Comprehensive Guide to Phentermine Cost in Canada

Phentermine is a prescription medication used to support weight management. It works as an appetite suppressant and is typically prescribed for short-term use alongside diet and exercise changes. In Canada, phentermine is available in both brand-name and generic forms, each with different pricing. Additionally, weight management drug claims surged 90.6% between 2023-2024, making it the fastest-growing prescription drug category in Canada.

The cost of phentermine in Canada ranges from $40 to $100 per month. This price varies based on several factors including dosage, whether it’s brand-name or generic, and where you get your prescription filled.

This guide explains what affects phentermine costs across Canada. We’ll cover the average monthly price range, compare brand-name and generic options, and discuss prescription requirements and insurance coverage.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. It’s not medical advice or a substitute for consulting with a healthcare provider. Pricing details may change over time. Always verify current information with provincial health authorities and insurance providers. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any medication.

What is phentermine and how much does it cost in Canada?

Phentermine is a prescription-only appetite suppressant that helps reduce hunger feelings. It’s used as part of short-term weight management plans under medical supervision. The medication affects chemicals in your brain that help control appetite.

In Canada, phentermine typically costs between $40 and $100 for a one-month supply. Generic versions usually cost $40-$60 per month, while brand-name versions like Adipex-P may cost $80-$100 for the same amount.

This price range doesn’t include additional costs like:

• Doctor consultation fees
• Pharmacy dispensing fees (usually $10-$15 per prescription)
• Follow-up appointments
• Any required lab work

Phentermine isn’t covered by most provincial health plans in Canada. Most patients pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance if their plan includes coverage for weight management medications. However, only 10% of Canadian private insurance plans include obesity medications in standard formularies, creating significant financial barriers for patients seeking weight management treatments.

Factors that affect phentermine prices in Canada

Several key factors determine how much you’ll pay for phentermine:

Dosage strength: Phentermine comes in different strengths, including 8 mg, 15 mg, 30 mg, and 37.5 mg tablets or capsules. Higher dosages generally cost more.

Brand vs. generic: Generic phentermine costs less than brand-name versions like Adipex-P. Both contain the same active ingredient and meet Health Canada’s safety standards.

Pharmacy location: Prices vary between pharmacies, even within the same city. Urban pharmacies might charge more than rural ones due to higher operating costs.

Dispensing fees: Each pharmacy sets its own dispensing fee, which is added to the medication’s base price. These fees typically range from $10 to $15 but can be higher.

Provincial regulations: Some provinces have rules that control how much pharmacies can charge for generic medications. These regulations affect the final price you pay.

Insurance coverage: Private insurance might cover part of the cost, depending on your plan. Most provincial health plans don’t include phentermine in their standard coverage.

To get the best price, it helps to compare costs at different pharmacies or consult resources like Ozempic cost in Canada for broader medication pricing. Some people save money by asking their doctor about generic options or checking if their insurance offers any coverage.

Brand-name vs generic phentermine comparison

In Canada, you can get phentermine as either a brand-name or generic medication. Understanding the differences helps you make informed decisions about costs.

Brand-name versions include Adipex-P (37.5 mg) and Lomaira (8 mg). These typically cost more, ranging from $80 to $100 for a month’s supply. The manufacturers set these prices based on research, development, and marketing costs.

Generic phentermine contains the same active ingredient (phentermine hydrochloride) as brand-name versions. These typically cost between $40 and $60 for a month’s supply. If you’re exploring additional medication avenues, explore semaglutide vs tirzepatide for more information. Health Canada requires generic medications to be “bioequivalent” to brand-name versions, meaning they work the same way in your body.

Most people won’t notice a difference between brand-name and generic phentermine. The main differences are in the inactive ingredients (fillers, colours, or preservatives) and the price. Some people might prefer a specific version if they have sensitivities to certain inactive ingredients.

Your doctor might prescribe a specific version based on:

• Your medical history
• Previous experience with the medication
• Insurance coverage
• Cost considerations

You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about switching between brand-name and generic versions if cost is a concern. Most prescriptions allow for generic substitution unless your doctor specifically requests the brand-name version.

Online vs local pharmacy phentermine pricing

You can get phentermine from either online Canadian pharmacies or local brick-and-mortar pharmacies, but prices and experiences differ between these options.

