Ozempic in Canada
Ozempic is used to treat conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and weight loss.
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Frequently asked questions
Maple 101
Maple is a virtual care platform that connects you with doctors and other healthcare providers via text, audio, or video. After you log in to your Maple account, you can request an online consultation.
Consultations work similarly to in-person appointments — the doctor can complete an assessment by asking questions about your symptoms, going through your health history, and determining what treatment is right for you. If they think your condition is more serious, they may tell you to go to a clinic for an in-person examination.
As a Maple member, you get 24/7 access to virtual primary care online and more. You can connect with our network of providers via text, audio, or video call within minutes.
Pricing and Payment
Our membership costs $79.99/month and covers virtual care for patients and their families, including the primary account holder's spouse and any dependents.
For patients in eligible provinces, our membership includes:
- Access to daily primary care provider visits: One daily visit with a primary care provider for each family member in their household.
- Paediatric care: Covered paediatric primary care visits, available by appointment.
- Second medical opinions: access to a network of experts for a second opinion if diagnosed with a complex condition (e.g. cancer).
- Personal Health Check-Ins: A series of personalized, evidence-based proactive care screenings to maintain and improve health.
- iCBT courses: Access to iCBT (internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy) self-assessment and courses.
- Access to specialists in eligible provinces: Easy access to specialists on Maple within days, not months. No referral is needed.
- Specialist referrals in eligible provinces: Ability to be referred to a physician specialist for in-person care, if needed.
- Credit discounts: An $80 credit per month to be applied to a Maple specialist visit.
Please note that our membership cannot be combined with other offerings, such as private insurance coverage and provincial programs, where available. In some cases, membership fees can be covered by a Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) — check with your HSA provider for more details.
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At Maple, we proudly prioritize privacy as a cornerstone of our virtual care services. We strictly adhere to privacy and healthcare legislation in Canada, such as PIPEDA and PHIPA regulations, to ensure patients' personal and health information remains completely private and safeguarded.
Our policies and consent processes are designed to be simple and easily understood, empowering individuals with control and a clear understanding of their healthcare journey. When using our services, a patient’s session is protected by a comprehensive security infrastructure and stringent data policies.
Patients also retain full control of their personal health information, medical records and test results at all times. Our approach is reinforced by consultations with leading experts, guaranteeing comprehensive policy frameworks that are reviewed at a regular cadence.
All providers delivering healthcare through Maple are licensed in Canada and governed by their licensing regulatory colleges, and in all instances, must act in accordance with the governing principles set out in the telemedicine policies of each medical regulator in the applicable province.
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About Ozempic
Ozempic is a prescription medication used to manage type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events. These include heart attacks or strokes in adults who have both type 2 diabetes and known heart disease. Ozempic contains an ingredient called semaglutide, a type of medication known as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it works by mimicking a hormone in the body that helps control appetite and food intake. Because it targets appetite, Ozempic can be used as a weight loss medication. [1]
Ozempic is primarily prescribed to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes diet and exercise. It works to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks, strokes or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and pre-existing heart disease.
An Ozempic prescription helps lower blood sugar and can also support weight management as part of a treatment plan. Ozempic helps the body manage blood sugar in three ways: it encourages the pancreas to release insulin (define) when blood sugar is high, it signals the liver to produce less sugar, and it slows down digestion to help you feel full longer. [1]
Before you start taking Ozempic, it’s important to know if it’s right for you. Some health conditions and medications don’t mix well with Ozempic, so always check with your doctor first. Ozempic shouldn’t be taken by individuals:
- With a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a rare type of thyroid cancer that produces excess of the hormone calcitonin
- Who are experiencing Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), a genetic disorder that increases the risk of developing tumors in the endocrine glands (special tissues in your body that make and release hormones directly into your bloodstream)
- Who are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Ozempic
- Who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Like most medications, Ozempic can cause side effects. It’s good to know what to expect, and if something doesn’t feel right, you should reach out to your doctor. Common side effects of Ozempic may include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Abdominal distension
- Flatulence
- Gastroenteritis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Nasopharyngitis
More serious risks associated with Ozempic may include:
- Pancreatitis (the inflammation of the pancreas)
- Changes in heart rate
- Kidney problems, such as worsening kidney function
- Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
- Severe allergic reactions
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly when taken with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas
- Suicidal behavior and ideation, not to be given to anyone with existing suicidal thoughts
One key concern with Ozempic is a possible increased risk of thyroid tumors, especially in people with a personal or family history of certain types of thyroid cancer., like medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), If you or a family member has a history of certain thyroid conditions, like MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), Ozempic may not be the right choice. Be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Additionally, Ozempic can cause pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas, which can lead to severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back. If you experience this, contact a healthcare provider right away. Individuals should also be aware of the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), particularly when Ozempic is used in combination with other diabetes medications. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is crucial to ensure the medication is working effectively and to prevent any adverse effects. [1]
Ozempic is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection, which means it’s injected just under the skin. You can inject Ozempic into your abdomen, thigh or upper arm. The initial dose of Ozempic is typically 0.25 mg once a week for the first 4 weeks. After this period, the dose is usually increased to 0.5 mg once a week. If further blood sugar control is needed after at least 4 weeks on the 0.5 mg dose, your healthcare provider may increase the dosage to 1 mg or, in some cases, to the maximum dose of 2 mg once weekly. [1].
