Author: Bhavesh Patel, C. Chem. 

All 13 Provinces and Territories have been working together to achieve greater value for brand name and generic drugs for publicly funded drug programs. These initiatives, formerly known as the Pan-Canadian Pricing Alliance and the Generic Value Price Initiative, are now referenced collectively as the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance (pCPA).

A recently announced five-year initiative will provide significant savings for all Canadians using prescription generic drugs and who participate in public and employee drug plans. Effective April 1, 2018, the prices of nearly 70 of the most commonly prescribed drugs in Canada will be reduced by 25-40%. This includes drugs used to treat many common disorders, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and depression.

The generic drugs covered in this initiative are manufactured by multiple generic companies, helping to ensure a stable supply for Canadian patients. Pricing stability and predictability will also help to ensure that generic pharmaceutical manufacturers can continue to invest in bringing new cost-saving generic drugs to the Canadian market in the coming years.

For complete list of generic drugs subject to further price discounts effective April 1, 2018 is available on the Government of Saskatchewan’s Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch Website.

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