fast reliable care from the comfort of your home. You can consult with a professional who understands Wegovy, get your prescription, and start treatment if you’re approved.
References
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/medical/ask-the-experts/wegovy
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326252#fda-approved-for-diabetes
