Look up one drug

Ontario coverage, price, criteria word for word, Health Canada status and shortages for one product

Patient plan: look up a medication list

ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID & BUTALBITAL & CAFFEINE & CODEINE PHOSPHATE

All strengths: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; same patient cost rules

Shared coverage and patient cost rules
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit
Patient paysPatient pays: program not supplied; amount cannot be determined.

Other products in the same Health Canada class (N02A, N02AA) — coverage varies; not interchangeable

  • Hydromorphone (Hydromorph Contin): general benefit, Not a benefit
  • Morphine (M-Eslon): general benefit, Not a benefit
  • Oxycodone (Supeudol): not a benefit
  • Acetaminophen + caffeine + codeine (Teva-Lenoltec No.2): general benefit, Not a benefit
  • Acetaminophen + codeine (PMS-Acetaminophen With Codeine): general benefit, Not a benefit
  • Acetaminophen + oxycodone (Teva-Oxycocet): general benefit, Not a benefit

4 more in the class list below

Apo-Butalbital-ASA-Caffeine-Codeine-C1/2 · DIN 02554623 · 330mg & 50mg & 40mg & 30mg · capsule

Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
Write on scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
1 brand, same coverage
Apo-Butalbital-ASA-Caffeine-Codeine-C1/2 · DIN 02554623 Manufacturer: Apotex Inc.; listing date 2025-03-31 Health Canada: Marketed since 2025-05-08 · brand APO-BUTALBITAL-ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID-CAFFEINE-CODEINE-C 1/2 · ATC N02AA79 CODEIN, COMBINATIONS WITH PSYCHOLEPTICS, N02AA79 CODEIN, COMBINATIONS WITH PSYCHOLEPTICS · form Capsule · route Oral · ingredients ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID 330 MG, CAFFEINE 40 MG, BUTALBITAL 50 MG, CODEINE PHOSPHATE 30 MG · company Apotex inc · schedule Narcotics (cdsa i)
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

Formulary data: Ontario extract of Aug 26, 2026 · Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=104346 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02554623)

Source record
DIN 02554623: Apo-Butalbital-ASA-Caffeine-Codeine-C1/2 Raw flags: notABenefit=Y, sec3=Y, sec3b=Y Item: 280808138; group id 399; item number 0954; lccId None; manufacturer id APX Source form: Cap; strength: 330mg & 50mg & 40mg & 30mg Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit Source prices (unrounded): $2.1261; ministry not recorded Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02554623 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=104346
Interchangeable products
Fiorinal C1/2 · DIN 00176206 · not recorded Teva-Tecnal C1/2 · DIN 00608181 · not recorded
Shortage status: no shortage or discontinuation reported (checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02554623
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00

Apo-Butalbital-ASA-Caffeine-Codeine-C1/4 · DIN 02554615 · 330mg & 50mg & 40mg & 15mg · capsule

Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
Write on scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
1 brand, same coverage
Apo-Butalbital-ASA-Caffeine-Codeine-C1/4 · DIN 02554615 Manufacturer: Apotex Inc.; listing date 2025-03-31 Health Canada: Marketed since 2025-05-08 · brand APO-BUTALBITAL-ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID-CAFFEINE-CODEINE-C 1/4 · ATC N02AA79 CODEIN, COMBINATIONS WITH PSYCHOLEPTICS, N02AA79 CODEIN, COMBINATIONS WITH PSYCHOLEPTICS · form Capsule · route Oral · ingredients ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID 330 MG, CAFFEINE 40 MG, CODEINE PHOSPHATE 15 MG, BUTALBITAL 50 MG · company Apotex inc · schedule Narcotics (cdsa i)
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

Formulary data: Ontario extract of Aug 26, 2026 · Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=104345 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02554615)

Source record
DIN 02554615: Apo-Butalbital-ASA-Caffeine-Codeine-C1/4 Raw flags: notABenefit=Y, sec3=Y, sec3b=Y Item: 280808168; group id 399; item number 0953; lccId None; manufacturer id APX Source form: Cap; strength: 330mg & 50mg & 40mg & 15mg Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit Source prices (unrounded): $1.7363; ministry not recorded Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02554615 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=104345
Interchangeable products
Fiorinal C1/4 · DIN 00176192 · not recorded Teva-Tecnal C1/4 · DIN 00608203 · not recorded
Shortage status: no shortage or discontinuation reported (checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02554615
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00

