April 17, 2023 – Americans have flocked to Canada for the expensive and very trendy weight loss drug Ozempic. But Canadians say not so fast.
British Columbia, a province of Canada, banned Americans from buying the drug, which was created to treat type 2 diabetes, “to ensure that diabetes patients in British Columbia do not experience shortages of the diabetes drug semaglutide (Ozempic) in an environment where increasing demand in some jurisdictions is creating shortages.”
The drug can cost up to $1,000 per month in the US Meanwhile, in Canada, Ozempic can cost around $300 per month.
The British Columbia Ministry of Health published a report that said thousands of US residents have been filling their Ozempic prescriptions in their region. Of the Ozempic dispensed in British Columbia, 15% (15,798 doses) were sold to Americans in January and February of this year.
Don’t be surprised if other Canadian provinces follow suit, said Walter Oronsaye, PharmD, a Houston-based pharmacist who creates online content with information about prescription drugs, including drug shortages.
“If Ozempic isn’t used for diabetes, most of the time it’s not covered by insurance,” he said. “That $1,000 a month is not something that many people can afford. So I think it’s very likely that other parts of Canada will ban it as well.”
In fact, Canada’s national health minister said late last week that it is working with other provinces to prevent the mass export of the drug to American patients. Canadian media reported.
Mark Decerbo, PharmD, a Las Vegas-based pharmacist, said doctors frequently prescribe “off-label drugs.” He also said that the British Columbia power move might also be the best move.
“The popularity of this drug, both for its efficacy and its social media footprint, has undoubtedly contributed to the shortages, as have the ubiquitous disruptions in the global supply chain of the raw materials needed to produce the drug. “, said. saying. “Overall, I fully support British Columbia’s ban on Ozempic purchases for Americans, as the focus of any country should always be to prioritize the health and well-being of its own citizens over others.”
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One of the most controversial issues in the Ozempic dispute: People without diabetes have been taking Ozempic solely to lose weight, leaving some people with type 2 diabetes without vital medication.
Social media platforms, along with celebrity endorsements, have greatly increased the popularity and sales of Ozempic for weight loss, adding to the scarcity.
“There are Facebook groups that offer ways for people to get Ozempic at cheaper prices,” Oronsaye said. “I’m sure there’s a group that found that people could buy Ozempic in Canada.”
People without diabetes who take Ozempic say the controversy has been overblown. Annie Brown, 33, does not have diabetes and takes the medication to lose weight. Having been overweight her entire life, she loves that Ozempic makes her stomach “feel full, even if she’s not.”
Brown called Ozempic “a miracle drug.” He lost 14 pounds within 6 weeks of taking the drug, made by Novo Nordisk. It has received some criticism online, with some saying that you will gain weight if you stop taking it. “You are stealing from diabetics” and “You should be ashamed of yourself” are other comments he has received.
Carol Sortore, who is prediabetic but does not have type 2 diabetes, takes Ozempic to lose weight after her doctor prescribed the medication, which is also covered by her insurance. She says she understands the frustration of people who have diabetes if they can’t get Ozempic due to shortages, but also said they have “a plethora of insulin options available to them,” which isn’t always the case for people obese
“If a person and their doctor have determined that this is a course of action for someone without diabetes, then I don’t think they should feel guilty,” Sortore said.