How Much Does Saxenda Cost in Canada?

If you’re considering Saxenda, you’ve probably already discovered it comes with a high price tag. The cost can vary quite a bit depending on where you live in Canada and what kind of insurance coverage you have.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for Saxenda in Canada, plus some practical ways to manage the expense.

Saxenda cost breakdown in Canada

A month’s supply of Saxenda typically runs between $400 and $600 across Canada. You’ll find prices ranging from $461.99 to $547 for a standard five-pen package at licensed Canadian pharmacies.

That’s $4,800 to $7,200 annually, a large cost for most Canadians trying to manage their health costs.

What affects your final cost:

• Pharmacy choice: Prices can differ by $85 or more between pharmacies

• Dispensing fees: Usually $9.99 to $15.00 per prescription on top of the medication cost

• Insurance coverage: Can reduce your out-of-pocket expenses significantly

• Provincial programs: Some provinces offer partial coverage through public drug plans

Most pharmacies charge a dispensing fee that gets added to your medication cost. These fees typically range from $9.99 to $15.00 per prescription. However, research shows that fees can vary significantly, with some pharmacies like Walmart offering lower fees at $9.97, while others like Rexall charge around $12.99. For those on the Ontario Drug Benefit program, fees can range from $8.83 to $13.25.

Pricing of Saxenda in different provinces

Your location in Canada plays a big role in what you’ll actually pay. Each province handles Saxenda coverage differently, which can mean the difference between paying full price or getting help with costs. A comprehensive report on access to treatment revealed significant variations in coverage rates across Canadian provinces, ranging from as low as 0.1% in Yukon, 0.9% in Nunavut, to 14.8% in Saskatchewan. Nova Scotia shows a 9.5% coverage rate, while Prince Edward Island has only 1.3% coverage.

Eastern Canada

In the Atlantic provinces, public coverage options are limited. Nova Scotia offers some coverage through specific diabetes programs for eligible residents. Prince Edward Island requires special authorization before any provincial coverage kicks in.

Central Canada

Ontario provides coverage through the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program for qualifying individuals. Quebec offers coverage through Quebec’s RAMQ, where you might pay co-payments up to 35% of the medication cost based on your income.

Western Canada

British Columbia’s PharmaCare and Alberta’s Drug Benefit List don’t currently include specific coverage for Saxenda. Manitoba and Saskatchewan residents typically rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket.

Bottom line: your postal code matters. Check with your provincial health authority before assuming you’ll pay full price.

Private insurance coverage and financial assistance for Saxenda in Canada

Private insurance can slash your Saxenda expenses dramatically. Depending on your plan, you might pay just half the cost, or even get it fully covered.

Many plans require prior authorization before they will approve coverage. This means your healthcare provider submits documentation showing why you need the medication at their discretion.

What insurance might cover:

• Employer plans: Often include Saxenda under specialty medication categories

• Extended health benefits: May cover a percentage after you meet your deductible

• Health spending accounts: Can use pre-tax dollars to pay for prescriptions

When insurance does kick in, your savings can be substantial. With good coverage, you might pay as little as $92.40 for a five-pen package instead of the full $461.99 to $547.

Manufacturer assistance programs can lower costs even further. These programs often reduce monthly co-payments to around $25 for eligible patients who have private insurance that covers the medication.

How much can you expect to pay without insurance?

Without any insurance coverage, you’re looking at the full retail price,  $461.99 to $547 per month, depending on which pharmacy you choose.

Breaking down the annual cost:

• Medication: $5,544 to $6,564 per year

• Dispensing fees: An additional $120 to $180 annually

• Total: Roughly $5,664 to $6,744 per year

Ways to reduce out-of-pocket costs:

• Shop around: Compare prices at different licensed pharmacies

• Ask about bulk purchasing: Some pharmacies offer discounts for 90-day supplies

• Check for reduced dispensing fees: Regular customers sometimes get better rates

• Use health spending accounts: If available, these use pre-tax dollars

Some pharmacies let you buy up to 90 days of medication at once. While the upfront cost is higher ($1,386 to $1,641), you’ll pay fewer dispensing fees throughout the year.

Availability of generic Saxenda options in Canada

Currently, no generic versions of Saxenda exist in Canada. Health Canada hasn’t approved any generic alternatives, which means you’re paying brand-name prices regardless of where you shop.

Generic medications typically become available after the original manufacturer’s patent expires. For Saxenda, patent protection extends beyond 2025 in Canada.

What this means for pricing:

• No lower-cost alternatives available right now

• Prices remain consistent at the brand-name level across all pharmacies

• Generic versions could reduce costs by 20% to 80% once they become available

When generics do become available, the development and approval process typically takes two to three years after patent expiration. Healthcare providers can discuss alternative treatment options that might offer different pricing structures.

Final word on Saxenda cost in Canada

What you’ll pay for Saxenda depends on several critical factors. Where you live in Canada, which pharmacy you choose, and your insurance situation all dramatically affect your monthly costs.

Most Canadians rely on private insurance for meaningful cost reduction, as public provincial coverage remains limited. If you have coverage, prior authorization is typically required, so plan ahead when starting treatment.

Shopping around between licensed pharmacies can save you money; price differences of $85 or more per month add up over time. Don’t forget to factor in dispensing fees when comparing total costs.

Through Maple, you can connect with a Canadian-licensed healthcare provider within minutes who can assess your situation and provide guidance at their discretion. Virtual consultations offer a convenient way to discuss treatment options and understand your coverage possibilities.

Disclaimer: This content serves educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. All prescriptions are given at the provider’s discretion. Coverage details and policies can change; verify with official sources before making financial commitments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does private insurance in Canada typically cover Saxenda prescriptions?

Many private insurance plans in Canada do cover Saxenda, but coverage varies from 50% to 100% of the cost. Most plans require prior authorization from your healthcare provider before approving coverage.

What’s the price difference between Canadian provinces for Saxenda?

The medication price itself is similar across provinces ($461.99 to $547), but your out-of-pocket cost varies significantly based on provincial coverage programs. Ontario and Quebec offer some public coverage, while western provinces typically don’t.

Can I buy Saxenda in bulk to save money in Canada?

Some Canadian pharmacies allow you to purchase up to 90 days of medication at once. While the upfront cost is higher, you’ll pay fewer dispensing fees throughout the year, potentially saving $30 to $60 annually.

Are there manufacturer discount programs for Saxenda in Canada?

Yes, manufacturer assistance programs can reduce monthly co-payments to around $25 for eligible patients. You typically need to have private insurance that covers the medication and meet specific income criteria to qualify.

How much do dispensing fees add to Saxenda costs in Canada?

Canadian pharmacies typically charge dispensing fees of $9.99 to $15.00 per prescription. Over a year, this adds $120 to $180 to your total medication costs, depending on how often you fill your prescription.