ZepBound Now Available in Canada – Here’s What You Need to Know

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July 12, 2025

Big news: ZepBound™ (tirzepatide) is officially approved and available in Canada as of July 2025. That means Canadians looking for a clinically proven, once-weekly weight loss medication finally have access to this groundbreaking GLP-1/GIP therapy—without needing to use Mounjaro off-label.

Whether you’re searching for ZepBound cost, availability, or how to get it covered, here’s exactly what you need to know.

Quick Overview

Approved by Health Canada for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight
Available in Canadian pharmacies starting July 10, 2025
Once-weekly injection (same medication as Mounjaro)
Clinical results: up to 21.8 kg / 48 lbs weight loss (~22% body weight)
Costs ~$500–$700/month uninsured, or as low as $1–$3/day with insurance
MyZepBound™ support program helps reduce costs for eligible Canadians

Important for Mounjaro users: If you’re currently using Mounjaro off-label for weight loss, you’re likely not eligible for savings under the MyMounjaro program. However, many of these same patients may now qualify for cost savings through the new MyZepBound™ program — bringing their out-of-pocket costs down significantly.

owever, many of these same patients may now qualify for cost savings through the new MyZepBound™ program — bringing their out-of-pocket costs down significantly.

The Bigger Picture: Obesity Management and Evolving Treatment Options in Canada

Let’s zoom out for a moment—because ZepBound’s arrival isn’t just about one new medication. It’s a reflection of a major shift in how we understand and treat obesity across the country.

Obesity has long been recognized not simply as a matter of willpower or lifestyle, but as a complex, chronic disease influenced by genetics, biology, environment, and social factors. It affects about one in three Canadians and brings with it increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and over 200 associated complications. And while the health impacts are substantial, the social reality is equally tough—Canadians living with obesity often face real bias, stigma, and even reduced quality of care.

The good news: momentum is building to change that narrative. Leading organizations like Obesity Canada and Obesity Matters are calling for new care approaches—ones that reflect up-to-date science, recognize the diverse experiences of patients, and make real, effective treatments broadly available (not just to those who can afford them or access specialist clinics). There’s increasing pressure on insurers, employers, and policy makers to catch up with the needs of people living with obesity and to help close those glaring gaps in equitable care.

Healthcare professionals echo this: many recognize that managing obesity often goes well beyond lifestyle changes, and that innovative medical therapies can make a life-changing difference. Approvals of next-generation treatments mean practitioners can move beyond “one size fits all” recommendations—and patients can pursue options that match their health needs, biology, and circumstances.

Perhaps most importantly, people living with obesity are increasingly being heard, not just as statistics but as advocates for respectful, individualized care—calling for support that addresses the realities of their journeys and challenges the old stigma.

In short: Canada is at a turning point. We’re moving toward a more compassionate, science-based approach to obesity—one with more tools in the toolbox, less blame, and bigger possibilities for better health outcomes.

Is ZepBound Available in Canada?

Yes! ZepBound was officially approved by Health Canada in May 2025 and became available through pharmacies across Canada in July 2025.

Pharmacies in Ontario, Quebec, BC, Alberta, and other provinces can order ZepBound through distributors like McKesson.

What Is ZepBound?

ZepBound is a dual incretin weight-loss injection that activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. These hormones help regulate appetite, reduce cravings, and improve metabolic control.

Same active ingredient as Mounjaro (tirzepatide)
Indicated for obesity and approved for chronic weight management
Delivered via a weekly auto-injector pen

What sets ZepBound apart is that it’s the first and only Health Canada-approved treatment to target both the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) hormone receptors for chronic weight management. By engaging both pathways, ZepBound supports not just significant weight loss, but also long-term weight maintenance—making it a leading-edge option for adults living with obesity or overweight.

How Much Weight Can You Lose on ZepBound?

In clinical trials (SURMOUNT-1), patients lost:

✅ Up to 21.8 kg (48 lbs) on the 15 mg dose

✅ Roughly 20–22% of total body weight

✅ Greater results than Ozempic or Wegovy

Note: This is clinical data for reference only.

