For Canadians exploring medical options for weight management, two names stand out: Wegovy and Ozempic. Both are prescription medications from Novo Nordisk and belong to the same drug family, GLP-1 receptor agonists. While their active ingredient is the same — semaglutide — their approved uses, dosages, and results can differ significantly.
If you’ve been wondering which option might be better for your goals, this guide explains how each medication works, what results to expect, and how your local pharmacy in Richmond Hill can support your treatment journey safely.
Understanding Wegovy and Ozempic
Wegovy and Ozempic were both developed to help regulate blood sugar and appetite, but their official indications are slightly different:
- Ozempic: Originally approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes, helping to control blood sugar and reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Wegovy: Specifically approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight conditions, with or without other health issues such as high blood pressure or Type 2 diabetes.
Although both contain semaglutide, Wegovy is prescribed at higher doses, which explains why it tends to deliver more significant weight-loss results in clinical studies.
How These Medications Work
Semaglutide mimics a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). This hormone helps:
- Slow down digestion
- Reduce appetite and cravings
- Regulate blood sugar levels
- Signal to the brain that you’re full
Both Ozempic and Wegovy work through these same mechanisms. The main difference lies in dosage strength and titration schedule, which affects the rate and degree of weight loss.
Dosage and Administration
- Ozempic: Typically starts at 0.25 mg weekly, gradually increasing to 1 mg. Some patients may go up to 2 mg depending on medical advice.
- Wegovy: Begins at 0.25 mg weekly as well but titrates up to 2.4 mg, making it stronger for weight management.
Because Wegovy provides a higher therapeutic dose, it often leads to greater weight loss results over a similar time period compared to Ozempic.
Comparing Effectiveness: Wegovy vs Ozempic
Several clinical studies have compared semaglutide’s performance for weight loss. In general:
- Wegovy users lost an average of 15% of their body weight over 68 weeks.
- Ozempic users saw an average loss of 6–8% in similar time frames when used off-label for weight loss.
This makes Wegovy the more effective option for patients whose primary goal is weight management rather than diabetes control. However, availability and insurance coverage may influence the choice.
Common Side Effects
Because both medications contain the same active ingredient, they share many side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Temporary appetite changes
These symptoms usually decrease as your body adjusts to treatment. Your pharmacist can guide you on managing mild side effects and identifying when medical advice is necessary.
Cost and OHIP Coverage in Ontario
In Ontario, neither Wegovy nor Ozempic is fully covered by OHIP for weight management purposes. OHIP generally covers Ozempic only for diabetes treatment under specific criteria.
However, patients with private insurance may receive partial or full reimbursement depending on their plan. The out-of-pocket cost without insurance can range from $250 to $400 per month for Ozempic and $350 to $500 for Wegovy, depending on the pharmacy and province.
If you live in Richmond Hill, your local Viva Health Pharmacy team can help you:
- Check whether your plan covers either medication
- Explore patient support programs
- Provide alternatives or dosage guidance
Accessibility in Richmond Hill Pharmacies
Demand for GLP-1 medications like Wegovy and Ozempic has been exceptionally high in Canada. While some locations may experience supply delays, licensed pharmacies in Richmond Hill often coordinate directly with manufacturers to ensure continuity of treatment for patients.
At Viva Health Pharmacy, pharmacists can help manage refills, provide counselling, and ensure your medication is dispensed safely with the correct dosage and storage conditions.
Which Option Is Right for You?
The answer depends on your personal health goals and medical history.
- If your main goal is weight management, Wegovy’s higher dosage is clinically proven to result in more significant outcomes.
- If you also have Type 2 diabetes, Ozempic may serve both purposes — controlling blood sugar while supporting gradual weight loss.
Ultimately, your healthcare provider and pharmacist should collaborate to tailor the safest and most effective plan for your needs.
The Role of Your Pharmacist in Weight Management
Your pharmacist is more than just a dispenser — they are an essential part of your healthcare team. They can:
- Explain how to inject your medication properly
- Monitor side effects and adjust timing if needed
- Review drug interactions or contraindications
- Provide lifestyle advice and follow-up support
At Viva Health Pharmacy in Richmond Hill, our pharmacists combine clinical knowledge with compassionate guidance to help patients achieve sustainable health goals through safe, informed choices.
Both Wegovy and Ozempic represent powerful advances in weight management and diabetes care. While they share many similarities, their primary differences — dosage, approval status, and insurance coverage — determine which may suit your individual situation best.
Before starting or switching between these medications, consult your healthcare provider and trusted pharmacy team. Together, they can help you find the balance between effectiveness, affordability, and long-term safety.
