Ontario practice updates

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1. NewsJul 30, 2026

   Pharmasave Regular Strength Dairy Digestive Supplement Lactase Enzyme: Affected lot is labelled with the incorrect Natural Product Number (NPN) on the carton.

   Reported via Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada).

   Source: Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada)
2. NewsJul 30, 2026

   Femyso: Affected lot may contain two green Mifepristone cartons or two pink Misoprostol cartons instead of one of each.

   Reported via Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada).

   Source: Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada)
3. NewsJul 27, 2026

   Harmonic Arts Holy Basil Tincture; Out of Specification (total aerobic microbial count)

   Reported via Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada).

   Source: Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada)
4. NewsJul 24, 2026

   Statement from the Minister of Health and the Minister of Industry on Advancing Canada's Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Sector

   Reported via Health Canada — News Releases.

   Source: Health Canada — News Releases
5. NewsJul 20, 2026

   2025 Annual Report Now Available

   Reported via OCP News & Announcements.

   Source: OCP News & Announcements
6. NewsJul 15, 2026

   Drugs and medical devices authorized, April 1 to June 30, 2026

   Reported via Health Canada — News Releases.

   Source: Health Canada — News Releases
7. NewsJul 13, 2026

   Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo; Presence of bacterial contamination

   Reported via Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada).

   Source: Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada)
8. NewsJul 13, 2026

   Apo-Tiotropium Capsules; Out-of-specification (particle size)

   Reported via Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada).

   Source: Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada)
9. NewsJul 13, 2026

   BD ChloraPrep™ Clear - 1mL Applicator: Product sterility

   Reported via Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada).

   Source: Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada)
10. NewsJul 6, 2026

    Voting Is Now Open for the 2026 Board Elections

    Reported via OCP News & Announcements.

    Source: OCP News & Announcements
11. NewsJul 6, 2026

    JAMP Chlorthalidone 12.5 mg tablet: Out of specification (Dissolution)

    Reported via Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada).

    Source: Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada)
12. NewsJul 1, 2026

    Expanded Scope Activities Now in Effect

    Reported via OCP News & Announcements.

    Source: OCP News & Announcements
13. NewsJun 29, 2026

    Second Edition of Pharmacy Technician Digest Now Available

    Reported via OCP News & Announcements.

    Source: OCP News & Announcements
14. NewsJun 29, 2026

    Canada approves first generic semaglutide for weight loss

    Reported via Health Canada — News Releases.

    Source: Health Canada — News Releases
15. NewsJun 26, 2026

    New Article: Five Things to Know About Practice Assessments

    Reported via OCP News & Announcements.

    Source: OCP News & Announcements
16. NewsJun 25, 2026

    Spiriva Capsules ; Out-of-specification (uniformity of delivered dose)

    Reported via Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada).

    Source: Drug Recalls & Safety Alerts (Recalls-rappels Canada)
17. NewsJun 25, 2026

    Notice: Multiple additions to the Prescription Drug List (PDL) [2026-06-25]

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
18. NewsJun 18, 2026

    Public Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Standards of Operation for Pharmacies

    Reported via OCP News & Announcements.

    Source: OCP News & Announcements
19. NewsJun 15, 2026

    Targeted initiatives to respond to the illegal drug crisis

    Reported via Health Canada — News Releases.

    Source: Health Canada — News Releases
20. NewsJun 2, 2026

    Health Canada has changed the Prescription Drug List qualifier related to pediatric melatonin use: Notice of amendment

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
21. NewsJun 1, 2026

    New Designated Manager AIMS Program Checklist Available

    Reported via OCP News & Announcements.

    Source: OCP News & Announcements
22. NewsMay 29, 2026

    Glucagon for injection supply in Canada: Notice [2026-05-29]

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
23. ScopeMay 28, 2026

    Nine new minor ailments pharmacists can prescribe for as of July 1, 2026

    Effective July 1, 2026, Ontario pharmacists and interns can assess and prescribe for nine more minor ailments (calluses/corns, dandruff, dry eye, head lice, jock itch, mild headache, nasal congestion, ringworm, warts), bringing the program to 28 conditions. Update assessment workflows and remember the legal duty to notify the patient's primary care provider.

    Source: Ontario College of Pharmacists — Minor Ailments Expansion
24. NewsMay 26, 2026

    Health Canada is changing the Prescription Drug List qualifier related to pediatric melatonin use: Notice of intent

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
25. BillingMay 20, 2026

    Ontario discontinues publicly funded COVID-19 PCR testing in pharmacies, effective June 1, 2026

    Effective June 1, 2026, Ontario's pharmacy COVID-19 PCR testing program is discontinued and its associated PINs are deactivated, so those claims no longer adjudicate. PCR testing supplies can no longer be ordered through the PPE Supply Portal as of May 15, 2026. Free rapid antigen tests remain available, and PCR testing continues via primary care, high-risk community settings, and hospitals. Retain pharmacy COVID-19 testing claim records for at least 10 years.

