GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have reshaped how Canada approaches type 2 diabetes and weight loss treatment. But for patients trying to understand their options, the picture is no longer as simple as it once was.
New GLP-1 drugs keep arriving, with the same active ingredient often appearing under multiple brand names at different doses. Cost, coverage, and access can vary widely between the medications, depending on factors that aren’t always clear upfront.
This guide provides a complete overview of GLP-1s in Canada. We’ll cover what GLP-1s are and how they work, which medications are currently available, what’s on the horizon, how to get a prescription, what they cost, and the side effects to know about.
What Is a GLP-1?
GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide-1, which is a hormone naturally produced in your gut after you eat. It’s released by specialised cells in the small intestine and plays a central role in regulating blood sugar and appetite.
When GLP-1 is released, it does four main things in the body:
- Signals the pancreas to release insulin when blood sugar is elevated
- Suppresses the release of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar)
- Slows the rate at which food leaves the stomach
- Acts on appetite centres in the brain to promote feelings of fullness
The GLP-1 your body produces gets broken down within a couple of minutes of being released. GLP-1 medications are engineered versions of this hormone designed to last much longer in the body (anywhere from a day to a week per dose), which is why they are commonly taken as a once-weekly injection.
GLP-1s were originally developed as diabetes medications. However, trial participants consistently lost weight while taking them, which prompted further research into their use for weight management.
GLP-1s and Related Medications
The term “GLP-1” is frequently used as a catch-all phrase for a wider family of medications. Some of these medications are pure GLP-1 receptor agonists, as they only activate the GLP-1 receptor. Others activate additional receptors and so are sometimes called “dual-agonists”.
There are three categories of GLP-1 medications relevant to Canadian patients:
- Pure GLP-1 receptor agonists – These medications activate only the GLP-1 receptor. Examples include semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus), liraglutide (Victoza, Saxenda), and dulaglutide (Trulicity).
- Dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists – Sometimes called “dual agonists” or “twincretins,” as they activate the GLP-1 receptor plus a second receptor, called GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). Tirzepatide (going by the brand names Mounjaro and Zepbound) is the only dual agonist currently approved in Canada.
- Triple agonists – Not yet available for medical use in Canada. Triple agonists activate the GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon receptors. Retatrutide is the lead candidate in this category, but is still in clinical trials.
For convenience, we’ll use “GLP-1” as the broad term throughout this article. The term certainly isn’t incorrect, as all three classes of medications are technically GLP-1 agonists. But the structural distinctions are sometimes important when examining and comparing individual medications.
GLP-1 Medications Available in Canada
Below are the GLP-1 medications currently available in Canada, grouped by category. Where relevant, we’ve linked out to a dedicated deep dive of certain medications if you want to do further reading.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Ozempic is a once-weekly injection containing semaglutide. It’s Health Canada-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and established heart disease. It was also recently approved to reduce the risk of sustained kidney function decline in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Although Ozempic isn’t approved for weight management in Canada, it’s widely prescribed off-label for that purpose. In type 2 diabetes trials (the SUSTAIN program), Ozempic produced an average weight loss of around 4.5 kg to 6.5 kg (roughly 10 to 14 lbs) over 52 weeks, depending on the dose.
Ozempic comes in a multi-dose pre-filled pen with weekly doses ranging from 0.25 mg up to 2 mg. Treatment starts at the lowest dose and is gradually increased every four weeks to help the body adapt and minimise side effects.
In April 2026, Canada approved a generic version of semaglutide – see our Generic Ozempic Canada article for more details.
You can also read our article on Ozempic for Weight Loss in Canada for detailed information about how the medication works.
Wegovy (Semaglutide 2.4 mg)
Wegovy is the version of semaglutide that’s officially approved by Health Canada for chronic weight management. In the pivotal STEP-1 trial, participants taking Wegovy lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
Wegovy contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic, but is delivered at a higher maintenance dose (2.4 mg of semaglutide weekly versus 2 mg for Ozempic). Wegovy is approved for use in adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related condition.
