A major shift in weight-loss treatment is underway in Ontario as residents can now access digital prescriptions for a lower-cost generic version of Ozempic through the online telehealth platform Hims & Hers Health.
The company has begun offering personalized weight-management programs starting at $149 per month, featuring a generic semaglutide injectable produced by Canadian pharmaceutical giant Apotex under the name Apo-semaglutide. The medication is expected to become available in local pharmacies across Canada within days.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient found in brand-name medications Ozempic and Wegovy, is widely used for managing Type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss. These medications belong to the GLP-1 category of drugs, which help regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite.
The development follows the expiry of Novo Nordisk’s Canadian patent on semaglutide earlier this year, opening the door for generic alternatives. Health Canada approved Apo-semaglutide on May 1 for the treatment of adults with Type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise, making Canada one of the first major economies to authorize generic semaglutide injections.
Experts say the introduction of generics could dramatically lower treatment costs. Patients paying out-of-pocket for Ozempic have often faced annual expenses exceeding $3,000, while the new Apotex version is expected to cost roughly one-third of the price of the brand-name drug.
Health officials emphasize that the generic versions meet the same standards for safety, effectiveness, and quality as the original medications. Several additional generic semaglutide products are also reportedly awaiting approval in Canada.
Medical professionals say the move could significantly improve access to obesity and weight-management treatments for Canadians struggling with rising healthcare costs. Dr. Sandy Van stated that generic medications offer patients more affordable options while expanding access to long-term treatment plans supported by healthcare providers.
The telehealth expansion also highlights the growing role of virtual healthcare in Canada, where online medical consultations and prescription services are becoming increasingly common for weight management and chronic disease treatment.