Novo Nordisk announced that some Canadians will soon be able to purchase brand-name Ozempic at a reduced price following the arrival of generic semaglutide products in Canada.

The company said eligible patients without public or private drug coverage will be able to access lower prices through a Novo Nordisk Savings Card beginning Friday.The program will be available across Canada except in Quebec and will also apply automatically at Novo Nordisk Care Rx pharmacies operated by Rexall.The announcement follows Health Canada’s approval of generic semaglutide products from Apotex and Dr.Reddy’s earlier in May 2026.Semaglutide is the active ingredient used in Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes and Wegovy for weight management.

These medications belong to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, which help regulate blood sugar levels, slow digestion and increase feelings of fullness.

Apotex stated that its generic semaglutide would cost roughly one-third the price of brand-name Ozempic, which currently costs several hundred dollars per month depending on dosage.Dr.Reddy’s confirmed that its product has already reached select pharmacies and will expand nationwide in the coming days.Coverage for GLP-1 medications in Canada remains limited.Public plans generally cover Ozempic for diabetes treatment under specific conditions, while coverage for weight-loss use is less common.Ontario classifies Ozempic as a limited-use medication, while Alberta requires patients to try alternative therapies first.

The article also notes that negotiations between Novo Nordisk and Canadian public drug plan negotiators over potential Wegovy coverage ended without agreement in late 2025, leaving many Canadians to continue paying high out-of-pocket costs for these medications.