Wegovy and Ozempic: Understanding the Fundamentals
Both Wegovy and Ozempic are brand names for the medication semaglutide, manufactured by Novo Nordisk [1.6.2, 1.6.3]. While they share the same active ingredient, Health Canada has approved them for different primary uses. Ozempic is approved for managing blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes [1.8.6]. Wegovy, on the other hand, is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity [1.7.5, 1.8.3]. This distinction is crucial as it directly impacts dosage, cost, and insurance coverage.
The Role of Dosage in Price Differences
The primary reason Wegovy is more expensive is its higher dosage. While both medications start at a 0.25 mg weekly dose, the maintenance dose for Wegovy can go up to 2.4 mg weekly [1.6.3]. In contrast, the typical maximum dose for Ozempic is 2.0 mg weekly, though it is often prescribed at 1.0 mg [1.6.3]. This higher concentration of the active ingredient in Wegovy pens contributes to its higher manufacturing cost and, subsequently, its higher market price.
Direct Cost Comparison: Wegovy vs. Ozempic
Without insurance, the out-of-pocket cost for these medications in Canada shows a clear difference. A monthly supply of Wegovy typically costs around $400 CAD [1.3.1, 1.3.2]. Some pharmacies may offer it for slightly more or less, with prices ranging from $388 to $449 depending on the dose and if a multi-month supply is purchased [1.3.3, 1.3.6].
Ozempic's monthly out-of-pocket cost is generally lower, ranging from approximately $200 to $300 CAD [1.2.4, 1.4.2]. This makes Ozempic the more affordable option if paying without any insurance assistance.
Comparison Table: Wegovy vs. Ozempic in Canada
| Feature | Wegovy | Ozempic |
|---|---|---|
| Active Ingredient | Semaglutide [1.6.2] | Semaglutide [1.6.2] |
| Manufacturer | Novo Nordisk [1.6.3] | Novo Nordisk [1.6.3] |
| Primary Approved Use | Chronic Weight Management [1.7.5] | Type 2 Diabetes [1.8.6] |
| Typical Max Dose | 2.4 mg / week [1.6.3] | 2.0 mg / week [1.6.3] |
| Est. Monthly Cost | ~$400 CAD [1.3.1] | ~$200 - $300 CAD [1.2.5] |
| Health Canada Status | Approved for weight management and to reduce the risk of heart attack [1.3.5, 1.7.5] | Approved for Type 2 diabetes management [1.8.3] |
Insurance and Provincial Coverage
The most significant factor in the final cost for a patient is insurance coverage. Here, the drugs' approved indications create a major divide.
Public (Provincial) Plans
Provincial drug plans, like Ontario's ODB or BC's PharmaCare, are more likely to cover Ozempic for its approved use in treating Type 2 diabetes, especially when other medications like metformin have proven ineffective [1.8.1, 1.8.6]. However, coverage is often subject to special authorization or step-therapy requirements [1.8.6]. Provincial plans generally do not cover Wegovy because it is classified as a weight-loss medication, a category of drugs that public formularies are reluctant to fund [1.7.2].
Private Insurance Plans
Coverage for Wegovy is more likely, though not guaranteed, under private, employer-sponsored insurance plans [1.7.1]. Even with private plans, coverage for weight-management drugs can be limited. Some plans may require prior authorization to ensure the medication is being used for its approved purpose [1.7.3, 1.7.5]. Because Ozempic is for diabetes, it tends to have broader and more straightforward coverage under private plans compared to Wegovy [1.6.2]. Using Ozempic "off-label" for weight loss may result in a denial of coverage from the insurer [1.7.1, 1.8.6].
Conclusion: Wegovy is Pricier, and Coverage is Key
To answer the central question: yes, Wegovy's list price is higher than Ozempic's in Canada. This is primarily due to its higher dosage intended for weight management. For a patient, the actual out-of-pocket cost is determined almost entirely by their insurance plan. Ozempic's approval for Type 2 diabetes gives it an advantage in securing coverage from both public and private insurers. In contrast, patients seeking Wegovy for weight management will likely need a comprehensive private insurance plan to avoid paying the full $400+ monthly cost.
For further official information, you can consult Health Canada's drug database. Health Canada Drug Product Database
