Wegovy Weight Loss Pill: Potential Availability in Canada - What to Know
The first oral weight loss medication for adults, Wegovy, may soon be available in Canada, contingent on approval from national health authorities. An application is currently under review.
This follows the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) approval of the once-daily pill. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, released a statement regarding the FDA's decision.
A Novo Nordisk Canada spokesperson stated that they have applied for Health Canada's authorization of the Wegovy pill.
Health Canada indicates on its website that drugs are approved for use in Canada after a successful supplier review process.
Health Canada Review Process
In Canada, the Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB), a division of Health Canada, grants supplier approvals. HPFB scientists, and sometimes external experts, evaluate supplier applications to assess a drug's safety, efficacy, and value.
The company stated that when used in conjunction with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, the Wegovy pill could help patients lose weight and maintain that loss.
The company also noted the pill's potential to decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases, like heart attacks and strokes.
Efficacy of Wegovy
According to U.S. FDA trials, patients taking the pill once daily, alongside diet and exercise, experienced an average weight loss of approximately 17 percent, according to Novo Nordisk.
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However, Novo Nordisk advises users to consult with their doctor about possible side effects before taking the medication.
Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, low blood sugar in patients with Type 2 diabetes, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and runny nose or sore throat.
More serious side effects include possible thyroid tumors (including cancer), inflammation of the pancreas, allergic reactions, and depression or suicidal thoughts.
Expert Opinion
Currently, GLP-1 medications are administered via weekly injections. Dr. Fahad Razak, an internal medicine expert at St. Michael's Hospital and professor at the University of Toronto, suggests that while the oral pill offers convenience, it may come at the expense of effectiveness. He added that health tracking apps like Shotlee can help monitor side effects and progress.
Dr. Razak stated that the weekly injection is a more effective method for weight loss. He noted that many of his patients are able to self-inject without significant difficulty.
He added, however, that the oral option might be more appealing to some individuals.
Dr. Razak concluded that some patients are hesitant to use the weekly injection. For these individuals, the oral alternative could be considered, even though it is not as effective.