Fiorinal C1/2 · DIN 00176206 · 330mg & 50mg & 40mg & 30mg · capsule

Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
Write on scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
1 brand, same coverage
Fiorinal C1/2 · DIN 00176206 Manufacturer: Novartis Pharma Canada Inc.; listing date 2008-12-23 Health Canada: Marketed since 2018-12-10 · brand FIORINAL-C 1/2 · ATC N02AA79 CODEIN, COMBINATIONS WITH PSYCHOLEPTICS, N02AA79 CODEIN, COMBINATIONS WITH PSYCHOLEPTICS · form Capsule · route Oral · ingredients CODEINE PHOSPHATE 30 MG, BUTALBITAL 50 MG, CAFFEINE 40 MG, ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID 330 MG · company Aralez pharmaceuticals canada inc · schedule Narcotics (cdsa i)
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

Fiorinal C1/2: Formulary list price not recorded/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)

Formulary data: Ontario extract of Aug 26, 2026 · Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=873 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 00176206)

Source record
DIN 00176206: Fiorinal C1/2 Raw flags: notABenefit=Y, sec3=Y, sec3b=Y Item: 280808138; group id 399; item number 0954; lccId None; manufacturer id NOV Source form: Cap; strength: 330mg & 50mg & 40mg & 30mg Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit Source prices (unrounded): not recorded; ministry not recorded Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=00176206 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=873
Interchangeable products
Apo-Butalbital-ASA-Caffeine-Codeine-C1/2 · DIN 02554623 · not recorded Teva-Tecnal C1/2 · DIN 00608181 · not recorded
Shortage status: resolved shortage (ended 2020-09-30); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=00176206
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00

Fiorinal C1/4 · DIN 00176192 · 330mg & 50mg & 40mg & 15mg · capsule

Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
Write on scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
1 brand, same coverage
Fiorinal C1/4 · DIN 00176192 Manufacturer: Novartis Pharma Canada Inc.; listing date 2008-12-23 Health Canada: Marketed since 2020-10-21 · brand FIORINAL-C 1/4 · ATC N02AA79 CODEIN, COMBINATIONS WITH PSYCHOLEPTICS, N02AA79 CODEIN, COMBINATIONS WITH PSYCHOLEPTICS · form Capsule · route Oral · ingredients CAFFEINE 40 MG, CODEINE PHOSPHATE 15 MG, BUTALBITAL 50 MG, ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID 330 MG · company Aralez pharmaceuticals canada inc · schedule Narcotics (cdsa i)
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

Fiorinal C1/4: Formulary list price not recorded/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)

Formulary data: Ontario extract of Aug 26, 2026 · Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=872 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 00176192)

Source record
DIN 00176192: Fiorinal C1/4 Raw flags: notABenefit=Y, sec3=Y, sec3b=Y Item: 280808168; group id 399; item number 0953; lccId None; manufacturer id NOV Source form: Cap; strength: 330mg & 50mg & 40mg & 15mg Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit Source prices (unrounded): not recorded; ministry not recorded Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=00176192 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=872
Interchangeable products
Apo-Butalbital-ASA-Caffeine-Codeine-C1/4 · DIN 02554615 · not recorded Teva-Tecnal C1/4 · DIN 00608203 · not recorded
Shortage status: resolved shortage (ended 2023-10-05); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=00176192
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00

Teva-Tecnal C1/2 · DIN 00608181 · 330mg & 50mg & 40mg & 30mg · capsule

Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
Write on scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
1 brand, same coverage
Teva-Tecnal C1/2 · DIN 00608181 Manufacturer: Teva Canada Limited; listing date 2008-12-23 Health Canada: Marketed since 2017-11-20 · brand TEVA-TECNAL C 1/2 · ATC N02AA79 CODEIN, COMBINATIONS WITH PSYCHOLEPTICS, N02AA79 CODEIN, COMBINATIONS WITH PSYCHOLEPTICS · form Capsule · route Oral · ingredients CAFFEINE 40 MG, CODEINE PHOSPHATE 30 MG, ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID 330 MG, BUTALBITAL 50 MG · company Teva canada limited · schedule Narcotics (cdsa i)
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

Formulary data: Ontario extract of Aug 26, 2026 · Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=6419 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 00608181)

Source record
DIN 00608181: Teva-Tecnal C1/2 Raw flags: notABenefit=Y, sec3=Y, sec3b=Y Item: 280808138; group id 399; item number 0954; lccId None; manufacturer id TEV Source form: Cap; strength: 330mg & 50mg & 40mg & 30mg Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit Source prices (unrounded): $2.1261; ministry not recorded Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=00608181 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=6419
Interchangeable products
Apo-Butalbital-ASA-Caffeine-Codeine-C1/2 · DIN 02554623 · not recorded Fiorinal C1/2 · DIN 00176206 · not recorded
Shortage status: shortage reported ended 2026-07-31 (report last updated 2026-07-31); confirm supply with the pharmacy; reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=00608181
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00

