Question 1

What are GLP-1 medications?

Accepted Answer

GLP-1 receptor agonists (Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®, and the oral form Rybelsus®) are a class of prescription medications. Several have indications for type 2 diabetes; some carry weight-management indications. Whether one is appropriate for you is determined by the reviewing physician based on your full health profile.

Question 2

Which medications will BCDrugs offer?

Accepted Answer

We plan to offer semaglutide (Wegovy®/Ozempic®) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) — all Health Canada–approved medications dispensed from our licensed BC pharmacy. Exact availability will be confirmed closer to launch based on supply. We will not offer compounded or unregulated alternatives.

Question 3

Who is eligible for GLP-1 medications?

Accepted Answer

You may be eligible if you are 18+ and have a BMI ≥ 30, OR a BMI ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related condition such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or obstructive sleep apnea. A BC-licensed physician will review your health questionnaire before any prescription is issued. Certain conditions — including a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, or pregnancy — are contraindications.

Question 4

How does the dose escalation work?

Accepted Answer

GLP-1 medications are started at a low dose and gradually increased over several months to minimize side effects. For example, semaglutide (Wegovy®) follows a 5-step escalation over ~5 months: 0.25mg → 0.5mg → 1mg → 1.7mg → 2.4mg (maintenance). Your physician determines your appropriate dose at each stage.

Question 5

What weight loss should I expect from the starter dose?

Accepted Answer

For most patients, the starter dose (e.g. semaglutide 0.25 mg/week) is intended to establish your tolerance and side-effect baseline — not to drive significant weight loss on its own. It is normal to see little or no weight change at this stage. The physician then escalates the dose over the following months based on how you respond. If you were already stable on a higher dose with a previous prescriber, your physician may continue that dose or escalate from there instead of restarting at the bottom. Please be aware that GLP-1 medication is expensive, and the starter dose may not produce the weight-loss results you are hoping for in the first month or two. Set expectations accordingly: weight loss generally comes once your dose has been titrated up over several months under physician supervision.

Question 6

How is treatment monitored over time?

Accepted Answer

Response to GLP-1 medications varies between individuals. Your physician monitors progress and adjusts the dose as appropriate. Outcomes depend on your starting health profile, the specific medication, dose, duration of treatment, and accompanying lifestyle changes. Discuss expectations and monitoring schedule with the reviewing physician.

Question 7

What are the common side effects?

Accepted Answer

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation — particularly during dose escalation. These typically improve as your body adjusts. Starting low and going slow is specifically designed to minimize these effects. Serious side effects are rare but include pancreatitis and gallbladder issues.

Question 8

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Monthly pricing at BC Drugs Pharmacy: Semaglutide (Generic Ozempic) $234.40, Rybelsus (oral semaglutide) ~$410, Ozempic ~$431, Wegovy ~$644, Mounjaro ~$644. Prices are in CAD and subject to change. A $65 one-time consultation fee covers physician review and the prescription itself. Some private insurance plans cover GLP-1 medications.

Question 9

Is a doctor consultation required?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A BC-licensed physician must review your health questionnaire and determine if GLP-1 medication is appropriate for you. This is a prescription medication — it cannot be dispensed without a valid prescription. The consultation will be conducted entirely online; no in-person visit is required.

Question 10

Can I use GLP-1 medication long-term?

Accepted Answer

Yes — GLP-1 medications are intended for long-term use. Clinical evidence shows that stopping the medication typically results in regaining most of the lost weight. Your physician will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan over time.

Question 11

What if I already have an Ozempic or Wegovy prescription?

Accepted Answer

We plan to offer prescription transfer services for GLP-1 medications, so you may be able to transfer your existing prescription to BCDrugs — just as we currently do for ED and birth control. Details will be confirmed at launch.

GLP-1 减重处方药

我们计划提供的药物

服务流程

谁有资格？

常见问题

GLP-1 减重处方药

我们计划提供的药物

服务流程

谁有资格？

常见问题