Online Canadian pharmacies sometimes offer lower prices for phentermine because they have fewer overhead costs. You might find generic phentermine for $40-$50 online compared to $50-$60 at local pharmacies. These savings can add up over time, especially for medications taken regularly.

However, when using online pharmacies, make sure they:

• Are licensed in Canada
• Require a valid prescription
• Display their provincial pharmacy licence number
• Have a physical address in Canada
• Offer a way to speak with a licensed pharmacist

Local pharmacies offer immediate access to your medication without waiting for shipping. They also provide face-to-face consultation with pharmacists who can answer questions about side effects, interactions, or proper usage. Many people find this personal interaction valuable, especially when starting a new medication.

Important safety note: Phentermine requires a prescription from a Canadian-licensed healthcare provider. Any website offering phentermine without a prescription is operating illegally. Using such services puts your health at risk and may violate Canadian law.

Provincial differences in phentermine pricing and coverage

Phentermine costs and coverage vary across Canadian provinces due to different healthcare systems and regulations.

Ontario

In Ontario, phentermine isn’t covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program for most people. The Exceptional Access Program might consider coverage in rare cases with special medical justification.

Ontario regulates generic drug prices, capping them at a percentage of the brand-name price. This helps control costs, but you’ll still pay out-of-pocket unless you have private insurance. Dispensing fees in Ontario typically range from $8 to $14.

British Columbia

BC PharmaCare doesn’t include phentermine in its standard formulary. The Special Authority program rarely approves coverage for weight management medications.

BC’s Reference Drug Program sets maximum prices for certain drug categories, which can affect phentermine pricing. Generic versions typically cost $45-$65 per month in British Columbia.

Alberta

Alberta Health doesn’t routinely cover phentermine. Most patients rely on private insurance or pay the full cost themselves.

Alberta caps dispensing fees for some medications, but these caps may not apply to phentermine. Prices tend to be similar to other provinces, ranging from $40-$90 depending on brand vs. generic.

Quebec

The Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) doesn’t typically cover phentermine. Quebec has unique rules requiring residents to have prescription drug insurance, either through RAMQ or private plans.

Quebec’s drug pricing regulations can result in different prices compared to other provinces. Patients might pay $50-$95 per month depending on the specific pharmacy and version.

Other provinces

In other provinces and territories, phentermine generally isn’t covered by public drug plans. Prices follow similar patterns to larger provinces, with generic versions costing $40-$60 and brand-names $80-$100 per month.

Dispensing fees and pharmacy markups vary widely, so comparing prices at different pharmacies can help reduce costs.

Insurance coverage for phentermine in Canada

Understanding insurance options helps manage phentermine costs in Canada.

Public drug plans

Most provincial health plans don’t cover phentermine for weight management. These plans typically focus on medications for chronic diseases and life-threatening conditions rather than weight management medications.

Some provinces have special authorization processes where a doctor can request coverage in exceptional cases. These requests require detailed medical justification explaining why phentermine is necessary and why other treatments aren’t suitable. Approval is uncommon and evaluated case by case.

Private insurance plans

Private insurance might offer better coverage options for phentermine. Coverage depends entirely on your specific plan and policy details.

Some private plans include phentermine if:

• It’s prescribed for obesity-related health conditions like high blood pressure or type 2 diabetes
• Your doctor provides documentation of medical necessity
• You’ve tried other weight management approaches first
• The plan includes a weight management medication category

If your plan covers phentermine, you might still have:

• Co-payments (paying a percentage of the cost)
• Deductibles (paying a certain amount before coverage begins)
• Prior authorization requirements (getting approval before filling the prescription)
• Annual or lifetime maximums for medication coverage

To check your coverage, contact your insurance provider directly and ask specifically about phentermine coverage for weight management. Have your policy information ready when you call.

How to get a phentermine prescription in Canada

Getting phentermine in Canada requires following specific steps and understanding the legal requirements.

First, you need a consultation with a Canadian-licensed healthcare provider. This could be your family doctor, a specialist, or a healthcare provider through a virtual care platform like Maple. During this consultation, the provider will:

• Review your medical history
• Discuss your weight management goals
• Check for any conditions that might make phentermine unsafe for you
• Consider other treatment options

If the provider determines phentermine is appropriate for you, they can write a prescription at their discretion. Phentermine isn’t right for everyone, and the decision depends on your individual health situation.