Teva-Tecnal C1/4 · DIN 00608203 · 330mg & 50mg & 40mg & 15mg · capsule

Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
Write on scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
1 brand, same coverage
Teva-Tecnal C1/4 · DIN 00608203 Manufacturer: Teva Canada Limited; listing date 2008-12-23 Health Canada: Marketed since 2017-11-20 · brand TEVA-TECNAL C 1/4 · ATC N02AA79 CODEIN, COMBINATIONS WITH PSYCHOLEPTICS, N02AA79 CODEIN, COMBINATIONS WITH PSYCHOLEPTICS · form Capsule · route Oral · ingredients CODEINE PHOSPHATE 15 MG, CAFFEINE 40 MG, ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID 330 MG, BUTALBITAL 50 MG · company Teva canada limited · schedule Narcotics (cdsa i)
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

Formulary data: Ontario extract of Aug 26, 2026 · Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=6479 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 00608203)

Source record
DIN 00608203: Teva-Tecnal C1/4 Raw flags: notABenefit=Y, sec3=Y, sec3b=Y Item: 280808168; group id 399; item number 0953; lccId None; manufacturer id TEV Source form: Cap; strength: 330mg & 50mg & 40mg & 15mg Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit Source prices (unrounded): $1.7363; ministry not recorded Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=00608203 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=6479
Interchangeable products
Apo-Butalbital-ASA-Caffeine-Codeine-C1/4 · DIN 02554615 · not recorded Fiorinal C1/4 · DIN 00176192 · not recorded
Shortage status: active shortage (reported 2026-05-06, estimated to end 2026-08-20, last updated 2026-07-31); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=00608203
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Other drugs in the same formulary class (28:08:08 Opiate Agonists) and how they are covered

Matched class: 28:08:08 Opiate Agonists

Drug-class inventory only. Lists recorded Ontario formulary products, not every Canadian medication; does not recommend treatment. Some products covered without a code (check the product listing): ACETAMINOPHEN & CAFFEINE & CODEINE PHOSPHATE, ACETAMINOPHEN & CODEINE PHOSPHATE, CODEINE PHOSPHATE, HYDROMORPHONE HCL, METHADONE HCL, MORPHINE SULFATE, OXYCODONE HCL & ACETAMINOPHEN, OXYCODONE HCL & ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID 28:08:08 Opiate Agonists

HYDROMORPHONE HCL

· 28 products · General benefit (21), Listed, not a benefit (3), General benefit; DIN status E (meaning unconfirmed); confirm discontinuation/availability with Health Canada (4) · strengths: 4.5mg, 9mg, 3mg, 6mg, 12mg, 18mg, 2mg/mL, 10mg/mL, 1mg/mL, 1mg, 2mg, 4mg, 8mg · CR Cap, Inj Sol-1mL Pk, Oral Sol, Tab

MORPHINE SULFATE

· 35 products · General benefit (31), Listed, not a benefit (1), Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit (3) · strengths: 10mg, 15mg, 30mg, 60mg, 100mg, 2mg/mL, 10mg/mL, 15mg/mL, 50mg/mL, 20mg, 50mg, 200mg, 5mg · ER Cap, Inj Sol Amp, Inj Sol-1mL Pk, SR Cap, SR Tab, Tab

OXYCODONE HCL

· 9 products · Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit · strengths: 5mg, 10mg, 20mg · Tab

ACETAMINOPHEN & CAFFEINE & CODEINE PHOSPHATE

· 4 products · General benefit (2), Listed, not a benefit (2) · strengths: 300mg & 15mg & 15mg, 300mg & 15mg & 30mg · Tab

ACETAMINOPHEN & CODEINE PHOSPHATE

· 6 products · General benefit (3), Listed, not a benefit (3) · strengths: 160mg & 8mg/5mL, 300mg & 30mg, 300mg & 60mg · O/L, Tab

OXYCODONE HCL & ACETAMINOPHEN

· 5 products · General benefit (4), Listed, not a benefit (1) · strengths: 5mg & 325mg · Tab

OXYCODONE HCL & ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID

· 2 products · General benefit (1), Listed, not a benefit (1) · strengths: 5mg & 325mg · Tab

FENTANYL TRANSDERMAL SYSTEM

· 22 products · Listed, not a benefit (6), Limited Use, codes 511 (6), Limited Use, codes 689 (2), Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit (8) · strengths: 12mcg/hr, 25mcg/hr, 50mcg/hr, 75mcg/hr, 100mcg/hr · Trans Patch

TRAMADOL HCL

· 13 products · Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit · strengths: 100mg, 200mg, 300mg, 50mg · ER Tab, Tab

TRAMADOL HCL & ACETAMINOPHEN

· 11 products · Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit · strengths: 37.5mg & 325mg · Tab

CODEINE PHOSPHATE

· 3 products · General benefit (2), Listed, not a benefit (1) · strengths: 15mg, 30mg · Tab

