How Much Does Zepbound Cost in Canada: A Clear Price

Zepbound is a popular weight loss injection, but its cost can confuse people—especially in Canada. Many want to know how much does Zepbound cost in Canada since it’s not fully available there yet. This article explains the price picture in simple terms.

We’ll look at why it’s tricky to pin down, what affects the cost, and how Canadians might get it. Let’s dig into the details and sort it out.

What Is Zepbound?

Zepbound is a weekly shot made by Eli Lilly to help adults lose weight. It uses tirzepatide, a drug that cuts hunger by mimicking two hormones—GLP-1 and GIP. You inject it under the skin with a pen or vial.

It’s approved in the U.S. for obesity and sleep apnea tied to weight. Doses start at 2.5 mg and can go up to 15 mg. People lose up to 20% of their body weight, studies show.

In Canada, it’s not approved yet. That makes pricing fuzzy—but we can still figure out some numbers.

Zepbound’s Status in Canada

Health Canada hasn’t greenlit Zepbound as of April 2025. Eli Lilly hasn’t submitted it for review here, unlike in the U.S., where it’s been available since 2023. That means no official sales yet.

Without approval, pharmacies can’t stock it legally. Some Canadians get it through special routes or from abroad. This affects how much does Zepbound cost in Canada right now.

Mounjaro, another Lilly drug with tirzepatide, is approved here for diabetes. It’s often used off-label for weight loss instead.

Why Cost Is Hard to Pin Down

Since Zepbound isn’t sold officially, there’s no set Canadian price. In the U.S., it’s $1,060 monthly for pens without insurance. Canada’s prices would likely be lower due to drug regulations.

Mounjaro gives a clue—it’s about $475 CAD per month for vials. Zepbound might land in a similar range if approved. But right now, it’s guesswork.

Importing or special access muddies the waters more. Shipping, customs, and pharmacy fees pile on extra costs.

Mounjaro as a Price Clue

Mounjaro uses the same tirzepatide as Zepbound, just for diabetes. In Canada, it costs $130 CAD per vial, with four vials making a month’s supply—around $520 CAD. Pens are pricier, near $575 CAD monthly.

Some doctors prescribe Mounjaro off-label for weight loss. It’s the closest match to Zepbound available now. Prices vary by pharmacy and dose.

If Zepbound gets approved, its cost might mirror Mounjaro’s. That’s a starting point to think about.

Importing Zepbound from the U.S.

Canadians can buy Zepbound from U.S. pharmacies online, but it’s not simple. You need a Canadian doctor’s prescription first. Then, places like Insulin Outlet ship it for $399-$549 USD per month for vials.

Add shipping—around $40 USD—and possible customs fees. That’s roughly $600-$800 CAD monthly after conversion. Pens jump to $1,060 USD, or about $1,450 CAD.

It’s legal with a prescription, but Health Canada warns about risks. Quality and delays can be issues.

Table: Zepbound Cost Comparison

Here’s a look at potential costs:

This table shows importing vs. local options. Costs shift with exchange rates and fees.

Insurance and Coverage in Canada

Provincial health plans like OHIP don’t usually cover weight loss drugs. Private insurance might, but it’s rare for new meds like Zepbound. Mounjaro’s coverage is spotty too—often just for diabetes.

If Zepbound gets approved, private plans could pick it up over time. Out-of-pocket is the norm now—$500-$800 CAD monthly if imported. Check your plan, but don’t bank on it.

Lilly’s U.S. savings card ($25-$550 with insurance) doesn’t apply in Canada. Uninsured folks face full prices here.

Factors That Affect the Price

Dosage changes the bill—2.5 mg is cheaper than 15 mg. Vials cost less than pens, but need syringes—add $5-$10 monthly. Pharmacy markups vary too.

Exchange rates matter if importing. A strong U.S. dollar bumps up CAD costs. Shipping and customs can tack on $50-$100 per order.

Approval would drop prices—Canada caps drug costs lower than the U.S. Until then, it’s a premium to get it.

