Semaglutide (Wegovy)

Canada’s Drug Agency (CDA-AMC) recommends that Wegovy be reimbursed by public drug plans for chronic weight management if certain conditions are met. Wegovy should only be covered to treat adults who have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m2 or greater and pre-existing cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD), including conditions characterized by narrowed arteries leading to reduced blood flow to the heart, brain, or arms or legs. Wegovy should only be reimbursed if a patient is also on a reduced-calorie diet, has increased physical activity for chronic weight management, and the cost of Wegovy is reduced. For continuation of reimbursement after the first year of treatment, at least a 5% reduction in BMI or total body weight must be documented. Thereafter, patients should be reassessed each year.