Canada news

Generic semaglutide is approved in Canada β€” pricing breakdown by province

Health Canada approved the first generic semaglutide products from Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (April 28 2026) and Apotex (May 1 2026). Expected pricing of $100-150 CAD/month vs $250-300 brand creates a major access shift for Canadian patients.

By Priya Sharma, NP6 min read

Reviewed by Jane Novak, MD, MPH

Provincial pricing (May 2026)

ProvinceBrand OzempicGeneric (estimate)Public coverage
Ontario$298 CAD$129 CAD (est)ODB: diabetes only
British Columbia$305 CAD$135 CAD (est)PharmaCare: diabetes only
Alberta$290 CAD$125 CAD (est)Diabetes coverage; weight loss not covered
Quebec$315 CAD$140 CAD (est)RAMQ: diabetes only
Manitoba$300 CAD$130 CAD (est)Pharmacare: diabetes only
Saskatchewan$295 CAD$128 CAD (est)Diabetes only
Nova Scotia$310 CAD$135 CAD (est)Pharmacare: diabetes only
New Brunswick$308 CAD$133 CAD (est)NB Drug Plan: diabetes only
Newfoundland$312 CAD$137 CAD (est)NLPDP: diabetes only
PEI$320 CAD$140 CAD (est)PEI Pharmacare: diabetes only

Generic prices are estimates based on typical first-generic pricing patterns in Canada. Actual prices set by provincial formularies + pharmacy markups. Updated as pricing data becomes available.

Wegovy (weight-loss indication) in Canada

Wegovy is approved in Canada for chronic weight management. The CDA-AMC (Canadian Drug Agency) recommended Wegovy for public reimbursement specifically for adults with established cardiovascular disease in July 2025. Provincial implementation is rolling out through 2026-2027.

Generic Wegovy (2.4 mg high-dose semaglutide) faces longer patent protection than the Ozempic 1 mg dose. Earliest generic Wegovy: 2028-2029. Until then, Canadian patients seeking weight loss treatment pay full brand price ~$400 CAD/month.

For US patients reading this

Cross-border importation of prescription medications from Canada to the US is restricted by FDA regulations. Despite the price difference, US patients should obtain GLP-1s through US-licensed pharmacies:

  • β€’ Hims & Hers oral Wegovy: $149 USD/month β€” cheaper than Canadian brand Ozempic at current exchange rates
  • β€’ LillyDirect Foundayo: $349 USD/month at 90-day fill
  • β€’ Wegovy savings card: $499 USD/month for commercially insured

FAQ

Is generic semaglutide approved in Canada?
Yes. Health Canada approved two generic semaglutide products in April/May 2026 β€” Dr. Reddy's Laboratories and Apotex. Both are for type 2 diabetes; weight loss indication separate.
How much cheaper is generic semaglutide?
Expected $100-150 CAD/mo vs $250-300 CAD brand Ozempic. Final retail prices set by provincial formularies + pharmacy markup.
Will Canadian generic semaglutide ship to the US?
No β€” cross-border pharmacy import from Canada to US is FDA-restricted. US patients should use US-licensed pharmacies + LillyDirect / Hims / Ro for legitimate access.
Does Canada cover Wegovy for weight loss publicly?
Most provinces do not yet. CDA-AMC (Canada's drug evaluation body) recommended Wegovy for cardiovascular reimbursement in July 2025. Provincial implementation pending.
When will generic Wegovy (high-dose) be available in Canada?
Generic high-dose semaglutide (Wegovy 2.4 mg) faces longer patent protection. Earliest generic likely 2028-2029 once additional patents expire.

Editorial note: Canadian pricing data sourced from provincial formulary databases + pharmacy phone verification. US patients should consult US-licensed providers β€” links above are US affiliate partners.

Related (US market)