Is there a generic for Ozempic in Canada

Over the past few years, the prescription medication Ozempic (semaglutide) has become a household name, in part due to social media and celebrity coverage. Notably, its spike in popularity led to an international shortage from 2022 to 2025. Although Ozempic has been developed to manage type 2 diabetes, it’s now best known for its effects on weight loss and obesity. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, makes people feel fuller for longer, reduces appetite, and helps them consume fewer calories.

Since Ozempic is a brand name, it can be expensive, especially for people paying out of pocket or dealing with limited insurance coverage. The mix of high popularity and price naturally leads patients to seek lower-cost alternatives.

This article explores whether there is a generic for Ozempic, not only in the U.S. but also in Canada and beyond. We will also explain why patients should consider buying their weight-loss medications from Canada Pharmacy.

Generic Ozempic: What to Know

While the term “generic Ozempic” is commonly used, “generic semaglutide” is more accurate, since Ozempic is the brand name and semaglutide is the active ingredient. A generic is an FDA-approved version of a drug with the same active ingredient as the brand. This makes both versions interchangeable, with generics typically being available at a lower price. While some markets, such as India, already offer generic versions of Ozempic, there is currently (as of February 2026) no such option in the U.S., since patent protection lasts into the early 2030s.

However, some versions available online may be compounded (custom-made) semaglutide, which isn’t FDA-approved but was common and legal during the Ozempic shortage from 2022-2025. Since the shortage ended in 2025, the regulations have been narrowed, although some clinics and pharmacies may still sell compounded GLP-1 products under specific circumstances.

In other cases, products marketed online as generic Ozempic may be counterfeit, which is a growing problem for Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs in recent years. These products may sometimes be labelled “for research” or “not for human consumption” and, therefore, may be unsafe.

Is There a Generic for Ozempic in Canada

After learning about the current situation in the U.S., you may be wondering whether there is a generic for Ozempic in Canada, since the country is geographically close, known for its strict pharmaceutical regulations, and typically has lower drug prices than the U.S.

In contrast, Novo Nordisk’s patent protection in Canada has expired in January 2026, and Health Canada has already received multiple active applications from companies seeking to sell generic semaglutide. However, these products must first be developed, reviewed, and approved by Health Canada before they are available at pharmacies. While there is currently no exact date for when a generic will be available, some experts suggest Canadians and cross-border U.S. customers may start seeing generics around mid-2026.

Buying Your Medications at Canada Pharmacy

As a trusted online pharmacy with over two decades of experience, Canada Pharmacy offers high-quality, affordable prescription and over-the-counter medications as well as pet medicines.

In addition to offering significantly lower prices than U.S. retailers, Canada Pharmacy also ensures safe, pharmacist-reviewed orders, secure online transactions, and convenient home delivery. Customers benefit from fast and affordable shipping, excellent support, and a Lowest Price Guarantee on eligible products.