Zepbound is a new option for weight management in Canada. It uses tirzepatide to help adults with obesity or overweight issues lose weight. Approved by Health Canada in May 2025, it became available in July.
The cost can vary based on where you buy it and your coverage. Many pay hundreds monthly without help. But programs exist to ease the burden.
This guide covers pricing details, savings tips, and more. You’ll get clear info to plan your treatment affordably.
What Is Zepbound and How Does It Fit Into Canadian Healthcare?
Zepbound mimics two hormones to curb hunger and aid weight loss. It’s injected weekly and works best with diet and exercise. In Canada, it’s for chronic weight management in adults with related health issues.
Unlike Mounjaro, which treats diabetes, Zepbound targets weight directly. Both use tirzepatide, but indications differ. Doctors prescribe it after assessing your needs.
Availability started in summer 2025 through pharmacies like Costco and Walmart. Stock can be limited due to demand.
Current Availability of Zepbound in Canada
Zepbound hit Canadian shelves in July 2025. It’s sold as KwikPens in doses from 2.5 mg to 15 mg. You need a prescription from a licensed doctor.
Pharmacies nationwide carry it, but call ahead for stock. Online services like Cloudcure offer prescriptions and delivery. It’s not yet in all provinces equally.
Health Canada monitors shortages, similar to other GLP-1 drugs. Expect steady supply as production ramps up.
How Much Does Zepbound Cost Without Coverage?
The list price for a 28-day supply of 2.5 mg pens is about $429 CAD at major chains. Higher doses like 10 mg run $500 to $600. This is out-of-pocket for uninsured users.
Prices fluctuate by pharmacy and location. In Ontario, Costco quotes $429 for starters. Walmart might hit $450.
Monthly costs add up fast without help. A year’s supply could top $5,000 for low doses. Shop around to save $50 or more per fill.
Pharmacy Price Variations Across Canada
Costs differ by province and store. In Quebec, independents charge $420 for 2.5 mg. British Columbia spots like London Drugs list $440.
Alberta users report $430 at Shoppers Drug Mart. Atlantic provinces see slight hikes, around $460 due to shipping. Urban areas often beat rural ones.
Always check apps or call for quotes. Some offer loyalty discounts on repeats.
With Private Insurance: What to Expect
Private plans cover Zepbound more often than public ones. Employer benefits might pay 80% after deductibles. Co-pays range from $25 to $100 monthly.
Manulife in Ontario covers it for some, but requires prior approval. Blue Cross varies by policy—check your booklet. If denied, appeal with doctor notes.
Coverage grew in 2025 as obesity treatments gained traction. But not all plans include weight drugs yet.
Public Coverage: Provincial Plans and Limits
Public plans rarely cover Zepbound fully. In Ontario, OHIP doesn’t fund weight loss meds. Quebec’s RAMQ limits to specific cases like diabetes links.
British Columbia’s PharmaCare might reimburse if tied to comorbidities. Saskatchewan covers partially for low-income seniors. Most provinces treat it as non-essential.
Exceptions exist for indigenous services or special programs. Apply through your health authority for reviews.
Eli Lilly’s Savings Programs for Canadians
Eli Lilly’s MyZepbound program helps a lot. It cuts costs by up to $128 on pens for eligible users. With private insurance, pay as low as $25 monthly.
Self-pay patients get savings cards reducing bills to $280 at Walmart. Enroll online—it’s free and quick. Terms apply, like income limits.
The program launched with availability in July 2025. It covers up to 12 months, renewable. Contact Lilly for details.
Comparing Zepbound to Similar Medications
Zepbound prices align with Mounjaro, its diabetes twin. Mounjaro vials cost $350-$475 monthly. Pens hit $575.
Wegovy, a semaglutide option, runs $340-$600. Ozempic, off-label for weight, is $250-$400 but harder to get.
All face shortages, pushing prices up. Zepbound’s dual action often justifies the cost for better results.
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Monthly Cost (No Coverage, CAD) | Public Coverage | Private Coverage Likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zepbound | Tirzepatide | $429-$600 | Limited | High |
| Mounjaro | Tirzepatide | $350-$575 | For diabetes | High |
| Wegovy | Semaglutide | $340-$600 | Limited | Medium |
| Ozempic | Semaglutide | $250-$400 | For diabetes | High |
This table uses 2025 averages from pharmacies. Costs vary by dose and location.
Tips to Lower Your Zepbound Costs
Shop at discount chains like Costco for bulk savings. Use loyalty cards for 5-10% off. Online pharmacies deliver free with orders over $100.
Join patient assistance if low-income. Some provinces offer sliding-scale help. Bulk buys for three months cut per-fill fees.
Track prices via apps like PocketPills. Switch to Mounjaro if your plan covers it better—same drug, different label.
Getting a Prescription: Steps and Costs
See your family doctor or use telehealth like Jill Health. Visits cost $50-$100 without coverage. They assess BMI and health risks.
Endocrinologists specialize but wait longer. Virtual options speed it up. Prescriptions e-transfer to pharmacies.
Follow-up visits ensure safety. Budget $200 yearly for consults.
Real Stories from Canadian Users
Lisa from Toronto pays $280 monthly with MyZepbound at Costco. She lost 15 kg in four months. “The savings card made it doable,” she says.
Mark in Vancouver uses private insurance for $50 co-pays. Without it, he’d skip doses. His plan approved after one appeal.
These tales show planning pays off. Forums like Reddit share more hacks.
Potential Extra Costs to Watch For
Injection supplies add $10 monthly if needed. Travel to stocked pharmacies costs gas. Side effect meds like anti-nausea run $20.
Storage: Refrigerate pens, but room temp works short-term. No extra fridge needed. Monitoring tools like scales cost $50 once.
Factor taxes—5-15% by province. Delivery fees hit $10 without free shipping.
Future Outlook: Prices and Access in 2026
Prices may drop as generics near, but patents last till 2036. More coverage expected with obesity focus. Public plans could add it by mid-2026.
Supply chains stabilize, easing shortages. Eli Lilly plans expansions. Watch CAD updates for changes.
Advocacy groups push for broader access. Your voice matters in policy shifts.
Summary
Zepbound costs $429-$600 monthly without coverage in Canada, but savings drop it to $280 or less. Private insurance helps most, public less so. Use MyZepbound and shop smart for affordability. With planning, it’s a solid weight tool. Stay informed as options grow.
FAQ
How much does Zepbound cost without insurance in Canada?
A 28-day supply starts at $429 CAD for 2.5 mg pens. Higher doses reach $600. Shop at Costco or Walmart for the lowest rates around $400-$450.
Does private insurance cover Zepbound in Canada?
Many plans do, with co-pays from $25-$100 after approval. Employer benefits often reimburse 80%. Check your policy and appeal denials.
What about public health plans for Zepbound?
Coverage is limited, mostly for linked conditions like diabetes. Provinces like BC offer partial help for low-income. Apply via your health authority.
Are there savings programs for Zepbound?
Yes, MyZepbound cuts costs up to $128, or to $25 with insurance. Enroll online for cards valid at most pharmacies. It’s for eligible Canadians.
How does Zepbound compare to Mounjaro in price?
Similar, with Mounjaro at $350-$575 monthly. Both use tirzepatide; choose based on coverage. Zepbound suits weight focus better.