If you miss a dose of Ozempic, don’t worry and try to take it when you remember, as long as it’s within five days. If it’s been more than five days, simply skip the missed dose and get back to your regular schedule. Don’t take an extra dose to make up for the missed one.
Ozempic has a long half-life of approximately 1 week, which allows for convenient once-weekly dosing. After you start taking Ozempic, it will take about 4-5 weeks to reach steady levels in your bloodstream. This means the full effects on blood sugar control may take several weeks to become apparent. When taken as prescribed, Ozempic helps maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the week, with its effects lasting from one injection to the next [1].
Ozempic typically starts to show results within the first few weeks of use, but significant improvements in blood sugar levels may take up to 8 weeks.
When taken regularly, Ozempic can help manage blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications from type 2 diabetes. Many people also experience weight loss while using Ozempic, allowing for an easier weight management treatment.
Yes, Ozempic has an expiration date. Before opening, the Ozempic pen should be stored in the refrigerator until its expiration date. After the first use, the pen can be kept at room temperature or in the refrigerator, but it should be discarded after 56 days. It’s not recommended to use Ozempic after its expiration date as its effectiveness is reduced.
- Metformin: A common first-line medication that helps improve the body’s response to insulin and decreases glucose production by the liver
- Sulfonylureas such as glipizide and glyburide: These medications stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin
- DPP-4 inhibitors such as sitagliptin, linagliptin: These drugs work by delaying the inactivation of GLP-1, which increase insulin release
- SGLT2 inhibitors such as empagliflozin, dapagliflozin: These medications help the kidneys remove excess glucose from the bloodstream through urine
- Other GLP-1 receptor agonists such as, liraglutide, dulaglutide, semaglutide. Similar to Ozempic, these drugs help manage blood sugar by mimicking the effects of GLP-1
While Ozempic, Saxenda, and Contrave are all used for weight management in addition to their primary uses, they differ in their active ingredients and mechanisms. Saxenda, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, specifically targets obesity and is used at a higher dose for weight loss, whereas Ozempic is focused more on glucose regulation with secondary weight loss benefits. Contrave isn’t a GLP-1 but a combination of two drugs, naltrexone and bupropion, that work on the brain’s reward system to reduce hunger and cravings, making its mechanism distinct from both Ozempic and Saxenda.
Yes, Ozempic can be used in combination with other diabetes medications, depending on individual treatment needs and under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Common medications that may be used alongside Ozempic include metformin, insulin, and sulfonylureas. However, it’s important to monitor blood sugar levels closely, as combining medications can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
No, Ozempic is a prescription-only medication. You can only obtain Ozempic with a valid prescription from a Canadian-licensed healthcare provider.
In Canada, Ozempic can be prescribed online by licensed healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, endocrinologists and other specialists who manage diabetes care.
Yes, through legitimate virtual care platforms where doctors assess your condition and provide the appropriate prescription. Many licensed healthcare providers now offer virtual consultations, making it easier to buy Ozempic online after an evaluation.
If you’re interested in Ozempic, talk to a doctor or nurse practitioner on Maple today. If they determine an online prescription for Ozempic is right for you, you can get a prescription at their discretion and have it sent to your local pharmacy or delivered to your home. We connect you with our network of doctors and nurse practitioners in minutes online, any time, 24/7, for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment.
Sources:
[1] https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/8/4346
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