Ozempic is an injectable medication intended to treat type 2 diabetes. It is also prescribed off label by Canadian doctors to patients that are in need of drastic weight loss and belly fat reduction.
Although Ozempic is receiving lots of media attention in the Canadian press and across the world, there are some negatives – some alarming.
There are several side effects that have been documented, some serious that you should be aware of – detailed further down in the content. There is also the potential for weight gain once you stop using the drug. And of course the expense. Due to these negatives there is the option of using a cheaper and safer alternative.
Ozempic Alternatives – Weight loss Medication Like Semaglutide Over the Counter
What Are the Best Over the Counter Alternatives to Ozempic?
There are naturally formulated over the counter alternatives that can produce similar weight loss results to Ozempic. PhenQ and Zotrim are two of the most effective. PhenQ in particular has ingredients that burn fat and suppress appetite. It is also a fraction of the cost of Ozempic and safer!
PhenQ (Best Diet Pill for Overall Weight Loss Support)
CLICK to view PhenQ price and special offers
PhenQ is a dietary supplement that is available over-the-counter and without a prescription. It is one of the best selling natural fat burners in Canada.
PhenQ combines plant-based ingredients like capsimax powder, caffeine, chromium picolinate and piperine to promote fat burning, reduced appetite and increased calorie burning.
The proprietary capsimax powder in PhenQ contains capsicum extract for thermogenic effects, increasing the body’s core temperature.
This enhances metabolism, helps burn more calories and stimulates fat breakdown. Caffeine acts as a stimulant. It amplifies the effects of capsimax powder for fat burning and also gives an energy boost.
Chromium picolinate helps maintain stable blood sugar levels. Research shows it may reduce cravings, regulate hunger and support muscle health.
Piperine (from black pepper extract) acts as a potentiator for improved absorption and benefits of other ingredients. It makes cells more permeable allowing capsimax and caffeine to work more efficiently.
When you lose weight using PhenQ, the weight lost is permanent and not likely to return. It is available to buy at a fraction of the price of Ozempic.
Zotrim (A Diet Pill That Works Like Ozempic)
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Zotrim is an herbal weight loss supplement containing yerba mate, guarana and damiana. These South American plants provide caffeine, theobromine and theophylline which act as stimulants to boost energy and metabolism. Zotrim also has amino acids like tyrosine for appetite suppression. It comes in an easy-to-use tablet taken before meals.
Zotrim works by stimulating release of norepinephrine in the body, an adrenal hormone that increases heart rate, alertness and calorie burning. Caffeine compounds amplify these effects while amino acids curb hunger.
Some studies show yerba mate could help lose weight when combined with diet and exercise. However, evidence is limited and results vary between people based on lifestyle, health factors, and product quality or safety which lacks strong regulation.
Compared to Ozempic, a prescription drug for weight loss and diabetes, Zotrim poses fewer risks and costs. As a supplement, Zotrim is over-the-counter, more affordable and less likely to cause side effects like nausea or diarrhea when taken as directed.
Where to Buy Ozempic – What Canadian Pharmacies Sell Ozempic?
In Canada, Ozempic (semaglutide) is available by prescription through the following pharmacies:
Shoppers Drug Mart – Canada’s largest retail pharmacy chain. They offer Ozempic for pickup in-store or delivery for eligible patients and insurance plans.
Rexall Pharmacy – A large chain pharmacy with locations throughout Canada. They dispense Ozempic for pickup or arrange delivery depending on insurance and availability.
Costco Pharmacy – For Costco members, Ozempic can be purchased at a discounted price through their pharmacy with a valid prescription. They allow for in-warehouse pickup or delivery options.
Walmart Pharmacy – Most Walmart stores in Canada have a pharmacy that provides Ozempic for sale or delivers certain prescriptions based on location and insurance plans serviced.
London Drugs – A western Canadian pharmacy chain that sells and delivers Ozempic for eligible customers and coverage.
Independent and smaller regional pharmacies – Some locally owned pharmacies may also offer Ozempic for sale and delivery depending on demand and insurance providers they work with in each area or province. Pricing and availability varies between independent stores.
Express Scripts Canada – A home delivery pharmacy service for Canadians. They deliver Ozempic nationwide for patients with eligible prescription plans and insurance. Coverage depends on specific policies and plans.
PocketPills – An online pharmacy in Canada that provides free shipping and delivery of Ozempic anywhere in Canada with a valid prescription. They accept most major insurance providers.
CanadaDrugsOnline – A licensed and accredited online Canadian pharmacy that sells and delivers Ozempic nationwide on prescription. They offer competitive pricing and accept many insurance plans with coverage for Ozempic and similar medications.
