In January 2018, Ozempic, a GLP-1 medication with the active ingredient semaglutide, was approved by Health Canada and became available in Canada with a prescription. However, getting an Ozempic prescription in Canada hasn’t always been easy.
Barriers to Getting Ozempic in Canada
From August 2023 to March 2024, Canada experienced significant Ozempic shortages due to increased worldwide demand for the medication. The surge in demand was largely driven by social media, particularly content about the health journeys of Hollywood icons, and off-label use. Healthcare professionals recommended increasing the supply to the manufacturer, and production was ramped up to meet the demand by the spring of 2024.
Now that the demand for Ozempic has been met, the only remaining roadblock to women seeking Ozempic in Canada comes from the healthcare system itself.
According to a 2024 study from the Fraser Institute, Canadian patients faced a median wait time of 30 weeks from a general practitioner referral to seeing a specialist, a significant increase from previous years. Finding a family doctor can also be challenging, with many people waiting months or even years to find a practitioner. On top of that, only 26% of Canadians got same-day or next-day appointments in 2023 according to the Canadian Medical Association.
With healthcare wait times increasing and access to experts decreasing, the way women receive care in Canada needed to change. That’s where women’s telehealth services bridge the gap and make a big difference.
Women’s Telehealth Services Make Ozempic Accessible
Now that Canadian women can get an Ozempic prescription online from the comfort of their home, healthcare barriers are a thing of the past. Here’s how the telehealth process works, from a simple health assessment to discreet prescription delivery:
Step 1 - Medical Screening
First, you’ll fill out an online form with important details about your health history. A licensed Canadian provider will review your information and ensure you’re eligible for a prescription.
Step 2 - Prescription Delivery
If prescribed, your medication will be delivered directly to you in discreet packaging to protect your privacy. There’s no need to stand in line at the pharmacy to receive your prescription.
Step 3 - Ongoing Support
After you start taking the medication, your provider will check in periodically to see how you’re doing. The best part is you don’t have to book an in-person follow-up — it’s done entirely online.
Telehealth services empower women to seek guidance from medical professionals without the red tape, making Ozempic and Ozempic alternatives like Wegovy, Rybelsus, Mounjaro, and Zepbound more accessible than ever in Canada.
Ozempic Alternatives Available in Canada
With different medication types, delivery formats, active ingredients, and doses available, you have many options, in addition to Ozempic, for supporting your health journey. Here’s a breakdown of the brand name GLP-1 medications you can get prescribed online in Canada:
Ozempic
Medication type: GLP-1 medication
Delivery format: Once weekly injection
Active ingredient: semaglutide
Doses available: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, and 1 mg
Wegovy
Medication type: GLP-1 medication
Delivery format: Once weekly injection
Active ingredient: semaglutide
Doses available: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 1.7 mg, and 2.4 mg
Rybelsus
Medication type: GLP-1 medication
Delivery format: Once daily pill
Active ingredient: semaglutide
Doses available: 3 mg, 7 mg, and 14 mg doses
Mounjaro
Medication type: GLP-1 and GIP medication
Delivery format: Once weekly injection
Active ingredient: tirzepatide
Doses available: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, and 12.5 mg
Zepbound
Medication type: GLP-1 and GIP medication
Delivery format: Once weekly injection
Active ingredient: tirzepatide
Doses available: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, and 12.5 mg
Ask a Telehealth Provider About Ozempic and More
Healthcare system hurdles once hindered access to Ozempic and alternative medications, but now, Canadian women can see a provider for a prescription quickly and privately. The rise of women’s telehealth clinics in Canada meets the need for responsive specialist care.
If you’re ready to start your health journey, skip the wait and learn more about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic by connecting with a licensed Canadian provider online. A healthcare professional can give you more information and help you determine if a prescription plan is right for you.