    Source: Ontario MOH — Executive Officer Notice (May 20, 2026)
26. BillingMay 19, 2026

    ODB minor-ailment service funding set at $19 in-person / $15 virtual ahead of the July 1, 2026 expansion

    The Ontario MOH Executive Officer Notice "Update to Funding for Minor Ailment Services in Ontario Pharmacies" (published 2026-05-19, effective July 1, 2026) confirms a pharmacy receives $19 for an in-person assessment or $15 for a virtual assessment per valid claim under a Table 1 PIN, regardless of whether a prescription is issued. It replaces the prior notice effective Nov 18, 2024, and the nine new ailments are billable under this same fee structure.

    Source: Ontario MOH — EO Notice: Minor Ailment Services Funding (Effective July 1, 2026)
27. NewsMay 13, 2026

    Notice of consultation: Proposed change to the veterinary omeprazole listing on the Prescription Drug List

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
28. ScopeMay 11, 2026

    Pharmacists gain 6 publicly funded vaccines — 3 administrable now, public funding for all six begins July 1, 2026

    Effective May 11, 2026, Ontario added pertussis, tetanus, and diphtheria to Schedule 3 of O. Reg. 256/24 — pharmacists and interns with registered injection training and valid CPR/first aid may now administer these three. Starting July 1, 2026, administration of all six (tetanus, pertussis, diphtheria, pneumococcal, RSV, herpes zoster/shingles) becomes publicly funded for eligible Ontarians. Note: May 11 grants administration authority for three; July 1 is when public funding for all six begins.

    Source: Ontario College of Pharmacists — Scope of Practice Changes
29. ScopeMay 11, 2026

    Pharmacy technicians authorized to administer Schedule 3 vaccines; CPR/First Aid mandatory by March 31, 2027

    Pharmacy technicians and intern technicians will be able to administer all Schedule 3 vaccines under O. Reg. 256/24, expanding immunization staffing beyond pharmacists. Phased rollout: effective July 1, 2026, a technician may administer once they register their injection training with the College (without yet holding CPR/First Aid); CPR/First Aid certification becomes mandatory to continue injecting as of March 31, 2027. Owners should verify a technician's registered injection training now, and CPR/First Aid by the 2027 deadline.

    Source: Ontario College of Pharmacists — Scope of Practice Changes
30. BillingMay 5, 2026

    Seniors Co-Payment Program income thresholds rise for 2026/27 (effective Aug 1, 2026)

    Effective Aug 1, 2026, Ontario raised the income cutoffs for the Seniors Co-Payment Program (waives the $100 ODB deductible, caps copay at $2/Rx vs. up to $6.11). The individual net income threshold rises from $25,000 to $25,480 and the couple threshold from $41,500 to $42,290, so more seniors may qualify; thresholds will now track the Ontario CPI annually. Already-enrolled seniors confirmed by CRA need do nothing; others can apply at forms.ontariodrugbenefit.ca.

    Source: Ontario MOH — Seniors Co-Payment Program Q&A (Executive Officer Notice)
31. NewsApr 30, 2026

    Notice: Multiple additions to the Prescription Drug List (PDL) [2026-04-30]

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
32. Formulary / EOApr 23, 2026

    Femyso designated interchangeable (OFI) with Mifegymiso and publicly funded, effective April 30, 2026

    Effective April 30, 2026, Femyso (mifepristone/misoprostol, DIN 02560569) is an Off-Formulary Interchangeable product with Mifegymiso (DIN 02444038) under DIDFA and eligible for public funding. Pharmacies may dispense and claim either for any Ontarian with a valid health card and prescription, billing PIN 09858391 (Mifegymiso) or 09858392 (Femyso) at $256.25 per valid claim, using intervention code PS (plus ML and Carrier ID "S" for non-ODB patients). Confirm the correct DIN/PIN before substituting.

    Source: Ontario MOH — EO Notice: Mifepristone/Misoprostol Reimbursement (April 23, 2026)
33. NewsApr 1, 2026

    Phenytoin sodium capsules and phenytoin chewable tablets in short supply: Notice

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
34. NewsMar 18, 2026

    Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences Sector Task Force

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
35. NewsMar 13, 2026

    Estrogen transdermal patches in intermittent shortage as MHT demand rises

    Increased demand for menopausal hormone therapy is causing intermittent supply gaps in some estrogen transdermal patches in Canada. Per CPhA this is not a Tier 3 shortage and alternatives remain available — patches from other manufacturers, plus transdermal gels, vaginal creams, and tablets. Expect substitution requests and patient questions at the counter; the Canadian Menopause Society's systemic MHT equivalency table helps when switching formulations.

    Source: CPhA — Managing current drug shortages (Menopausal Hormone Therapy)
36. NewsFeb 26, 2026

    Notice: Multiple additions to the Prescription Drug List (PDL) [2026-02-26]

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
37. NewsFeb 20, 2026

    Cyclophosphamide injection in Tier 3 shortage across all Canadian suppliers

    Health Canada declared a Tier 3 (most serious) shortage of cyclophosphamide for injection on Feb 20, 2026, with all three Canadian suppliers (Baxter, Sterimax, Andone) short across multiple vial sizes, mitigated via exceptional importation of foreign-labelled product and expected to continue into spring 2026. As a hospital/oncology-administered injectable, community pharmacies are unlikely to dispense it directly but may field patient questions about oncology/auto-immune supply.

