Generic Ozempic in Saskatchewan: What it means for your members
The first generic versions of Ozempic® (semaglutide) are now available in Canada. If your employees have questions about coverage, reimbursement or Special Authorization requirements, understanding how these products are covered under Saskatchewan drug plans and Saskatchewan Blue Cross benefit plans can help you support them.
Generic Ozempic is now available in Canada
Health Canada approved the first generic versions of Ozempic in mid-May 2026, including:
- Apo-Semaglutide Injection
- Dr. Reddy’s Semaglutide Injection
Following approval, pharmacies could begin receiving and dispensing these products as supply became available.
What changes have been made to formularies?
The Saskatchewan Drug Plan Formulary added the generic products on July 1, 2026. They are listed as interchangeable with Ozempic and are subject to Exception Drug Status (EDS) criteria.
The products were also added to Saskatchewan Blue Cross approved drug benefit lists. They were included on the Saskatchewan Blue Cross formulary in mid-May 2026 and on the Saskatchewan Drug Plan Formulary on July 1, 2026 with Special Authorization criteria.
What this means for your members
If members currently receive reimbursement for Ozempic, they may notice changes depending on the design of your benefits plan.
For plans with generic substitution or mandatory generic substitution provisions, reimbursement for brand-name Ozempic will generally be limited to the cost of the lowest-priced interchangeable generic product.
This means members who choose to continue using the brand-name product may be responsible for paying the difference in cost.
What about Blue Choice, Conversion and Guaranteed Acceptance plans?
Ozempic and its generic alternatives remain subject to EDS requirements under the Saskatchewan Drug Plan Formulary.
As a result, these products continue to be ineligible for reimbursement under:
- Blue Choice plans
- Conversion policies
- Guaranteed Acceptance policies
Do members need a new Special Authorization approval?
No.
If a member already has Special Authorization approval for Ozempic, that approval has automatically been updated to include the available generic alternatives. They do not need to submit a new request simply because they are switching from the brand-name product to a generic version.
Are the generics approved for weight management?
No.
Like Ozempic, the generic versions are currently approved by Health Canada for the management of Type 2 diabetes. They will not be considered for off-label uses, including chronic weight management.
Can members still receive coverage for brand-name Ozempic?
It depends on your plan’s generic drug provisions.
If your plan includes generic substitution requirements, reimbursement for the brand-name product may still be available when the prescribing physician has indicated “No Substitution” on the prescription and the pharmacy submits the claim using the appropriate intervention code.
Without a valid No Substitution designation, reimbursement will generally be based on the cost of the interchangeable generic product.
What if a previous Special Authorization request was declined?
If a member was previously denied Special Authorization coverage for Ozempic, the outcome is unlikely to change with a generic version.
Because the eligibility criteria remain the same, a request that did not qualify for Ozempic would generally not qualify for generic semaglutide.
What you should know
The introduction of generic Ozempic may help reduce drug costs while maintaining access for eligible members. As a plan administrator, you may receive questions from employees about coverage changes, reimbursement levels and Special Authorization requirements. Understanding how generic Ozempic is covered under your benefits plan can help you answer questions and direct members to the resources they need. If you have any questions, contact your dedicated Service Specialist, or email groupservicecenter@sk.bluecross.ca.