We want to inform our patients and the community about an important update regarding Saxenda® (liraglutide injection).
Saxenda® has been discontinued — the manufacturer has ended production and commercial availability of the medication. This decision was not due to any safety or quality concerns with the medication.
Saxenda belongs to a class of medications known as GLP-1 receptor agonists , which work by regulating appetite, slowing gastric emptying, and improving blood sugar control.
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Shortage and Discontinuation Timeline
A shortage of Saxenda® began in Canada in fall 2025, ahead of the manufacturer’s planned discontinuation. If you were still relying on Saxenda® for your weight management, it’s important to plan an alternative now rather than wait.
What Patients Should Do
If you were using Saxenda®:
- Do not stop a related treatment plan abruptly without medical guidance.
- Speak with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explore alternative options.
- A pharmacist can help you transition smoothly to another evidence-based weight management approach.
What Should You Switch To?
If Saxenda® was working for you, the natural next question is what to switch to. A few other GLP-1 options are available in Canada:
- Ozempic® / Wegovy® (semaglutide) — a once-weekly injection, versus Saxenda’s daily dose.
- Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) — a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist, also once-weekly, approved for type 2 diabetes.
- Zepbound® (tirzepatide) — the same medication as Mounjaro, approved specifically for chronic weight management and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.
- Generic semaglutide — the Health Canada–approved generic versions of Ozempic, now available at a significantly lower cost than brand-name options.
None of these are a like-for-like swap — dosing, side effect profile, and what your insurance covers all differ. See our guide to getting a GLP-1 prescription in Ottawa for what the switch process actually looks like, or book a consultation and a pharmacist can walk you through the options directly.
How Centrum Pharmacy Can Help
At Centrum Pharmacy in Orleans , our pharmacists are here to support you through this transition. We can:
- Review your current treatment with a one-on-one medication review.
- Assess your individual needs.
- Collaborate with your physician to recommend safe and effective alternative treatments.
- Provide guidance and education on the available options to help you maintain your health and wellness.
If Saxenda® was part of your treatment plan, don’t wait to make a change —contact us at Centrum Pharmacy today to schedule a consultation and ensure you have a plan in place.
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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.