You can have this prescription filled at any licensed Canadian pharmacy. This includes:

• Local brick-and-mortar pharmacies
• Hospital pharmacies
• Licensed online Canadian pharmacies

Phentermine is regulated as a controlled substance in Canada due to its stimulant properties. This means:

• Prescriptions can’t be transferred between pharmacies
• Refills require a new prescription
• The medication must be properly stored and tracked
• There are limits on how much can be dispensed at once

Virtual care platforms like Maple offer a convenient way to connect with healthcare providers who can assess whether phentermine is appropriate for you. For more details, see this step-by-step guide to getting care on Maple. Through Maple, you can connect with a Canadian-licensed healthcare provider within minutes from the comfort of your home. The provider can send your prescription directly to your preferred pharmacy if they determine phentermine is suitable for you.

Managing phentermine costs in Canada

There are several practical ways to manage phentermine costs in Canada:

Compare pharmacy prices: Prices can vary significantly between pharmacies, even in the same area. Call several pharmacies to compare their prices for the same prescription.

Ask about generic versions: Generic phentermine costs 30-50% less than brand-name versions while containing the same active ingredient. Unless your doctor specifies otherwise, ask your pharmacist about generic options.

Look for pharmacy discount programs: Some pharmacy chains offer loyalty programs or prescription savings cards that provide discounts on medications, including phentermine.

Check with multiple insurance providers: If you’re shopping for private insurance, compare how different plans cover weight management medications. Some plans offer better coverage than others.

Discuss dosage options with your doctor: Sometimes lower dosages that are taken more frequently cost less overall than higher dosages. Your doctor can help determine if this approach might work for you.

Consider virtual care services: Platforms like Maple connect you with healthcare providers who can assess your needs and provide prescriptions at their discretion, potentially saving time and travel costs compared to in-person visits.

Remember that phentermine is just one part of a comprehensive weight management approach. Your healthcare provider might also recommend:

• Dietary changes
• Regular physical activity
• Behavioural support strategies
• Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress

These non-medication approaches are essential components of effective weight management and can help maximize the effectiveness of phentermine when it’s prescribed.

Final thoughts on phentermine cost in Canada

Phentermine cost in Canada typically ranges from $40 to $100 per month, with generic versions being more affordable than brand-name options. The exact price depends on factors like dosage, pharmacy location, and provincial regulations.

Most provincial health plans don’t cover phentermine, so patients usually pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance. Coverage through private plans varies widely and often requires prior authorization or documentation from a healthcare provider.

When considering phentermine, remember it’s just one tool in a comprehensive weight management approach that should include dietary changes, physical activity, and behavioural support. These non-medication strategies are essential for long-term success.

If you’re interested in learning whether phentermine might be appropriate for your situation, consider consulting with a healthcare provider. Through Maple, you can connect with a Canadian-licensed healthcare provider within minutes who can assess your needs and provide a prescription at their discretion if appropriate.

Disclaimer: The information in this guide is current as of June 2025 but may change. Always verify pricing and coverage details with your healthcare provider, pharmacist, and insurance company.

Frequently asked questions about phentermine cost in Canada

How much does a 30-day supply of phentermine cost in Canada?

A 30-day supply of phentermine in Canada typically costs between $40 and $100. Generic versions usually cost $40-$60, while brand-name versions like Adipex-P cost $80-$100.

Is phentermine covered by provincial health plans in Canada?

Most provincial health plans in Canada don’t cover phentermine for weight management. Some provinces have special authorization processes for exceptional cases, but approval is uncommon.

What’s the price difference between brand-name and generic phentermine?

Generic phentermine typically costs 30-50% less than brand-name versions. Both contain the same active ingredient and meet Health Canada’s safety standards.

Can I get phentermine through online pharmacies in Canada?

Yes, licensed Canadian online pharmacies can dispense phentermine with a valid prescription from a Canadian healthcare provider. Always verify that the pharmacy is properly licensed in a Canadian province.

Does private insurance cover phentermine in Canada?

Some private insurance plans cover phentermine, especially if prescribed for obesity-related health conditions. Coverage varies by plan and may require prior authorization or documentation from your healthcare provider.

Are there any discount programs available for phentermine in Canada?

Some pharmacy chains offer loyalty programs or prescription savings cards that may provide discounts on phentermine. These programs vary by pharmacy and province.