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Generic Ozempic landing soon on Canadian pharmacy shelves
Generic versions of semaglutide, popularly known as Ozempic, will soon be available in Canadian pharmacies.
Canadian-based Apotex announced the launch of its generic version in mid-May. A statement from the company said that its initial inventory shipped to wholesalers and the “Apo-Semaglutide Injection will be on pharmacy shelves across Canada within the coming weeks.”
The company said it will give patients and healthcare providers access to “affordable alternatives” to the brand-name versions.
Canada became the first G7 country to approve a generic version of semaglutide on April 28, 2026, according to a statement from Health Canada . It authorized a second generic medication in early May and is reviewing seven other submissions for generic semaglutide by different companies.
Health Canada’s statement noted that “many generic medications are 45 to 90 per cent cheaper than the brand name versions.”
The federal department said it authorized Apotex’s submission after a “thorough review.” And like “existing products,” the generic injection is meant for the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes.
Supply will vary by province and by pharmacy, according to a statement from Shoppers Drug Mart .
Generic semaglutide has the same active ingredient as Ozempic and is also a prescription medicine. The generic version “is expected to provide the same therapeutic effect at a lower cost for eligible patients,” said Shoppers.
Semaglutide has also been available under the brand name Wegovy. Ozempic was designated by the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk , for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy was designated for weight loss, said the Canadian Medical Association (CMA).
The CMA notes in a statement on its website that health insurance coverage “looks very different for weight management,” with only a small number of private insurance plans offering “partial coverage.” Meanwhile, says the CMA, “public drug plans generally do not cover them.” T
Since the original formulation can cost “several thousand dollars per year (when) insurance doesn’t cover it, many Canadians have to pay out of pocket, making it hard to afford,” said the CMA.
However, once several generic versions become available, prices usually drop, says the association, providing “more affordable” access for Canadians.
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