Have you ever heard about generics and brand-name drugs and wondered how exactly they differ? Brand-name drugs are the original versions of any medication. This means that brand-name manufacturers typically invest large sums in research, clinical testing, marketing, and more before the drug enters the market and is sold under a company’s trademarked name.

Just like brand-name drugs, generic medications are FDA-approved. They are therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name version, contain the same active ingredient and are therefore just as safe, effective, and high-quality. However, generics are often available at a lower price, since many of the cost-intensive steps (e.g. research and clinical trials) have already been handled by brand-name manufacturers. This makes generics a popular choice not only for people with a small budget, especially when medications need to be afforded long-term, but also for insurance companies.

“Is there a generic version of Ozempic?” is a common question people ask about this brand-name drug, which has gained significant popularity over recent years. Read the following article to find out key facts about Ozempic, whether you can buy generic Ozempic in the U.S. or Canada and why you should consider buying your weight-loss medications at Canada Drugs Direct.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a brand-name prescription medication containing the active ingredient semaglutide. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, the medication is used to manage type 2 diabetes in adults, alongside lifestyle adjustments like diet and exercise. Additionally, this drug is approved to help reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease, and to reduce risks related to chronic kidney disease progression in certain adults with type 2 diabetes. Because of its positive effects on weight loss, it has become one of the most talked-about GLP-1 medications in recent years. Its active ingredient, semaglutide, makes people feel fuller for longer, reduces appetite, and helps them consume fewer calories. Ozempic’s sudden spike in popularity led to an international shortage from 2022 to 2025, along with access issues for other medications used for weight loss, such as Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound.

Generic Ozempic: The Current Situation in the U.S. and Canada

Currently, generic Ozempic (more specifically, “generic semaglutide”) is not available in the U.S., as brand-name patent protection will last into the early 2030s. This may be confusing, since a simple Google search can return multiple websites marketing “generic Ozempic” or “generic semaglutide”. However, given that there is no true generic available yet, some of these products may be counterfeit and potentially unsafe, which has become a growing problem for Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs in recent years.

Some products that are available online may be compounded (custom-made) semaglutide, which isn’t FDA-approved but was common and legal (when meeting the FDA’s compounding requirements) during the Ozempic shortage from 2022-2025. Since the shortage ended in 2025, the regulations have been narrowed, although some clinics and pharmacies may still sell compounded GLP-1 products under specific circumstances.

The situation for Ozempic generics is slightly different in Canada, as Novo Nordisk’s patent protection expired in January 2026, and Health Canada has already received multiple active applications from companies seeking to sell generic semaglutide. However, you should remain cautious when buying weight-loss medications online, as these products must first be developed, reviewed, and approved by Health Canada before they are available at pharmacies. Some experts suggest Canadians and cross-border U.S. customers may start seeing generics around mid-2026.

Why Canada Drugs Direct?

Canada Drugs Direct offers significant savings on high-quality branded and generic prescription medications as well as over-the-counter drugs and pet medicine. Licensed pharmacists review each order, ensuring patients receive precisely what they need. Customers also benefit from coupons and frequent promotional deals, a loyalty rewards program, and a 125% price match guarantee. Order securely around the clock through Norton Shopping Guarantee, and enjoy convenient, discreet, and affordable shipping, as reflected in over 34,000 5-star customer ratings.