Since its release, Health Canada has expanded Wegovy’s approval to include cardiovascular risk reduction in adults with established heart disease. It’s also been approved for treating moderate to advanced liver fibrosis associated with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
Like Ozempic, Wegovy is delivered via injection using a pen.
For more on Wegovy, see our article Wegovy Canada: Cost, Availability, and How it Compares to Ozempic.
Rybelsus (Oral Semaglutide)
Rybelsus is an oral tablet form of semaglutide. It contains the same active ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy, but is taken as a daily pill rather than a weekly injection. It’s Health Canada-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes only, though it’s sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.
Because semaglutide is a peptide that’s normally broken down by stomach acid, Rybelsus uses a special absorption enhancer that requires a strict dosing routine. It must be taken on an empty stomach with no more than 120 mL of water, then you wait at least 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications.
Rybelsus comes in doses ranging from 3 to 14 mg. It’s the only oral GLP-1 pill currently available in Canada.
For more on Rybelsus, see our article Rybelsus: All About The Oral GLP-1 Pill.
Dual GIP/GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection containing tirzepatide, manufactured by Eli Lilly. It’s Health Canada-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, but is widely prescribed off-label for weight loss.
What makes Mounjaro different from semaglutide-based products is that it activates two hormone receptors at once: the GLP-1 receptor (which Ozempic and Wegovy target) and the GIP receptor (which plays a role in how the body processes fat and regulates insulin response).
In clinical trials for type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro produced weight loss of 9.5% to 12.5%. In a head-to-head trial against semaglutide (the SURPASS-2 trial), tirzepatide produced significantly greater weight loss, with participants taking the highest dose of tirzepatide losing an average of 11.2 kg (24.7 lbs), compared to 5.7 kg (12.5 lbs) for those taking semaglutide 1 mg.
Mounjaro is delivered through a KwikPen device in doses ranging from 2.5 mg up to 15 mg.
For more on Mounjaro, see our article on Mounjaro for Weight Loss in Canada and our comparison piece, Mounjaro vs Ozempic.
Zepbound (Tirzepatide for Weight Management)
Zepbound contains the same active ingredient as Mounjaro (tirzepatide), but it’s branded and approved specifically for chronic weight management. It’s currently the only Health Canada-approved dual receptor agonist for treating obesity or overweight.
In the SURMOUNT-1 trial, participants on the highest dose lost an average of 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks, with over half achieving at least 20% weight loss. Three-year follow-up data showed that this weight loss was largely sustained over the longer term.
Zepbound and Mounjaro contain the same active ingredient and share the same dosing structure (the KwikPen device with weekly doses ranging from a 2.5 mg starting dose up to a 15 mg maximum dose).
For more on Zepbound, see our article Zepbound Canada: Cost, Dosing, and How It Compares to Mounjaro and Wegovy.
Other GLP-1 Drugs in Canada
Several older GLP-1 medications are still authorised for sale in Canada, but these are prescribed less frequently as newer alternatives have taken over.
Victoza (liraglutide) is a once-daily injection for type 2 diabetes that was once a market leader. Trulicity (dulaglutide) is a once-weekly injection for type 2 diabetes that holds approval for cardiovascular risk reduction. Both are still on the market, but new prescriptions are increasingly going to semaglutide- or tirzepatide-based options because of greater effectiveness on blood sugar and weight.
Saxenda (liraglutide 3 mg for weight loss) is being phased out by Novo Nordisk globally as the company reallocates manufacturing capacity toward newer GLP-1 medications. The discontinuation is not related to any safety concern with liraglutide. Patients currently on Saxenda may want to discuss alternative options with their doctor as supply winds down.
Future GLP-1 Medications in Canada
The GLP-1 space is moving fast. Two developments stand out as particularly important for Canadian patients.
Retatrutide is a triple agonist in late-stage clinical development by Eli Lilly that activates three receptors at once (GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon). Early studies report an average weight loss of 28.7% in patients with obesity and knee osteoarthritis. If approved, retatrutide might be the most effective weight loss medication available in Canada.
