Prescription drugs

Prescription drugs play an increasingly important role in Canadians' health and Canada's health care system. They save lives, prevent the spread of disease, improve the quality of life for many, and control pain and suffering. Their role is likely to grow in the future as technological advances result in new drugs that are more effective than existing drugs or offer new options to treat a disease.

Health Canada is committed to ensuring timely access to safe, effective and high quality drugs. Our department works with provinces and territories, and others, to improve the affordability, accessibility and appropriate use of prescription drugs.

What information is available

In this section, you will find comprehensive information on Health Canada's acts and regulations on drugs authorized for sale in Canada, and other programs support access for Canadians.

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