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(semaglutide) injection
Weekly injection
Helps you feel full faster, longer
Improves the way your body responds to sugars
Ozempic® is not Health Canada approved for weight loss, but may be prescribed off-label if a provider deems it appropriate
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a medication classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This group of drugs is commonly referred to simply as "GLP-1s."
Ozempic has been approved by Health Canada to manage and mitigate specific symptoms and risks associated with type 2 diabetes.
Ozempic functions by decelerating the digestive process, thereby prolonging feelings of fullness. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it mimics a naturally occurring hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, Ozempic may aid in weight loss by supporting these metabolic processes.
We will work with you to determine if your insurance provider provides coverage for your GLP-1 medication, which is paid for separately from our weight loss program. If your insurance provider provides coverage, our Insurance Concierge Team will work with you and your insurance provider to provide the necessary documentation. If coverage is denied, we'll help you understand your options, including paying cash.
Selecting a GLP-1 that’s right for you depends on a few factors, including your health history and insurance coverage (if you’re using insurance).
If you qualify for our weight loss program, our team will help determine which GLP-1 is the best fit for you.
You'll inject the medication underneath the skin using an injection pen (a tiny needle - like a pinprick). You should inject into abdominal fat, thigh, or upper arm - ideally, you should rotate between these locations.
This is a painless and quick process, and we'll guide you through how to do this! Regardless of the dose, you'll only inject Ozempic once per week.
Injections should be administered on the same day each week. These can be done at any time of day, with or without food.
Your Medical Weight Loss team will walk you through the side effects patients report most often:
Nausea
Vomiting
Upset stomach
Stomach pains
Constipation
Diarrhea
Learn more about other safety information, including serious warnings here: Ozempic
We combine medication with lab tests, nutrition and checkins for long-term results.
Getting Started
Step 01
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Step 04
ongoing CLINICIAN coaching sessions
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6-Week
Medical Weight Loss Program
Medical & Lifestyle Assessment
Initial Comprehensive Lab Work
Dr. Hershberg's 3-Phase Nutrition Plan
Supply of Protein Bars, Shakes or Soups
Online Prescriptions for Medications (if deemed suitable) or Medication-Free Programs Available
Weekly Check-In Appointments with a Dedicated Clinician
Dedicated Weight Loss Team
Unlimited Full Body Composition Scans
Unlimited Access to Our Patient Care Chat
12-Week
Medical Weight Loss Program
Medical & Lifestyle Assessment
Initial Comprehensive Lab Work
Dr. Hershberg's 3-Phase Nutrition Plan
Supply of Protein Bars, Shakes or Soups
Online Prescriptions for Medications (if deemed suitable) or Medication-Free Programs Available
Weekly Check-In Appointments with a Dedicated Clinician
Dedicated Weight Loss Team
Unlimited Full Body Composition Scans
Unlimited Access to Our Patient Care Chat
Meet our expert
Best-Selling Author and Weight Loss Expert
Dr. Melissa Hershberg, MD, is a board-certified physician, best-selling author and weight loss expert. Through her books, weight loss programs, articles and speaking, she has helped thousands of people make positive lifestyle changes.
Important Safety Information
Ozempic treats type 2 diabetes but may be prescribed for weight loss, if appropriate. Ozempic may have serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors. Do not use if you or your family have a history of a type of thyroid cancer called MTC or MEN 2.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic is the brand name for semaglutide, a medication classified as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This group of drugs is commonly referred to simply as "GLP-1s." Ozempic has been approved by Health Canada to manage and mitigate specific symptoms and risks associated with type 2 diabetes.
How Does Ozempic Work?
Ozempic functions by decelerating the digestive process, thereby prolonging feelings of fullness. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, it mimics a naturally occurring hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, Ozempic may aid in weight loss by supporting these metabolic processes.
How Do You Take Ozempic?
Ozempic comes in a prefilled injection pen that contains multiple doses. If prescribed, you (or someone in your household) will select the prescribed dose, then administer the injection under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or arm once a week.
While a routine injection may sound intimidating, the Ozempic pen uses a tiny needle designed to minimize discomfort. You’ll also receive clear instructions on using the injection pen, and your Wellness Haus Medical Weight Loss Team can offer additional advice.
Do You Prescribe Ozempic for Weight Loss?
Ozempic is not Health Canada approved for weight loss. Wellness Haus healthcare professionals have the discretion to prescribe a medication off-label if they believe it is an appropriate course of treatment for a particular patient.
Side Effects
Ozempic® may cause serious side effects, including:
Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your health care provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Ozempic® and medicines that work like Ozempic® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Ozempic® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people.
Do not use Ozempic® if you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
The cost of Ozempic is typically around $265 CAD + HST per month. However, please note that prices may vary based on factors such as the pharmacy, dosage, and other factors.
While no foods are off-limits when taking Ozempic, some can cause symptoms similar to the medication’s side effects or make diabetes control and weight loss more challenging. To get the most out of Ozempic, consider limiting:
1. Fried, greasy foods: These can cause nausea, bloating, and gas, worsening Ozempic's stomach-related side effects and are high in trans fats.
2. Sugary foods and drinks: These spike blood sugar levels, countering Ozempic's benefits for diabetes and weight management.
3. High sodium foods: Excess salt can lead to high blood pressure and heart disease, potentially thwarting Ozempic's heart-protective effects.
4. Refined carbohydrates: Foods like white pasta and cereals can cause sharp blood sugar spikes. Opt for low glycemic index foods like whole grains.
5. High-glycemic starchy vegetables: Starchy vegetables like potatoes can raise blood sugar levels. Choose low-glycemic vegetables like leafy greens.
6. Alcohol: Both Ozempic and alcohol can lower blood sugar, so monitor your intake and consult your healthcare provider for safe consumption levels.
The time it takes to notice the effects of Ozempic® varies for each individual. Initially, you will start with a low dose to allow your body to adjust and minimize side effects. The dose is gradually increased each month. By following the recommended titration schedule, you will reach the highest dose (2 mg) after 3 months. Some patients notice effects on their appetite at the lowest dose (0.25 mg), while others need higher doses.
All medications carry a risk of potential side effects. Ozempic’s side effects are typically mild and often improve within the first few weeks of treatment. When they occur, it’s usually when doses are increased, then tend to improve once a steady dose is reached. Some of the most common side effects include:Nausea, Vomiting, Upset stomach, Stomach pains, Constipation, Diarrhea, Heartburn, Acid reflux, Belching and gas, Dizziness, Headaches, Fatigue.
More severe side effects are rarer but possible. Serious side effects include: Thyroid cancer— GLP-1s may be associated with a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma. So far, this side effect has primarily been seen in laboratory studies using rodents, so the risk to humans has not been determined. Pancreatitis, Gallbladder disease, Rapid heartbeat, Severe allergy (hypersensitivity), Low blood sugar, Vision problems (diabetic retinopathy), Kidney disease, Suicidal thoughts or behaviors are other more serious side effects.
Please see the full Prescribing Information, including the BOXED WARNING, for complete safety information.
Whether insurance covers semaglutide in the form of Ozempic®, which is Health Canada-approved for type 2 diabetes, depends on your insurance plan. Insurance plans have different policies on covering certain medications and under what circumstances they are covered. Medication coverage is part of the insurance plan benefits. While weight loss medications are often not covered, Ozempic may be covered by more insurance plans. To determine if Ozempic is covered by your insurance and what other medications are included, review your plan’s drug coverage, which lists the generic and brand name prescription drugs covered by your plan.