ZepBound Dosages

ZepBound KwikPen is available in six strengths in Canada.

2.5 mg
5 mg
7.5 mg
10 mg
12.5 mg
15 mg

Your doctor will typically start you on 2.5 mg and gradually increase your dose every 4 weeks.

ZepBound Cost in Canada

How much does ZepBound cost in Canada?

The cost of ZepBound depends on your insurance coverage, the dose you’re on, and whether you’re enrolled in the MyZepBound support program.

What if I don’t have insurance coverage for Zepbound?

If you’re uninsured, the retail cost of ZepBound in Canada is expected to range from $500 to $700 per month. This can vary slightly by pharmacy and your final dose, since higher doses like 10 mg or 15 mg are priced higher. Think of it as roughly $125–$175 per week out-of-pocket.

But here’s the good news: if you don’t have insurance, you could still save 20–25% off the retail price by enrolling in the MyZepBound™ patient support program. That means instead of paying $600/month, you could pay closer to $450–$480/month—a savings of up to $150/month or more, depending on your dose and pharmacy. These figures are based on early program information and are still being confirmed by Eli Lilly Canada at this time.

How much co-pay can I expect for Zepbound with insurance?

If you have private insurance, and your plan covers weight-loss medications, you may be eligible for co-pays as low as $1–$3 per day, or about $30–$90 per month. This lower price typically comes through the MyZepBound patient support program, which helps reduce insured patients’ out-of-pocket costs.

Is there any cash discounts or savings program for Zepbound if paying out-of-pocket?

If you’re paying cash, MyZepBound also offers a savings card for eligible patients. This must be applied before the purchase—pharmacies cannot apply it retroactively or offer refunds after you pay.

Key points:

Out-of-pocket (uninsured): ~$500–$700/month
Insured (with MyZepBound): as low as $30–$90/month
Savings card available for eligible cash-pay patients
Cost varies by dose and pharmacy
ZepBound is not yet covered by public drug plans in most provinces, but may be reimbursed by some private/employer plans.

What Is the MyZepBound™ Patient Support Program?

The MyZepBound™ program is Eli Lilly Canada’s official patient support system designed to make ZepBound more affordable and accessible for Canadians. It helps both insured and uninsured patients lower their out-of-pocket costs and access prescription support. Here’s what the program offers:

Co-pay reduction for insured patients: If you have private insurance and your plan covers ZepBound, the program may reduce your cost to as little as $1–$3 per day (roughly $30–$90 per month).
Savings card for cash-pay patients: If you’re paying out of pocket, you may qualify for a savings card that applies a discount at the time of purchase.
Note: The savings card must be applied before purchase — it cannot be used for reimbursement afterward.
Support with insurance paperwork: The program can assist your doctor in submitting prior authorizations and navigating coverage appeals with your insurance provider.

Extra savings tip for cash-paying patients: The MyZepBound™ program also includes a unique incentive — if you’re paying out of pocket and using doses of 5 mg or higher, every 7th dose is free. This is provided through a voucher system and resets after each set of six qualifying doses. It’s a great way to save even more over time.

Need more help? Ask your clinic or prescriber how to enroll, or visit MyZepbound for registration.

ZepBound vs. Mounjaro – What’s the Difference?

ZepBound and Mounjaro are actually the same medication — both contain tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. But they’re approved for different uses and marketed under different names.

Here’s how they differ:

ZepBound is approved by Health Canada for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one related condition. It’s meant for chronic weight management.
Mounjaro, also tirzepatide, is approved only for type 2 diabetes in Canada. Many people have used it “off-label” for weight loss, but it was not officially indicated for that purpose.
Insurance coverage is a key difference. Mounjaro is more likely to be covered under diabetes treatment plans, while ZepBound might not be—yet. However, ZepBound is eligible for support through MyZepBound, which wasn’t available for Mounjaro off-label use.
The doses and pens are the same (2.5 mg up to 15 mg). The injection method and formulation are identical.