The major pharmacy chains in Canada like Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Costco and Walmart, as well as some independent or regional pharmacies and online mail order services can provide Ozempic on prescription and arrange delivery for many patients.
Availability and coverage ultimately depend on individual insurance plans and policies in each province or area. Comparing between different pharmacies may help obtain the best overall price for Ozempic based on out-of-pocket costs and coverage. But a valid prescription from a licensed physician is required in all cases.
Ozempic Cost in Canada
The cost of Ozempic (semaglutide) in Canada depends on several factors, including:
Dosage – Ozempic comes in two dose strengths: 0.5 mg and 1 mg. The higher 1 mg dose tends to cost more than the lower 0.5 mg dose. The dosage prescribed depends on individual needs and response.
Insurance coverage – For patients with private prescription drug plans or government coverage like Ontario Drug Benefit, Ozempic typically costs between $30 to $150 per month or less in copays or out-of-pocket fees based on specific policies. For uninsured patients, the retail price can range from $350 to $500 per month on average depending on dosage and pharmacy used.
Pharmacy or supplier – Prices for Ozempic vary between different pharmacies in Canada due to differences in wholesale pricing they are able to access and their business models. Shoppers Drug Mart, Costco and Walmart typically offer lower prices, while smaller independent pharmacies may charge more. Online or mail order pharmacies like Canada Drugs Online also tend to provide lower costs.
Manufacturer discount programs – Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, offers discount or patient assistance programs for certain patients who meet eligibility criteria based on income, insurance status and other factors. Discounts of up to 75-80% off the retail price or free medication may be available for those who qualify. Patients must enroll and are approved on a case by case basis.
Time of year – Drug prices in Canada are often higher during the first part of a new calendar year until a price reduction or rebate period occurs, usually in April or May. Patients filling early in the year may pay $50-$100 more per month versus later in the spring or summer for the same medication and dosage. Price drops are not guaranteed year to year but are common for brand name drugs like Ozempic.
Based on these factors, a reasonable estimated range for the monthly cost of Ozempic in Canada may be:
Can You Get Ozempic On Health Insurance in Canada
For insured patients with coverage – $30 to $150 per month or less in out-of-pocket costs depending on dosage and specific insurance plan.
For non-insured patients paying retail price – $350 to $500 per month on average for either 0.5 mg or 1 mg dose based on current prices.
Using a discount pharmacy or with a manufacturer’s coupon – $100 to $350 per month for a self-pay patient with the potential for greater discounts of 75-80% or free medication for those who qualify for and are approved to receive assistance.
The exact price for Ozempic will depend on a person’s unique situation, location in Canada and options available to them based on both public or private insurance enrollment and eligibility for select discount or patient programs. Comparing between different pharmacies and suppliers may yield the best overall monthly cost, especially when paying without coverage. But affordability always remains a key consideration when determining appropriate treatment based on needs and practical resources accessible.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable medication approved for type 2 diabetes, but it is also used off-label for weight loss. Here is how Ozempic works for weight reduction:
It acts like a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1 or GLP-1. This hormone helps control blood sugar levels, reduces appetite and promotes weight loss. Ozempic mimics the effects of GLP-1 in the body to produce these benefits.
It works by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, stomach, intestines and brain. This action helps your pancreas produce more insulin when blood sugar levels rise, especially after eating. It also reduces the rate at which the stomach empties after meals and inhibits the intestines from absorbing fat and sugar as quickly.
By slowing digestion and effects on gut hormones, Ozempic causes a decrease in appetite and creates a feeling of fullness earlier and longer after eating. This can lead to less food intake and loss of excess pounds over time. Effects tend to be the most significant early in treatment but must be maintained through ongoing lifestyle changes for continued progress.
In weight loss studies, participants using Ozempic lost an average of 3-7% more of their total body weight compared to placebo over about 68 weeks. For someone weighing 200-300 lbs, this could be 6 to 15 lbs or more of weight reduction, but results vary between individuals and also depend on adjustments to diet and exercise in addition to the medication.
Ozempic requires gradual dose increases under medical supervision to reach the level that is effective for weight loss while minimizing risks of side effects which can include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea especially when first starting or increasing doses. The typical maintenance dose for weight management is 1-2 mg per week.
Ozempic used alone does not treat obesity and is not meant as a substitute for lifestyle changes. To achieve meaningful or sustainable weight loss, significant changes to diet and activity levels remain essential in combination with any medication. Quick fixes tend to provide only temporary results at best.
What Other Drugs are Similar to Ozempic
Here are the most commonly prescribed drugs similar to Ozempic.
