Cost of Zyban (Bupropion) in Canada
I cannot provide specific pricing information for Zyban in Canada, as the evidence provided does not contain Canadian pricing data for bupropion/Zyban.
What the Evidence Shows
The available evidence only includes U.S. pricing information for bupropion, not Canadian pricing. According to NCCN smoking cessation guidelines, bupropion (Zyban) is dosed at 150 mg orally once daily for days 1-3, then 150 mg twice daily (maximum 300 mg per day) for 7-12 weeks when used for smoking cessation 1.
U.S. Pricing Reference (Not Applicable to Canada)
- U.S. pricing data shows bupropion costs vary significantly, but these figures cannot be extrapolated to the Canadian market 1
- The combination product naltrexone/bupropion (Contrave) costs approximately $290 USD per month (average wholesale price) or $231 USD (National Average Drug Acquisition Cost) in the U.S., though this is a different formulation and indication than Zyban 1
General Insights About Canadian Drug Pricing
Generic medications in Canada do not consistently follow the same pricing patterns as brand-name drugs. Research indicates that:
- Generic drug prices can vary substantially between the U.S. and Canada, with no consistent pattern of which country offers lower prices 2
- When comparing 19 generic medications, 63% were least expensive in the U.S. (average 47% savings), while 37% were least expensive in Canada (average 29% savings) 2
- Canada implemented generic pricing policies in 2013 that reduced prices for some prescription generic drugs by approximately 50%, which successfully reduced drug expenditures per capita 3
How to Obtain Accurate Canadian Pricing
To determine the actual cost of Zyban in Canada, you should:
- Contact Canadian pharmacies directly (both chain and independent pharmacies show significant price variation) 4
- Check provincial drug formularies, as coverage and pricing vary by province 4, 3
- Inquire about generic bupropion versus brand-name Zyban, as generic versions may offer substantial savings 3, 2
- Request 90-day prescriptions rather than 30-day supplies to reduce dispensing fees 4
- Compare dispensing fees between pharmacies, which can significantly impact total out-of-pocket costs 4