Medicines and costs: Canada.

A take-home sheet for people at the session. Other countries: United States · United Kingdom · Australia.

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Medicines and costs: Canada

Handout · moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/medicines-and-costs

The same medicine can cost very different amounts depending on the version and how you pay. This sheet lists questions to ask and the official help where you live, in the box below.

Generic medicines

A generic has the same active ingredient as the brand-name medicine.
It must meet the regulator’s quality standards and usually costs less.
It may look different; ask the pharmacist if you are unsure.

Questions to ask

Is there a generic or lower-cost option that would suit me?
What will this cost before you fill it?
Is there public help or an exemption I might qualify for?

If you can’t afford it

Tell your prescriber or pharmacist before you stop or skip anything.
Check the official help listed below.
Keep receipts; some schemes count what you have already paid.

Buying safely

Only buy from a licensed pharmacy.
Avoid sellers that don’t ask for a prescription.
Only take medicines prescribed for you.

In Canada

Generic drugs. Health Canada says generic drugs contain the same medicinal ingredients, in the same amounts, as the brand-name drug, and must meet the same quality standards. Non-medicinal ingredients such as fillers and coloring may differ.
Public drug coverage. Public prescription drug coverage is run by each province and territory. Contact your provincial or territorial health ministry to find out what is covered where you live.
National pharmacare. In provinces and territories that have a national pharmacare agreement with the federal government, a range of contraception and diabetes products is generally available free at the pharmacy, many with a prescription. Health Canada lists which provinces and territories take part.
Buying online safely. Legitimate pharmacies, including online ones, are licensed by the pharmacy regulatory authority in their province or territory. Health Canada warns against sellers that offer prescription drugs without a prescription or based on an online questionnaire.

Official places to check:

Health Canada: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/medical-information/safety-effectiveness-generic-drugs.html
Health Canada: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-services-benefits/national-pharmacare/how-access.html
Health Canada: www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/buying-drugs-over-internet.html

General information, not advice about your own situation. Checked 19 October 2026. If an official source says something different, it is right. Free to copy and adapt. moraph.org/commons/sessions/reach/medicines-and-costs