Globe and Mail reports Manulife is ‘steering’ patients on Wegovy and Mounjaro to fill prescriptions at Shoppers Drug Mart

At Centrum Pharmacy, we believe patients—not insurers—must decide where they fill their prescriptions. But a new Globe and Mail investigation raises troubling questions about whether Canada’s largest insurer is quietly limiting that choice.

What the Globe and Mail Found

According to the report, Manulife patients prescribed GLP-1 drugs such as Wegovy (semaglutide) and Mounjaro (tirzepatide)—popular medications for type 2 diabetes and weight management—were:

• ❌ Having claims rejected until they spoke with a representative at Shoppers Drug Mart
• ❌ Being encouraged or directed to fill their prescription at a Loblaw-owned pharmacy
• ❌ Feeling they had no other option if they wanted their drug covered without a lengthy, confusing appeals process

This comes only a year after Manulife was criticized for a similar “preferred provider” deal with Loblaw, which it eventually cancelled following pushback from patients, pharmacists, and politicians.

Why This Matters

This new arrangement looks and feels like patient steering, even if Manulife and Loblaw insist it’s “not a PPN.”

• Insurers argue: Patients can still technically fill their prescription anywhere.
• Patients report: The process feels coercive—coverage is smoother, faster, and easier if they comply and go to Shoppers.

As Ian Patton of Obesity Canada told the Globe: “It’s just hurdles and a lack of clarity for patients.”

A Wider Trend

Manulife isn’t alone. GreenShield Canada has also restricted coverage of GLP-1 drugs to in-network pharmacies, citing high costs. For patients, this means:

• More red tape
• Delays in accessing treatment
• Losing the pharmacist of their choice

The Problem with Steering

At Centrum Pharmacy, we know GLP-1 medications are not simple “one-and-done” prescriptions. They require:

• Careful dose titration
• Close monitoring for side effects (GI upset, hypoglycemia, pancreatitis risk)
• Ongoing support and coaching to maximize safe use

When insurers push patients toward corporate-owned pharmacies or mail-order services, they undermine the personalized pharmacist-patient relationship that is essential for managing complex therapies.

Why Centrum Pharmacy Stands Apart

At Centrum, we provide Complete, Comprehensive, Caring, Connected Care—not corporate steering. Our pharmacists:

• ✅ Coordinate directly with your physician at Orleans Family Health Clinic
• ✅ Provide face-to-face counselling to ensure safety and effectiveness
• ✅ Offer continuity of care for all your prescriptions, not just one class of drugs
• ✅ Help you navigate insurance coverage while protecting your right to choose where you receive care

We believe your health should never depend on whether you fill your prescription at a chain pharmacy.

💡 If you’ve been told your GLP-1 prescription must go through Shoppers Drug Mart or another insurer-preferred pharmacy, talk to us first. We’ll advocate for your right to access safe, trusted care at the pharmacy you know best.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.