How Canadians Can Save on Prescriptions

Despite Canada's universal healthcare system, prescription drug costs remain a significant expense for many Canadians. Provincial pharmacare programs cover some costs, but gaps remain. Here's how to minimize your out-of-pocket prescription expenses using programs, generics, and smart pharmacy strategies.

Ask for Generic Alternatives

Generic medications contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs at a fraction of the cost. Health Canada requires generics to meet the same safety, quality, and efficacy standards as brand-name versions. Ask your doctor and pharmacist if a generic alternative exists for any brand-name medication you're prescribed.

Costco pharmacies consistently offer some of the lowest prescription prices in Canada, and you don't need a Costco membership to use the pharmacy in most provinces. Walmart pharmacies and independent pharmacies often price-match or beat chain pharmacy prices. Compare prices between pharmacies for your specific medications — the difference can be significant.

Provincial Pharmacare Programs

Every province has some form of drug coverage assistance. Ontario's OHIP+ covers over five thousand prescription drugs for anyone twenty-four and under at no cost. Ontario's Trillium Drug Program covers people with high drug costs relative to their income. BC's Fair PharmaCare provides coverage based on household income. Quebec requires all residents to have drug insurance through either private or public plans.

Alberta's non-group drug coverage, Saskatchewan's Drug Plan, Manitoba Pharmacare, and Atlantic province programs all provide coverage based on income and drug costs. Contact your provincial health ministry to determine your eligibility — many working Canadians qualify for partial coverage and don't realize it.

Manufacturer Patient Programs

Many pharmaceutical manufacturers offer patient assistance programs that provide free or reduced-cost medications to Canadians who can't afford them. Programs like Pfizer's patient assistance, AstraZeneca's AZ&Me, and similar programs from major manufacturers cover expensive medications including biologics, specialty drugs, and chronic disease medications.

The Canadian Pharmacists Association maintains information about available patient assistance programs. Your pharmacist can also help identify manufacturer programs for your specific medications. Innovicares and similar services help patients navigate coverage options and find financial assistance for expensive medications.

Discount Programs and Apps

RxHelp.ca connects Canadians with patient support programs for their specific medications. Many pharmaceutical manufacturers offer discount cards or copay assistance programs. Drug store loyalty programs — PC Optimum at Shoppers Drug Mart, Scene+ at Sobeys-family pharmacies — earn rewards on prescription purchases.

Pill-splitting, where appropriate and with your doctor's approval, can halve the cost of certain medications. Some drugs are priced the same regardless of dosage strength, so splitting a higher-dose tablet can effectively give you two doses for the price of one. Only do this with your pharmacist's guidance, as not all medications can be safely split.

Talking to Your Healthcare Team

Be open with your doctor about medication costs. Doctors can often prescribe equally effective but less expensive alternatives. Pharmacists in Canada have expanded scope to prescribe, adjust doses, and recommend cost-effective substitutions. Don't let cost prevent you from taking necessary medications — your healthcare team can almost always find an affordable solution.