METHADONE HCL

· 16 products · General benefit (8), Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit (8) · strengths: 10mg/mL, 1mg, 5mg, 10mg, 25mg · Oral Concentrate, Oral Concentrate (Cherry Flavour), Oral Concentrate (Unflavoured), Tab Source: formulary-ed43-front-matter.txt Part V; ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26; class 28:08:08 and 2 more
Full class listing Related classes: 28:08:04 Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Agents, 28:08:12 Opiate Partial Agonists, 28:08:92 Miscellaneous Analgesics and Antipyretics, 28:16:04 Antidepressants, 28:16:08 Tranquilizers, 28:16:12 Other Psychotropics, 28:36:08 Anticholinergic Agents, 28:36:20 Dopamine Receptor Agonists Same formulary class, not same indication: class membership alone does not establish equivalent uses.
Other drugs whose Health Canada label lists a similar indication: tension-type headache
From Health Canada product monographs; label wording only, not a treatment recommendation. Matching is lexical and uses one held product label per generic; formulations and qualifying criteria may differ. No displayed matched alternative is a general benefit. ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID & BUTALBITAL & CAFFEINE · Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit INDICATIONS AND CLINICAL USE FIORINAL® (ASA-caffeine-butalbital) is indicated for the relief of tension-type headache. PM: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00071385.PDF; date June 7, 2023; DIN 00226327; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph Coverage source: ON formulary extract 2026-08-26
What the Health Canada label says it is for
INDICATIONS AND CLINICAL USE Adults FIORINAL®-C (acetylsalicylic acid-caffeine-codeine-butalbital) is indicated for the relief of tension-type headache. Evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of FIORINAL®-C in the treatment of multiple recurrent headaches is unavailable. Caution in this regard is required because repeated use of FIORINAL®-C may cause medication overuse headaches and codeine and butalbital are habit- forming and potentially abusable (see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, Dependence/Tolerance). Geriatrics (> 65 years of age) In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, concomitant disease or other drug therapy (see ACTION AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, Special Populations and Conditions, Geriatrics). Pediatrics (< 18 years of age) Regardless of clinical setting, codeine (including FIORINAL®-C) should not be used in children below the age of 12 years because of the risk of opioid toxicity due to the variable and unpredictable metabolism of codeine to morphine (see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Special Populations, Pe… https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00046407.PDF PM date: July 16, 2018 Source product: FIORINAL-C 1/4; DIN 00176192; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph posted by Health Canada; excerpt for lookup only.

Availability

Teva-Tecnal C1/2 · DIN 00608181 Shortage status: shortage reported ended 2026-07-31 (report last updated 2026-07-31); confirm supply with the pharmacy; reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=00608181

Check this DIN again

Teva-Tecnal C1/4 · DIN 00608203 Shortage status: active shortage (reported 2026-05-06, estimated to end 2026-08-20, last updated 2026-07-31); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=00608203

Check this DIN again

Other review policies

For Apo-Butalbital-ASA-Caffeine-Codeine-C1/2, Apo-Butalbital-ASA-Caffeine-Codeine-C1/4, Fiorinal C1/2, Fiorinal C1/4, Teva-Tecnal C1/2, Teva-Tecnal C1/4: no applicable EAP criteria are held and no ODB benefit is established. These policies do not establish coverage.

For rare, immediately life-, limb- or organ-threatening circumstances, the Compassionate Review Policy may consider an unfunded drug or indication, subject to its criteria and without bypassing the drug review process. Compassionate Review Policy

Compassionate Review Policy: source quote
Where there are rare clinical circumstances in immediately life, limb, or organ-threatening conditions, the Executive Officer will also consider requests for drugs or indications in situations where there has not been a decision by the Executive Officer to provide funding of the drug or indication as part of the Ontario Drug Benefit program (and the EAP), and the drug or indication requested would not circumvent the established review process for new drugs or indications as part of the drug submission process for listing within the Ontario Drug Benefit program. Requests must meet the criteria for the Compassionate Review Policy.

Ontario source; updated September 15, 2026

For cancer drugs, Case-by-Case Review considers rare, immediately life-threatening circumstances when no satisfactory funded treatment exists; its criteria and application process apply. Case-by-Case Review (cancer drugs)

Case-by-Case Review (cancer drugs): source quote
Note: Requests for cancer drugs are considered under the Case-by-Case Review Program (CBCRP) which is administered by Ontario Health (Cancer Care Ontario) on behalf of the Ministry of Health. The CBCRP considers funding requests for drugs (both oral therapies and injectable drugs) for the treatment of cancer in patients who have a rare clinical circumstance that is immediately life-threatening (death is likely within a matter of months) and who require treatment with an unfunded drug, because there is no other satisfactory and funded treatment. Please refer to the Ontario Health website for information on the application process, FAQs, eligibility criteria and program policies.

Ontario source; updated September 15, 2026