Pharmacare programs: formulary

The Formulary outlines which drugs and devices are benefits under the Pharmacare programs.

The document provides details on drugs and supplies that are benefits under the Pharmacare programs. Programs include Seniors Pharmacare Program, Family Pharmacare Program, Department of Opportunities and Social Development Pharmacare Program, Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Program, Diabetes Assistance Program and Sensor-based Glucose Monitoring Program.

All medications in the Formulary are classified according to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) Classification System which groups chemically similar products according to their site of action and facilitates the comparison of new medicines with previously available medicines.

Information includes:

• how to Use the Formulary
• ATC classification of drugs
• brand or manufacturer's name of the drug, including dosage form, route and strength
• benefit status (plans for which the product is a benefit)
• Drug Identification Number (DIN)
• interchangeable product groups
• reimbursement levels
• diabetic supplies benefit list
• ostomy supplies benefit list
• compounds
• abbreviations
• abbreviations of manufacturers' names
• criteria for coverage of exception status drugs

The Formulary requires pharmaceutical knowledge to properly interpret the information and is intended for use by physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare practitioners involved in the prescribing, dispensing and administration of pharmaceuticals.