Wegovy Weight Loss Pill Could Soon Be Available in Canada

The oral medication Wegovy, designed for weight loss in adults, may soon be available in Canada pending approval from Health Canada. This announcement follows the recent approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on October 30, 2023, allowing the once-daily pill to be marketed in the United States. According to a spokesperson for Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, the application for Canadian approval has been submitted to federal health officials.

In Canada, the process for drug authorization is managed by the Health Products and Food Branch (HPFB) of Health Canada. Drugs receive authorization after undergoing a thorough review process that assesses their safety, efficacy, and quality. This process may involve evaluation by both HPFB scientists and external experts. As outlined on Health Canada’s website, successful completion of these reviews is necessary for a drug to be legally sold in the country.

If authorized, Wegovy could significantly aid individuals seeking to lose weight. The manufacturer states that when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity, the drug can assist patients in losing weight and maintaining that loss. Clinical trials conducted by the FDA indicated that patients using Wegovy, along with lifestyle changes, experienced an average weight loss of approximately 17 percent.

Wegovy also presents potential health benefits beyond weight loss. According to Novo Nordisk, the pill may lower the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. However, the company emphasizes the importance of consulting a healthcare professional regarding potential side effects before starting the medication. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue, while more serious risks involve potential thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, and severe allergic reactions.

Currently, similar medications in the GLP-1 class are administered via weekly injections. While the oral form of Wegovy offers greater convenience, some experts caution against its effectiveness. Dr. Fahad Razak, an internal medicine physician at St. Michael’s Hospital and a professor at the University of Toronto, notes that the weekly injection method tends to be more effective for weight loss.

Dr. Razak explains that while the oral pill may present a more appealing option for patients hesitant about injections, it is crucial to recognize its limitations. “For most of my patients, I would say with time and experience, they’re able to do the self-injection without too much burden,” he stated. He further elaborates that the oral medication could serve as a viable alternative for those unwilling to pursue weekly injections, despite its reduced efficacy.

As the application for Wegovy’s approval is reviewed by Canadian health officials, many individuals grappling with weight loss are keenly awaiting the outcome. The potential introduction of this innovative oral medication could change the landscape of weight management options in Canada.