Here’s a list of the main options available:
- Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
- Wegovy (Semaglutide)
- Trulicity (Dulaglutide)
- Byetta (Exenatide)
- Bydureon (Exenatide)
Like Ozempic, the above drugs are injectable
Who Should Use Ozempic for Weight Management?
Patients with a Body Mass Index of above 27 are considered to be candidates for prescription medications or medication such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro, according to the Canadian Medical Association in conjunction with Health Canada. In addition to this, there should be one comorbid condition or chronic disease, such as hypoglycemia or coronary artery disease.
Should Canadians Use Ozempic to Lose Weight?
Those with type 2 diabetes who are using Ozempic to control their condition have few other options. The majority of the other prescribed treatments operate in a manner that is analogous to this one. Ozempic is a medication that falls under the category of GLP-1 receptor agonists. The advantages are comparable in both cases. The adverse consequences can also be quite serious.
It is important to note, however, that many people who have type 2 diabetes are able to control their low blood sugar levels without the assistance of medical professionals. They replace it with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
There is a wide variety of support and treatment options available to people who require assistance in either losing weight or treating obesity. It should go without saying that including a healthy diet and regular physical activity into your weight loss routine should serve as the foundation of your plan.
Simply keeping track of the calories you consume and ensuring that your diet supplies your body with less calories on a daily basis than it needs makes it possible to lose weight in a healthy and stable manner. If you do this, your body will have no choice but to start burning fat, and as a result, you will gradually shed any additional weight that you are carrying.
However, some people have medical concerns or mobility issues that may limit the possibilities for physical activity that are available to them. Exercise can help speed up the process by increasing the calorie shortage that occurs within your body; however, this may not be possible for everyone.
Ozempic can assist you in your efforts to lose weight by reducing the amount of food you consume while simultaneously reducing feelings of hunger. Because of this, it can be an effective strategy for weight loss.
On the other hand, Ozempic is known to cause some very serious adverse effects. Choose any diet pill that is even mediocre and it will be a better option than Ozempic, but you won’t find anything that comes close to PhenQ’s performance.
Ozempic Side Effects
Ozempic (semaglutide) can cause some side effects, especially when first starting treatment or increasing the dosage. Common side effects of Ozempic include:
• Nausea and vomiting – Feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up. This tends to be more likely when beginning Ozempic or increasing the dose. Nausea usually subsides over time, but slowly increasing the dose as prescribed by your doctor helps minimize discomfort.
• Diarrhea or constipation – Having frequent loose or watery stools (diarrhea) or difficulty passing stools (constipation). Staying well hydrated and adjusting doses slowly can help. Contact your doctor if symptoms are severe or persist for more than a few days.
• Stomach pain – Feeling pain, cramping or discomfort in the abdominal area. This side effect is also usually temporary, but let your doctor know if pain is intense or does not improve.
• Loss of appetite – Not feeling hungry or wanting to eat. This effect contributes to weight loss but can become problematic if resulting in inadequate calorie or nutrient intake long term. Discuss any concerns about appetite or nutritional status with your physician.
• Fatigue – Feeling tired, weak or lacking energy. This tends to happen most often with first starting Ozempic but may continue or come and go in some individuals. Getting enough rest, staying active and balancing blood sugar helps minimize fatigue over time for most.
• Headache – Having pain, throbbing or discomfort in the head. Headaches caused by Ozempic are usually temporary, but can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers when needed as recommended by your doctor.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness – Experiencing a sensation of being off balance, unsteady or like you might faint. Sit or lie down if feeling dizzy and inform your doctor right away. Low blood sugar could be a cause, so monitoring is needed especially when doses are new or changing.
• Injection site reactions – Redness, itching, irritation or changes in skin appearance where the Ozempic injection is given. Usually not serious but can be minimized by properly rotating injection sites and allowing any reactions to heal between use. See a doctor for severe or persistent injection site problems.
Ozempic In Canadian Pharmacies Research Sources and Clinical Trial
1. Dietary Capsaicin and Its Anti-obesity Potency: From Mechanism to Clinical Implications: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5426284/
2. L-Carnitine and Acetyl-L-Carnitine: Potential Novel Biomarkers for Major Depressive Disorder: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8514700/
3. Weight Loss and Delayed Gastric Emptying Following a South American Herbal Preparation in Overweight Patients: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11424516/
4. Glp-1 Receptor Agonists and Risk of Cancer in Type 2 Diabetes: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31420784/
5. GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and the Risk of Thyroid Cancer: https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article-abstract/46/2/384/147888/GLP-1-Receptor-Agonists-and-the-Risk-of-Thyroid?redirectedFrom=fulltext
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