Gerstein: GLP-1s Are 'Powerful Drugs,' Not Supplements

Researcher's caution

Dr. Hertzel Gerstein, a diabetes doctor and researcher in Hamilton and director of the Population Health Research Institute jointly run by McMaster University and Hamilton Health Sciences, told CBC News that semaglutide products "are not supplements, they're not over-the-counter things" [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-semaglutide-generic-version-canada-9.7184915]. Gerstein said the drugs "do good things" but warned that misuse "can cause problems and side effects" and recommended consulting a health-care professional before starting therapy [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-semaglutide-generic-version-canada-9.7184915].

Gerstein also pointed to the breadth of research underway, calling the body of evidence "remarkable" and noting that few drugs have undergone that degree of study [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-semaglutide-generic-version-canada-9.7184915].

Second generic clears Health Canada

Gerstein's comments came as Health Canada confirmed on May 1, 2026, that it had authorized a second generic semaglutide injection, filed by Toronto-headquartered Apotex as a generic version of Ozempic [Source: canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/05/canada-approves-second-generic-semaglutide-the-first-g7-country-to-do-so.html]. The regulator said it is currently reviewing seven other submissions for generic semaglutide from different companies and expects further regulatory decisions "in the coming weeks and months" [Source: canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/05/canada-approves-second-generic-semaglutide-the-first-g7-country-to-do-so.html].

The Apotex generic, like the brand-name product, is indicated for the once-weekly treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes to manage blood sugar levels [Source: canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2026/05/canada-approves-second-generic-semaglutide-the-first-g7-country-to-do-so.html]. Apotex global communications vice president Catherine Thomas told CBC News that the company aims to have the product available to Canadians "in the coming weeks" [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-semaglutide-generic-version-canada-9.7184915].

Patient assessment, not just a prescription

Obesity Canada Scientific Director Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam echoed the call for clinical assessment, writing that pharmacotherapy "should only be considered after a full clinical assessment by a healthcare professional competent in evidence-based obesity care" [Source: obesitycanada.ca/news/health-canada-generic-semaglutide-approval/]. Sockalingam said treatment decisions should reflect a person's health status, goals, values, preferences, circumstances and complications [Source: obesitycanada.ca/news/health-canada-generic-semaglutide-approval/].

He added that Health Canada-approved generic medications are "regulated and reviewed for safety, effectiveness, and quality," giving patients, healthcare professionals, pharmacists, payers and policymakers a common foundation for decision-making [Source: obesitycanada.ca/news/health-canada-generic-semaglutide-approval/].

Pricing context

CBC reported that, depending on dose, Canadians without coverage can pay about $300 to $400 per month for brand-name Ozempic, "sometimes even more" [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-semaglutide-generic-version-canada-9.7184915]. That range is broadly consistent with current pharmacy prices on GLP1Prices.ca, which span $222 to $663 across listed Ozempic strengths and pack sizes.

Under the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance pricing structure cited by CBC, the first generic could come in at 75 to 85 per cent of the brand-name price, dropping to 50 per cent once a second generic enters the market, and to about 35 per cent when three or more generics are available [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-semaglutide-generic-version-canada-9.7184915].

• First generic: 75-85% of brand list price [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-semaglutide-generic-version-canada-9.7184915]
• Second generic on market: 50% [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-semaglutide-generic-version-canada-9.7184915]
• Three or more generics: about 35% [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-semaglutide-generic-version-canada-9.7184915]

Thomas said Apotex is working with private insurers, adding that "for most private plans, the process to include generics happens shortly after launch" [Source: cbc.ca/news/health/ozempic-semaglutide-generic-version-canada-9.7184915].

Other GLP-1 products

Health Canada's authorizations to date concern semaglutide injections referencing brand-name Ozempic; brand Wegovy and oral Rybelsus remain Novo Nordisk products, while Eli Lilly's tirzepatide products Mounjaro and Zepbound are not affected by the semaglutide generic decisions. Readers tracking pending applications can consult our generic semaglutide tracker or the insurance coverage checker.