How Much Does Mounjaro Cost in Canada?

Mounjaro has gained significant attention across Canada, with many people exploring this prescription option for their health needs. 

The price you’ll pay varies quite a bit depending on your province, insurance coverage, and which pharmacy you choose. We’re talking about differences that can add up to hundreds of dollars per month.

Here’s what you can expect to pay for Mounjaro in Canada, plus the key factors that might affect your final cost.

Mounjaro cost breakdown in Canada

The cost of Mounjaro depends on the dosage strength you’re prescribed. For example, a 2.5mg or 5mg vial is priced between $136 to $150, while higher doses like 7.5mg and 10mg fall between $195 to $205, and 12.5mg and 15mg range from $260 to $275 per vial. So, your exact cost depends on the dosage strength your healthcare provider prescribes and where you fill your prescription. There are also kwikpen options available for a higher cost. 

Here’s what affects your monthly cost:

• Dosage strength: Lower starter doses (like 2.5mg) generally cost less than higher maintenance doses
• Pharmacy choice: Online specialty pharmacies often offer competitive rates compared to traditional brick-and-mortar locations
• Purchase quantity: Some pharmacies offer discounts for three-month supplies, though this means a larger upfront payment

Online pharmacies frequently provide competitive pricing with home delivery options. Traditional pharmacies may charge slightly more but offer face-to-face consultation services.

Pricing across different provinces

Your province plays a big role in what you’ll actually pay out-of-pocket. You’ll pay different prices depending on where you live, since every province runs its own drug coverage system with unique rules and benefits.

Western Canada

The government of British Columbia doesn’t currently cover Mounjaro but will soon cover it for diabetes maintenance. 

Alberta residents can check the Alberta Drug Benefit List for current coverage information. Manitoba and Saskatchewan don’t currently have provincial coverage.

Central Canada

Ontario doesn’t currently cover Mounjaro under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program. This means most Ontario residents rely on private insurance or pay out-of-pocket.

Quebec doesn’t currently cover Mounjaro under Quebec’s RAMQ public prescription drug insurance plan. 

Atlantic Canada

Coverage varies significantly across the Atlantic provinces. Some provinces require special authorization through their drug programs, while others don’t currently offer public coverage.

Your best bet is contacting your provincial health authority directly for current coverage information, as these policies change regularly.

Private insurance coverage for Mounjaro

Don’t assume your private insurance will cover Mounjaro automatically. Every insurer has its own rulebook about this medication – some won’t touch it, while others might cover 80% of the cost if your doctor jumps through the right hoops.

Most private plans require prior authorization before they’ll cover any portion of your Mounjaro costs. This means your healthcare provider submits documentation to demonstrate medical necessity at the provider’s discretion.

Here’s what typically happens with private insurance:

• Prior authorization: Your doctor submits paperwork explaining why you need this specific medication
• Coverage tiers: Mounjaro often falls into higher-cost tiers due to its newer status, meaning higher co-pays
• Application restrictions: Many plans limit coverage to specific approved uses

Understanding your coverage

Your benefits booklet or online portal contains the specifics about medication coverage limits and requirements. It’s worth calling your insurance provider directly to ask about:

• Prior authorization requirements
• Coverage limitations
• Applicable co-payment amounts
• Appeal processes if initially denied

Some insurance policies exclude coverage for certain applications of Mounjaro. 

What you’ll pay without insurance

Without insurance coverage, you’re looking at the full retail price,  typically $300 to $450 monthly across Canada. Your exact expense depends on the strength of the prescribed dosage and your pharmacy choice. 

Shopping around really does make a difference. Different pharmacies price the same medication differently, sometimes varying by $50 to $100 per month.

Strategies for reducing out-of-pocket costs

If you can manage the upfront cost, buying larger quantities usually saves money per dose. Three-month supplies often reduce the per-dose cost compared to monthly purchases.

Dispensing fees vary between pharmacies, and prescription fills can cost an additional $10 to $15. Some pharmacies waive or reduce these fees for larger quantity purchases.

Online pharmacy options frequently offer competitive pricing with free shipping included. Many eliminate surprise fees at checkout by including all costs in their advertised prices.

Payment planning tips

Monthly medication expenses of $300 to $450 represent a significant budget item for most households. Here are some practical approaches:

• Healthcare spending accounts: If available through your employer, these provide tax advantages for medication purchases
• Pharmacy payment plans: Some pharmacies offer financing options for expensive medications
• Timing purchases: Coordinate refills with paycheque schedules or other income timing

Generic Mounjaro availability

No generic versions of Mounjaro exist in Canada at this time. The medication remains under patent protection, preventing other manufacturers from producing lower-cost alternatives.

Eli Lilly holds exclusive patents on Mounjaro, meaning they’re the only company allowed to make it right now. No competing versions can hit the market until these patents expire.

What this means for pricing

Patent exclusivity allows manufacturers to set prices without competition from generic alternatives. This exclusivity period typically lasts several years from the original approval date.

When generics finally arrive, expect prices to drop by 20-80%. But don’t hold your breath – drug companies often stack multiple patents to keep their monopoly going for years longer than you’d expect.

Planning for future changes

Generic availability could significantly reduce monthly medication costs for patients paying out-of-pocket. The timing depends on patent expiration schedules and regulatory approval processes.

Your healthcare provider and pharmacist stay informed about upcoming generic releases. They can provide guidance on timing considerations if you’re planning long-term treatment.

Getting help with Mounjaro costs

There are real ways to cut your Mounjaro costs if you know where to look. Here’s how to pay less each month:

Don’t overlook the manufacturer’s own discount programs. Mounjaro has a patient financial assistance program. 

Patient advocacy groups maintain resources for navigating insurance appeals and finding financial assistance. These organizations keep updated lists of available programs and eligibility requirements.

Working with your healthcare team

Your healthcare provider plays a key role in the insurance authorization process. They submit required documentation and can appeal coverage denials when appropriate,  at the provider’s discretion.

Pharmacists can help identify the most cost-effective purchasing options within your coverage parameters. They often know which formulations or quantities receive better insurance coverage.

Through Maple, you can connect with a Canadian-licensed healthcare provider within minutes. They can assess your healthcare needs and provide appropriate guidance if suitable for your situation, helping you feel relieved and supported throughout the process.

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

How much does Mounjaro cost per month in Canada without insurance?

Without insurance, Mounjaro vials typically cost between $300 and $450 per month in Canada. The exact price depends on your prescribed dosage, form (vial or Kwikpen), and the pharmacy you choose.

Does provincial health insurance cover Mounjaro in Canada?

Most provinces don’t currently provide broad coverage for Mounjaro through their public drug programs. Quebec offers some coverage through RAMQ, while other provinces may require special authorization or don’t cover it at all.

Can I get financial assistance for Mounjaro in Canada?

Yes, several options exist, including a pharmaceutical company patient assistance program, private insurance coverage with prior authorization, and patient advocacy resources. Eligibility varies by program and your specific circumstances.

Why is there no generic Mounjaro available in Canada?

Mounjaro remains under patent protection, which prevents other manufacturers from producing generic versions. Generic alternatives typically become available only after patent protection expires, which can take seven years.

Which Canadian provinces have the lowest Mounjaro costs?

Pricing for the medication itself doesn’t vary significantly between provinces. However, your out-of-pocket costs can differ based on provincial drug coverage programs and local pharmacy competition, and markup and prescription fees.