For more information, see our article Retatrutide Canada: All About The Triple Agonist Weight Loss Treatment.
Orforglipron is an oral GLP-1 medication being developed by Eli Lilly that doesn’t require the strict fasting protocol that Rybelsus does. In the ATTAIN-1 Phase 3 trial, participants with obesity lost an average of 11.2% of their body weight over 72 weeks on the highest dose. Lilly has submitted orforglipron to the FDA for the treatment of obesity, but Canadian regulatory submission status hasn’t been publicly confirmed.
For a deep dive, see our article Orforglipron Canada: Update On the Newest Weight Loss Pill.
How to Get a GLP-1 Medication in Canada
All GLP-1 medications in Canada are prescription-only. To get a prescription, you’ll need to consult with a Canadian-licensed physician or nurse practitioner.
Options for getting a GLP-1 prescription include:
- Your family doctor
- An endocrinologist or obesity medicine specialist
- A virtual care platform like Walk In
During your appointment, the doctor will conduct a clinical assessment that typically involves a review of your medical history, current medications, baseline lab work, calculation of your BMI, and a discussion of weight-related health conditions.
According to the Canadian Adult Obesity Clinical Practice Guidelines, drug therapy for weight management is appropriate for adults with a BMI of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher with at least one weight-related comorbidity.
Once prescribed, GLP-1 injections must be dispensed by a licensed Canadian pharmacy. Once you start using a pen, it can typically be stored at room temperature for several weeks, but unopened pens need to stay refrigerated until first use.
How Much Do GLP-1s Cost in Canada?
The GLP-1 Canada cost varies significantly depending on which medication you’re prescribed, your insurance situation, and whether the prescription is for an approved indication or off-label use.
As broad guidelines, monthly out-of-pocket costs for brand-name GLP-1 medications fall roughly in the following ranges:
- Ozempic: typically $250 to $400, depending on dose
- Rybelsus: typically $250 to $300
- Wegovy: typically $400 to $600
- Mounjaro and Zepbound: Following Eli Lilly’s December 2025 price reduction, between around $300 to $540 depending on dose
- Generic Semaglutide (Ozempic): Could be more than 50% cheaper than branded Ozempic, depending on how many manufacturers enter the market
These are list-price estimates only. Actual cost depends on insurance coverage, pharmacy dispensing fees, and the dose you’re prescribed.
Coverage for weight management is generally not available through provincial public plans, though this has begun to shift. Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) now recommends public coverage of Wegovy for patients with a BMI of 27 or greater and established cardiovascular disease. Some provinces have begun to respond.
GLP-1 Side Effects
Most people tolerate GLP-1 medications reasonably well overall. But side effects are common when starting treatment or moving up to a higher dose.
Because these medications work in part by slowing how quickly food leaves the stomach, the most frequent GLP-1 side effects are gastrointestinal symptoms, such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Upset stomach or heartburn
These symptoms are usually most pronounced during the first few weeks of treatment or after a dose increase. To minimise GLP-1 side effects, these medications are typically prescribed with a process called dose titration — starting at a very low dose and gradually increasing it over several weeks to give your body time to adapt.
For most patients, gastrointestinal symptoms settle down within a few weeks.
Less Common but Serious Side Effects
Some less common but more serious GLP-1 side effects are worth being aware of:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gallbladder problems (including gallstones)
- Acute kidney injury (usually as a result of severe dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea)
- Diabetic retinopathy worsening (particularly in patients with rapid improvement in blood sugar control)
- Hypoglycemia (when combined with other diabetes medications like sulfonylureas or insulin)
All GLP-1 medications also carry a warning regarding a theoretical risk of medullary thyroid carcinoma, based on animal studies. As a result, GLP-1 medications are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
GLP-1 medications are not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Women planning to conceive are typically advised to discontinue at least two months before pregnancy.
What About “Natural GLP-1s,” Patches, and Supplements?