Why it matters:

ZepBound is now the go-to for patients without diabetes who need a medically supervised weight-loss option.
Mounjaro patients paying out-of-pocket for weight loss can now switch to ZepBound and potentially save hundreds per month through support programs.
Doctors can now prescribe tirzepatide on-label for weight loss via ZepBound, which simplifies care and pharmacy fulfillment.

So while the drug itself is the same, ZepBound gives you access to financial support and regulatory clarity that Mounjaro didn’t—making it a much better option for most non-diabetic Canadians seeking medical weight loss.

Where to Buy ZepBound in Canada

If you’re wondering where to get ZepBound in Canada, here’s how to access it today:

Visit your local pharmacy: Most pharmacies across Canada can order ZepBound through major distributors like McKesson. You may need a couple of days for it to arrive if they don’t stock it yet, but it is now available to order nationwide.
Ask your doctor for a prescription: ZepBound is a prescription-only medication. Your family doctor, endocrinologist, or obesity medicine specialist can assess your eligibility and write the script.
Use a virtual care provider: Reputable clinics like Cloudcure and other licensed telehealth providers can assess you online and prescribe ZepBound remotely. This is a convenient option if you don’t have a regular primary care provider or want a quicker path to treatment.
Enroll in MyZepBound: Wherever you get your prescription, make sure you ask about the MyZepBound support program to help lower your cost. Most clinics can enroll you at the time of prescribing.

Helpful tip: Be sure to check with the pharmacy in advance to confirm inventory or request a special order if needed. Most major chains (Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Guardian, etc.) can source ZepBound easily now.

Who’s Eligible for ZepBound?

ZepBound is approved for adults with:

BMI ≥ 30, or
BMI ≥ 27 with a weight-related health condition (e.g., high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea)

Obesity is more than just a number on the scale—it’s a complex, chronic condition influenced by genetics, environment, behavior, biology, and social factors. In Canada, about one in three adults live with obesity, which is defined by abnormal or excess body fat that can negatively impact health. This isn’t just about appearance; obesity is linked to over 200 health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and several types of cancer.

It’s also important to recognize that many people living with obesity face real stigma, both socially and within the healthcare system. This bias can affect not only mental health but also the quality of care received, making it even more important to approach treatment options like ZepBound with empathy and understanding.

If you meet the eligibility criteria above, ZepBound could be an option to support your health journey—always in partnership with a healthcare provider who understands the full picture.

Important Updates

What Experts and Advocacy Groups Are Saying

The arrival of tirzepatide as an approved treatment for obesity in Canada is being celebrated by clinicians and advocacy organizations alike.

Medical experts stress that this approval is a major stride forward in providing Canadians with more medically supported weight management options. Dr. Sean Wharton, a respected voice in obesity medicine, highlights that broadening the array of tools available to patients is a win for those struggling with weight-related health challenges. Similarly, Dr. Yves Robitaille points to Health Canada’s endorsement as a meaningful leap, underscoring the significance of having an effective, on-label therapy as part of the medical toolkit for managing obesity.

On the advocacy side, organizations such as Obesity Canada and Obesity Matters are emphasizing the importance of innovation and accessibility in obesity care. Lisa Schaffer of Obesity Canada notes this approval marks progress in public understanding—moving away from outdated ideas and pushing for equitable access to new treatments. The call to action is clear: ensure that advancements in obesity care are not just theoretical, but genuinely within reach for all Canadians, regardless of circumstance.

Voices with lived experience echo these sentiments. Individuals who have faced the challenges—and the stigma—associated with obesity are hopeful that this approval signals a shift: recognition of obesity as a medical condition deserving respect, dignity, and compassionate care. For many, this moment feels like the start of a new chapter, where support is not just available, but actively encouraged.

In short, both experts and patient advocates agree: the approval of tirzepatide represents a meaningful advancement in the way obesity is treated and understood across Canada.

Final Thoughts

ZepBound has officially launched in Canada, giving patients a new, effective option for weight management. It is:

✅ Proven in clinical trials

✅ Approved by Health Canada

✅ Available at pharmacies across Canada

✅ Supported by the MyZepBound™ program

Talk to your doctor or reach out to a licensed provider today to see if ZepBound is right for you.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment options tailored to your unique needs.