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Health Canada Approves Ozempic to Reduce Heart Attack and Stroke Risk

  • Rafka Abou-Khalil

    • Summary

    Health Canada has approved a new use for Ozempic: reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in adults with type 2 diabetes who also have heart or kidney disease. This decision follows clinical trials showing that the medication significantly protects the cardiovascular system beyond just managing blood sugar levels.

    Health Canada has officially approved an expanded indication for Ozempic (semaglutide injection), authorizing its use to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in adults with type 2 diabetes.

    This landmark approval means that for patients who also have established cardiovascular disease or chronic kidney disease, Ozempic is now recognized as a vital tool to help prevent life-threatening events, including heart attacks, non-fatal strokes, and cardiovascular death.

    Addressing the Diabetes-Heart Connection

    The link between diabetes and heart health is a major concern in Canada. Type 2 diabetes is estimated to contribute to approximately 40% of heart attacks and 30% of strokes nationwide. Furthermore, cardiovascular disease remains the second-leading cause of death in the country.

    “Adults with type 2 diabetes face a substantially higher risk of heart attacks and other major cardiovascular events than the general population,” says Dr. Lawrence Leiter, Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto. 

    “The results of trials like SUSTAIN 6 have fundamentally changed the management of diabetes… demonstrating that therapies like semaglutide can meaningfully reduce these risks.”

    The Evidence Behind the Approval

    Health Canada’s decision was based on a massive pool of clinical data from four major trials: SUSTAIN 6, PIONEER 6, FLOW, and SOUL.

    These trials consistently showed that when Ozempic was added to the standard of care (such as diet, exercise, and other medications), it provided a statistically significant reduction in cardiovascular risks compared to a placebo. The FLOW trial specifically highlighted benefits for patients with chronic kidney disease, a group often at the highest risk for heart complications.

    Accessibility and Cost in Canada

    For patients looking to access this treatment, cost remains a primary consideration. Most Canadians can expect to pay between $200 and $300 per month for Ozempic out-of-pocket, though prices can vary by pharmacy and province.

    While many private insurance plans cover the medication for type 2 diabetes, coverage for this new cardiovascular indication will depend on individual policy updates and provincial formulary listings.

    What This Means for Patients

    For the millions of Canadians living with type 2 diabetes, this approval shifts the focus of treatment from simply “lowering numbers” on a glucose monitor to long-term survival and organ protection. 

    “By addressing cardiovascular risk, we are helping move chronic disease care forward and supporting better outcomes for patients,” says Iain Graham, General Manager of Novo Nordisk Canada Inc.

    As Ozempic’s role evolves from a metabolic tool to a cardiovascular shield, the focus for millions of Canadians shifts from managing a condition to actively extending their life expectancy.

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