The popularity of GLP-1 medications has led to a wave of products marketed as a “natural GLP-1 supplement.” These are usually patches, drops, fibre supplements, and herbal formulations promising similar effects without a prescription.
The reality is that none of these products are effective GLP-1 replacements, and most (if not all) have not been properly evaluated for safety.
- GLP-1 patches are not approved by Health Canada, the FDA, or any major regulator. Semaglutide and tirzepatide are large peptide molecules that cannot meaningfully cross intact skin via passive diffusion. Most products sold as “GLP-1 patches” contain herbal ingredients like green tea extract, berberine, or B vitamins (not an actual GLP-1 molecule).
- “Natural GLP-1” supplements like berberine, fenugreek, and moringa do not activate the GLP-1 receptor and cannot produce effects comparable to prescription GLP-1 medications. Berberine, sometimes marketed as “nature’s Ozempic,” works through a completely different pathway.
Health Canada has actively warned about counterfeit and unauthorised GLP-1 products being sold online and in some retail stores. The agency’s public advisory notes that these unauthorised products may contain the wrong amount of active ingredient, unlisted dangerous ingredients, contaminants, or improper packaging.
Can I Get Compounded GLP-1s in Canada?
Compounded GLP-1 medications are not authorised in Canada. Canadian pharmacy regulators have explicitly instructed pharmacies not to compound semaglutide or tirzepatide because Health Canada-approved versions are commercially available.
If you encounter Canadian or cross-border offers for compounded GLP-1s, treat them with significant caution. These products are not subject to the same purity and quality controls as approved medications.
Frequently Asked Questions About GLP-1s
Is Ozempic a GLP-1?
Yes. Ozempic contains semaglutide, which is a pure GLP-1 receptor agonist. Other semaglutide products (Wegovy, Rybelsus) are also pure GLP-1 medications. Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are sometimes grouped with GLP-1s because they activate the GLP-1 receptor, but they’re more accurately classified as dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Are GLP-1 medications available as a pill?
Yes, but currently only one. Rybelsus is the only oral GLP-1 medication approved in Canada. It must be taken on an empty stomach with strict fasting requirements. An investigational oral GLP-1 (orforglipron) is in late-stage development and may eventually offer an easier-to-take pill option, but it isn’t yet approved.
Can I get GLP-1 medications over the counter in Canada?
No. All GLP-1 medications in Canada are prescription-only and must be dispensed by a licensed Canadian pharmacy. Any product being sold over the counter or online without a prescription requirement is not a real GLP-1 medication.
What’s the best GLP-1 for weight loss?
It depends on your individual situation, including what you’re being treated for, your insurance coverage, and how you respond to the medication. In clinical trials, tirzepatide (Zepbound) has produced the largest average weight loss of any approved Canadian GLP-1. However, that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. Choosing the right medication is a decision to be made with a doctor who understands your medical history, treatment goals, and personal circumstances.
How long do you need to stay on a GLP-1?
GLP-1 medications are considered long-term, chronic-disease therapies for both diabetes and obesity. Canadian clinical guidelines treat obesity as a chronic disease that warrants ongoing pharmacological management, similar to how blood pressure or cholesterol are managed long-term. Most patients who stop GLP-1 treatment regain a significant portion of the weight they lost, which is why discontinuation is generally not recommended unless side effects or other clinical concerns warrant it.
GLP-1 Canada: Final Thoughts
The variety and availability of GLP-1s in Canada have expanded significantly in recent years. There are now more medications, more approved uses, and even generic options entering the market. As a result, choosing between the available options isn’t always straightforward.
Most patients weigh factors like the molecule and brand, what they’re being treated for, their insurance situation, and how their body responds to a particular treatment. That’s a conversation best had with a Canadian-licensed clinician who can weigh your specific circumstances and recommend an appropriate path forward.
At Walk In, Canadian-licensed doctors are available for virtual consultations to discuss weight loss treatments. Your doctor will help you build a treatment plan that fits your goals, all from the comfort of your home.
Speak with a Doctor About Weight Loss Treatment
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