New sales limits on Mounjaro and Trulicity aim to safeguard access for Canadian diabetes patients
British Columbia has barred the sale of two diabetes medications—tirzepatide and dulaglutide—to non-residents who are not physically present in the province, aiming to protect supply for patients managing Type 2 diabetes.
As reported by The Canadian Press, the new regulation bans pharmacies from dispensing these drugs, sold under the brand names Mounjaro and Trulicity, to individuals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents unless they pick up the medication in person.
The restriction expands on a 2023 rule that limited the sale of semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus.
The Ministry of Health stated that the medications will remain available to Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and BC residents who hold a valid prescription—either online or in person.
Non-Canadians can still purchase them with a valid Canadian prescription, but must appear in person at the pharmacy.
Health Minister Josie Osborne said using these medications for weight loss is contributing to shortages in multiple countries, including the United States.
She stated that the government is taking steps to maintain access for people with diabetes who rely on the drugs.
Although Osborne noted the drugs’ use for weight loss was off-label, semaglutide sold as Wegovy has been approved by Health Canada for weight loss since 2021, as reported by CBC.
The College of Pharmacists of BC is responsible for ensuring pharmacists comply with the provincial regulations, as per statements from the ministry.
Health benefits and risks tied to the medications have also drawn attention.
A Nature Medicine study published in January found that GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic may lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney conditions, schizophrenia, suicidal ideation, and Alzheimer’s disease.
The same study observed that users also showed reduced alcohol and cigarette consumption.
However, the study also cited potential side effects such as nausea, vomiting, arthritis, and low blood pressure that could result in fainting.
It also warned of life-threatening complications linked to pancreas and kidney inflammation, particularly among users who consume less water while on the medication.
Researchers cautioned that the findings relied on data from two million US veterans with disabilities, a group primarily composed of older white men, and recommended future research include more diverse populations.
