GLP-1 receptor agonists—such as Ozempic (semaglutide) and tirzepatide—represent a true therapeutic breakthrough in the fight against obesity and type 2 diabetes. Their benefits, including significant weight loss and protection against comorbidities like cardiovascular disease, are well-documented. However, as independent data from studies in the US and Canada shows, the biggest challenge lies not in the drug’s effectiveness, but in patient adherence.
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Protect Your Pharmacy Choice, Take Action Against Patient Steering
In Parts 1–3 of our series, we explored:
- What patient steering is and how insurers use PPNs to direct prescriptions.
- How it affects GLP-1 patients, delaying care and fragmenting treatment.
- Why this is part of a wider pattern of insurer overreach threatening independent pharmacy care.
Now, it’s time to talk about action — what patients, providers, and policymakers can do to protect your right to choose your pharmacy.
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2025 Winter Holiday Hours
The holiday season is upon us! Please take a moment to review our adjusted hours so you can plan ahead for prescription refills, over-the-counter medications, or health advice.
We’re here to help you stay healthy and prepared this holiday season. Thank you for your understanding!
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Statement from Regional Medical Officers of Health on Sharp Rise in Serious Flu Cases in Children
There has been a rapid and significant rise in Influenza A across Ontario, including the Eastern Ontario region. CHEO is reporting a higher-than-usual number of flu cases and complications for this time of year.
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Patient Steering Isn’t Isolated — It’s a Pattern of Insurer Overreach
In Part 1 of our series, we explained the concept of patient steering through Preferred Provider Networks (PPNs). In Part 2, we showed how this behaviour directly harms patients prescribed GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
But here’s the bigger truth:
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Warm Hanukkah Wishes From Our Team
Hanukkah has begun, marking the start of eight nights filled with light, hope, and meaningful tradition. For many families in our community, the Festival of Lights is a time to slow down, gather with loved ones, and celebrate resilience and togetherness.
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Ontario’s Flu Vaccine Distribution Glitch Exposes Larger System Problems – And Patients Are Paying the Price
A recent Toronto Star report highlighted a major issue in Ontario’s flu vaccine distribution system: a Ministry of Health data glitch that temporarily blocked pharmacies from ordering new flu doses. Although corrected quickly, the error exposed deeper flaws that pharmacists across the province—including us at Centrum Pharmacy—have been struggling with all season.
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International Human Rights Day: Access to Health for All
December 10 is International Human Rights Day, a moment to recognize the basic rights and freedoms that every individual deserves. At Centrum Pharmacy, we see healthcare as a cornerstone of human rights.
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Pharmacare in Canada: Filling Gaps Without Collapsing the System
The federal government’s national pharmacare initiative is once again under debate. While the Pharmacare Act commits Ottawa to working toward universal drug coverage, many experts are urging caution—arguing that a single-payer model could risk destabilizing both our drug coverage system and the broader health care structure Canadians rely on.
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Patient Steering and GLP-1 Medications — A Dangerous Combination
In Part 1 of our series, we explained how insurers are limiting pharmacy choice through patient steering. Now, let’s look at a real-world example: patients prescribed GLP-1 medications (such as Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro) for diabetes or weight management.
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