Getting Ozempic, (semaglutide), online in Canada appears to be relatively easy, and this ease of access is causing significant problems. There have been instances of a widespread shortage of Ozempic in Canada, affecting those who need it for diabetes treatment. As a result, many diabetic patients struggle to get their prescriptions filled regularly, with some having to get prescriptions filled weekly instead of monthly. Some have faced delays of up to three days in receiving their medication and dealing with pharmacies that don’t have the drug in stock despite saying it’s ready for pickup. So, just how easy it is to get Ozempic online in Canada?
Reporter Morgan Bocknek's describes just how easy getting Ozempic is. Watch how she wakes a mockery of virtual care, which can be a vital tool in delivering healthcare to those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
It's likely you've been hearing a lot about ozempic lately. It's hailed as the miracle drug of the moment for weight loss, even though it was originally intended for type 2 diabetes, and I was able to get it by filling out an online form. Here's how I did it. After answering a few dozen health related questions online, I was approved for ozempic.
At no point did I speak on the phone or have a video consult with a doctor or nurse practitioner. I'll enter my real height and I'll enter my real weight. It says my BMI is too low to be a good match for this weight loss program, but it suggests that if I made an error, I can review my disinformation.
How about I just enter the weight that they suggest? And then I can continue. Doctors and experts I spoke to, expressed concerns that this isn't healthcare at all. It's a business service. One eating disorder expert I spoke to said they were alarmed of how easy it was to get this medication and said people may try to take advantage.
I exchanged a couple of messages with a nurse practitioner who asked me to upload a recent photo of myself. I uploaded this photo and was approved minutes later. The online Telehealth company provided written instructions on how to use the drug and listed side effects and warnings. I haven't heard from the company since.
And that's how easy it was for me to get those epic.
There are online platforms offering Ozempic prescriptions without medical oversight. A simple Google search and you'll see advertisements for obtaining Ozempic prescriptions online "without going to a doctor." This easy access is contributing to the shortage for those who genuinely need the medication, raising concerns about the responsible use of Telehealth services.
The cost of Ozempic can also be a barrier; without insurance, it can range from $250 to $300 per month. Insurance coverage varies significantly, with some plans not covering the medication at all. This financial burden adds another layer of complexity for patients trying to manage their health.
But ethically, many users express frustration that pharmacies are not prioritizing diabetic patients over those using Ozempic for weight loss. And obviously there are concerns about the exploitation of Telehealth loopholes by private companies and potential malpractice through online prescriptions.
Despite these issues, it’s important to note that obesity is a legitimate medical condition often linked to diabetes. There are alternative GLP-1 medications available, though they may have different efficacy or administration methods. Off-label use of medications is common in medical practice, but the current situation underscores the need for a balanced approach to prescribing and distributing Ozempic.
So, while it may be easy to get an Ozempic prescription online in Canada, this accessibility can causing significant challenges for those who rely on the medication for diabetes management and raises serious concerns about its appropriate use and distribution.