Zepbound is a once a week subcutaneous injectable peptide. Zepbound contains the drug tirzepatide, the same drug found in popular treatment Mounjaro.
Target dosages of Zepbound are 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg once a week and they must be achieved gradually during a period of four to 20 weeks. The drug is available in six doses: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg.
Currently there is a shortage of Zepbound due to high demand prior to the beginning of summer. Only the lowest dose, a 2.5 mg shot used for the first month of treatment, is available through the first half of the year.
In this article we will cover:
- What is ZepboundIs Zepbound available in Canada
- What are requirements to get a prescription
- How much does it cost
- Tips for finding the best price.
Zepbound
Zepbound is a novel dual action glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 and GIP, known as “incretin hormones”, are secreted in the intestine as a response to consumption of nutrients. They have an important function in postprandial metabolism. Activation of these receptors reduces appetite and food intake.
Potential side effects following administration of Zepbound are:
- transient, mild to moderate gastrointestinal side effects, occurring primarily during the dose-escalating period, include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal discomfort and pain, gastroesophageal reflux disease and burping.
- cholecystitis, fatigue, hair loss, allergic reactions and injection site reactions.
Is Zepbound Available in Canada?
Zepbound is a prescription medicine and can not be obtained over the counter. The process of getting prescription drugs varies by province and also different insurance plans can affect the price.
In general, the procedure to obtain a Zepbound prescription consists of following steps:
- medical consultation
- assessment
- prescription issuance.
Zepbound Prescription Requirements in Canada
Licensed, Canadian medical professionals authorized to prescribe Zepbound in Canada are family physicians, obesity specialists and endocrinologists.
If the doctor agrees that Zepbound is deemed suitable, they will write a prescription.
How Much Does Zepbound Cost?
Zepbound Cost Comparison with Similar Medications
Weight loss medication | Price per month |
Zepbound | $600 to $1000 |
Wegovy | $388.64 |
PhenQ | $70 |
Zotrim | $69.99 |
Ozempic | $300 |
Mounjaro | $450 |
Factors that are affecting the cost of Zepbound are dosage and treatment duration, insurance coverage, pharmacy pricing, location and market availability.
Insurance Coverage for Zepbound
The extent to which Canadian insurance plans cover Zepbound depends on the type of insurance plans and the terms set by the insurance provider. Coverage for prescription medicines can be provided through provincial health plans, private insurance plans or national programs for specific groups of patients.
In general, new or more expensive drugs have limited coverage by provincial plans, while private insurance plans provide more comprehensive coverage.
The price of Zepbound is approximately $1000 for all six doses. If insurance covers Zepbound the price is $25 for a 1–3-month prescription. If insurance does not include Zepbound the price is $550 for a 1-month prescription.
There are government assistance programs available to help with the cost of prescribed medicines and those include:
- provincial programs
- special access programs
- national programs.
Tips for Finding the Best Price for Zepbound
The drug tirzepatide is available under two brand names: Zepbound,, and Mounjaro,s. Currently there is no generic version available.
Key Takeaways
- Due to promising results and mild to moderate side effects there is a high demand for Zepbound which causes shortages of this medicine.
- Zepbound is a pricey prescription drug if not covered by insurance.
- .It is the best to purchase Zepbound within Canada using approved pharmacies. If considering importing Zepbound it is advisable to check the most current regulations and guidelines on importing medications into Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Company Makes Zepbound?
Tirzepatide was first introduced in early 2016 by Eli Lilly and Company (Indianapolis, IN, USA). On 14 May 2022 tirzepatide was FDA approved as Mounjaro. On November 8, 2023, Zepbound was approved by the FDA as treatment.
How Successful is Zepbound?
Studies with GLP-1 receptor agonists indicated that targeting the pathways of endogenous nutrient-stimulated hormones can be beneficial for medicated treatment of people with obesity. GIP regulates energy balance in the brain and adipose tissue. GLP-1 and GIP receptors act synergistically, as shown in a study in mice. Zepbound is a molecule that combines both these receptors and therefore shows greater efficacy in weight reduction.
- Study performed in 2022 demonstrated improvement in all measured cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors, including waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and fasting insulin, lipid, and aspartate aminotransferase levels, than placebo.
- Treatment with zepbound led to three times greater reduction of fat mass than in lean mass which is similar to improvements achieved with lifestyle changes and surgical treatments for obesity. Also, sugar levels were normalized.
How Quickly Will I Start Losing Weight on Zepbound?
Noticeable weight loss is observed after 4 weeks from initial treatment. Depending on the dose it is possible to lose 15-20% of starting body weight after 72 weeks.
(US)