Ways to Get Zepbound in Canada

You can’t walk into a pharmacy for Zepbound yet. Importing from the U.S. or places like Insulin Outlet is one way. You’ll need a prescription and patience for shipping.

Special access through Health Canada is another route. Doctors apply for unapproved drugs in rare cases—it’s slow and not guaranteed. Costs depend on the source.

Mounjaro’s the practical stand-in. It’s here, legal, and cheaper—talk to your doctor about off-label use.

Real Costs People Pay

A Canadian on Mounjaro pays $520 CAD monthly for vials without coverage. They’ve lost 15 pounds in three months—happy with the trade-off.

Another imported Zepbound vials for $650 CAD total, including shipping. They shed 20 pounds in four months but griped about delays.

A third got Mounjaro pens for $575 CAD monthly. Weight’s down 25 pounds in six months—pricey but effective. Stories show the range.

Hidden Costs to Watch

Doctor visits for prescriptions cost $50-$150 without coverage. Follow-ups add more—maybe $100 every few months. It’s part of the deal.

Syringes and alcohol swabs for vials run $10-$20 monthly. Importing might hit you with customs fees—$20-$50 sometimes. These sneak up fast.

Side effects like nausea might mean extra meds—think $10-$20 for antacids. It’s small but adds to the total.

How Approval Could Change Prices

If Health Canada approves Zepbound, costs could drop. Canada’s drug pricing board often sets prices 30-50% below U.S. levels. Think $700-$800 CAD for pens.

Mounjaro’s $520-$575 CAD range hints at this. Approval means pharmacies stock it—no shipping or customs hassles. It’d be smoother and likely cheaper.

Competition might help too. Wegovy’s $340 CAD monthly price could push Zepbound down. Patience might pay off here.

Tips to Manage Costs

Ask your doctor about Mounjaro now—it’s cheaper and here. Off-label use saves over importing Zepbound. Check pharmacies for the best price.

If importing, order in bulk—three months cuts shipping costs per dose. Use sites like Canada Drugs Direct for deals—sometimes 80% off U.S. prices.

Look into Lilly’s assistance programs later. If approved, low-income folks might qualify for discounts. Plan ahead to save.

Long-Term Cost Outlook

Zepbound’s patent lasts until 2036—no generics until then. Prices stay high without competition. Approval could ease that, but not soon.

Demand keeps climbing—15 million U.S. adults might use weight loss drugs by 2030. Canada’s market could follow. Supply issues might hike costs short-term.

If Lilly submits to Health Canada, prices could settle by 2026. Until then, it’s Mounjaro or imports at a premium.

Summary

How much does Zepbound cost in Canada? It’s not set since it’s unapproved here—imports run $600-$1,450 CAD monthly, depending on vials or pens. Mounjaro, at $520-$575 CAD, is the closest legal option now.

Insurance rarely covers it, so you’re likely paying full price. Importing adds shipping and customs fees, while Mounjaro skips those. Approval could drop costs to $700-$800 CAD, but that’s years off.

People manage with Mounjaro or imports, losing 15-25 pounds. Hidden costs like doctor visits pile on. Stick to a budget and smart habits—it’s a pricey but workable path.

FAQ Section

How much does Zepbound cost in Canada right now?
It’s not approved, so imports cost $600-$1,450 CAD monthly. Mounjaro’s $520-$575 CAD is the local alternative.

Can I get Zepbound cheaper in Canada than the U.S.?
Not yet—U.S. vials are $399-$549 USD, but shipping bumps it up. Approval might make it cheaper here.

Does Canadian insurance cover Zepbound?
Rarely—provincial plans don’t, and private ones vary. You’ll likely pay out-of-pocket for now.

What’s the cheapest way to get Zepbound in Canada?
Use Mounjaro off-label at $520 CAD monthly. Importing vials saves over pens if you must have Zepbound.

Will Zepbound’s price drop in Canada soon?
Not until Health Canada approves it—maybe 2026. Until then, expect import or Mounjaro prices.