    Source: Health Canada — Tier 3 drug shortages
38. NewsFeb 9, 2026

    Notice of consultation: Removing zuranolone from the Prescription Drug List (PDL)

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
39. NewsFeb 7, 2026

    MAR-Amlodipine 5 mg recalled — some bottles contain midodrine instead

    Marcan Pharmaceuticals recalled two lots of MAR-Amlodipine 5 mg (DIN 02371715, lots 2472021 and 2472021A, exp. July 2027) because some bottles may contain midodrine 2.5 mg tablets instead of amlodipine. Visually verify tablets before dispensing and pull affected stock — correct amlodipine is white/off-white, 8-sided, marked "210"/"5"; the wrong midodrine is round, white, marked "M2". The mix-up can cause dangerous blood-pressure changes, fainting, and organ damage.

    Source: Health Canada — Recalls & Safety Alerts
40. NewsJan 26, 2026

    Health product shortages in Canada: Fiscal year 2024 to 2025 in review

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
41. NewsJan 14, 2026

    Notice of amendment: Revisions to the Prescription Drug List for nicotine buccal pouches

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
42. ContentJan 8, 2026

    Dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera and generics): serious GI-event risk to be added to Canadian monographs

    A Health Canada Summary Safety Review found a possible link between dimethyl fumarate and serious gastrointestinal events (perforation, ulceration, hemorrhage, obstruction) based on 22 international cases. Health Canada will work with manufacturers to update the Canadian product monograph for all DMF products (Tecfidera and generics, for relapsing-remitting MS). Counselling point: advise MS patients to recognize and promptly report serious GI symptoms. Published in the January 2026 Health Product InfoWatch.

    Source: Health Canada — Summary Safety Review: Dimethyl Fumarate (Jan 2026 InfoWatch)
43. NewsDec 24, 2025

    Consultation: Draft guidance on decentralized clinical trials

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
44. NewsDec 19, 2025

    Consultation: Modernizing the framework for clinical trials

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
45. NewsDec 18, 2025

    Notice: Multiple additions to the Prescription Drug List (PDL)

    Reported via Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL).

    Source: Health Canada — Prescription Drug List (PDL)
46. Formulary / EODec 15, 2025

    Biosimilar transition window for tocilizumab, omalizumab, and aflibercept closes May 28, 2026

    Under Ontario's biosimilars policy, ODB recipients on originator Eylea (aflibercept), Actemra (tocilizumab), and Xolair (omalizumab) must switch to a biosimilar within the transition period to keep ODB coverage. The window runs Nov 28, 2025 to May 28, 2026 for aflibercept, and to the earlier of May 28, 2026 or the patient's EAP approval expiry for tocilizumab and omalizumab (unless an exception applies). Ensure affected patients are switched and prescriptions reflect the biosimilar.

    Source: Ontario MOH — Biosimilars
47. NewsDec 3, 2025

    FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus sensors recalled for falsely low glucose readings

    Health Canada posted Abbott's recall of certain FreeStyle Libre 3 Plus Sensor Kits (Model 78791-01) that may report incorrect low glucose readings, risking dangerous treatment decisions for diabetes patients. Pharmacies that sell/dispense these CGM sensors should flag affected stock and direct patients to freestylecheck.com to check serial numbers, stop use, and request a replacement.

    Source: Health Canada — Recalls & Safety Alerts (RA-81314)
48. NewsOct 27, 2025

    Porcine (animal-sourced) insulin supply ends in Canada; imported Hypurin bridges only to May 31, 2026

    Wockhardt UK, the sole remaining supplier of porcine insulin, discontinued its Canadian vial supply. Health Canada authorized exceptional, temporary importation of UK-authorized Hypurin Porcine Neutral (interchangeable with Hypurin Regular Insulin, Pork), but that imported stock expires May 31, 2026. After that, the ~60–100 Canadians who rely on animal-sourced insulin will need to transition to human insulin and analogues — a conversation community pharmacists will help manage.

    Source: Health Canada — Animal-sourced insulin discontinuation notice
49. NewsJul 1, 2025

    Ipratropium nebules under Tier 3 shortage, supply gaps projected into 2026

    Health Canada declared a Tier 3 shortage of ipratropium bromide nebules, with both Teva (Sterinebs) and Pharmascience (PMS-Ipratropium) affected by manufacturing disruptions; intermittent shortages and supply gaps are projected to last into 2026. Pharmacists dispensing for COPD/asthma nebulizer patients should expect ongoing constraints and substitute to ipratropium HFA pressurized metered-dose inhalers (with spacer) where clinically appropriate.

    Source: CPhA & medSask — Ipratropium Bromide Shortage