Semaglutide in Canada

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Semaglutide is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and assist in weight management. It’s part of a class of drugs known as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists. These medications work by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate appetite and blood sugar levels. Semaglutide stimulates the release of insulin, reduces the production of glucose by the liver, and slows down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, helping you feel full for longer periods. This mechanism helps manage both blood sugar and body weight, making semaglutide an effective treatment for people with type 2 diabetes or obesity. It’s typically administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection ^[1].

Semaglutide has a range of medical applications, primarily targeting type 2 diabetes and obesity. The key uses of semaglutide include:

• Improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise
• Aiding weight loss and weight management in adults experiencing obesity or being overweight and have at least one weight-related medical issue, such as hypertension or dyslipidemia (abnormally high or low amounts of any or all lipids or lipoproteins in the blood)

Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular events like heart attacks, strokes, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes who have established cardiovascular disease ^[1]

Before you start taking semaglutide, it’s important to know if it’s right for you. Some health conditions and medications don’t mix well with semaglutide, so always check with your doctor first. Semaglutide 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 semaglutide
• Who are pregnant or breastfeeding

Like most medications, Semaglutide 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 semaglutide may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Headache
• Fatigue 
• Dizziness
• Abdominal distension
• Flatulence
• Gastroenteritis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease 
• Nasopharyngitis

Serious side effects 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 such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in patients with type 2 diabetes, particularly when semaglutide is used in combination with other diabetes medications like insulin ^[1]
• Suicidal behavior and ideation, not to be given to anyone with existing suicidal thoughts

One key concern with semaglutide 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), semaglutide may not be the right choice. Be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Additionally, semaglutide 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 semaglutide 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]. 

Semaglutide is administered as a subcutaneous injection, which means it is injected just beneath the skin. The injection is typically given once a week and can be administered into areas like the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. 

The starting dose of semaglutide is 0.25 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks. This low dose helps the body adjust to the medication and minimizes side effects. After the first 4 weeks, the dose is typically increased to 0.5 mg once weekly. In some cases, if more blood sugar control is needed after at least 4 weeks on the 0.5 mg dose, the dose can be increased to 1 mg or even 2 mg once weekly, which is the maximum recommended dose ^[1].

Semaglutide has a long half-life of about 1 week, which is why it is administered once a week. After consistent use for 4 to 5 weeks, semaglutide reaches steady-state levels in the body, which means that the medication’s effects will remain stable. Its impact on blood sugar control and appetite suppression continues throughout the week between doses

If a dose is missed, administer semaglutide as soon as possible within 5 days after the missed dose. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. In each case, patients can then resume their regular once weekly dosing schedule.

When taken regularly as prescribed, semaglutide can provide significant benefits, including improved blood sugar control for people with type 2 diabetes and potential weight loss.

Results with semaglutide can vary, but most people begin to see improvements in blood sugar levels within the first few weeks. For weight loss, noticeable changes typically occur after a few months of consistent use. 

Semaglutide affects appetite and cravings by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate hunger. It works by slowing down how quickly your stomach empties and signals your brain that you feel full, which reduces the desire to eat. Many people notice a significant decrease in cravings, particularly for high-calorie or unhealthy foods, making it easier to manage portion sizes and control overeating. 

Yes, like all medications, semaglutide has an expiration date. Before the first use, semaglutide pens should be stored in the refrigerator until the expiration date on the packaging. After first use, the pen can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator, but it should be discarded after 56 days, regardless of how much medication is left in the pen. Using expired medication may reduce its effectiveness.

Yes, semaglutide can be used for both weight loss and diabetes management. Originally developed for type 2 diabetes, semaglutide helps regulate blood sugar levels. It’s approved for weight loss under certain brand names due to its ability to reduce appetite and promote a feeling of fullness.

For effective weight management with semaglutide, it’s important to adopt key lifestyle changes alongside the medication. Focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, such as vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while limiting processed and high-sugar foods. Regular physical activity, including both cardio and strength training, is also essential to support weight loss and improve overall health. Staying hydrated and getting enough sleep can further enhance results. 

• Wegovy (semaglutide), a GLP-1 receptor agonist like semaglutide that is administered once weekly
• Contrave (naltrexone/bupropion), which affects areas of the brain involved in appetite regulation and reward
• Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate), a combination of two medications that work together to promote weight loss
• Xenical (orlistat), which blocks fat absorption in the digestive system
• Ozempic (semaglutide), which helps lower blood sugar production

Yes, semaglutide can be taken with other medications, but it’s recommended to consult your healthcare provider before combining treatments. Certain medications, particularly those that lower blood sugar, like insulin or sulfonylureas, may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with semaglutide. 

No, semaglutide isn’t available over the counter. It’s a prescription medication, which means you need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to obtain it.

In Canada, semaglutide 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 semaglutide online after an evaluation. 

If you’re interested in a semaglutide prescription for diabetes or weight loss, talk to a healthcare provider on Maple today. If they determine an online prescription for semaglutide 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.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.645563/full