PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM
All injection strengths: not a benefit
Other products in the same Health Canada class (M05B, M05BA) — coverage varies; not interchangeable
- Alendronate (Fosamax): general benefit, Not a benefit
- Risedronate (Actonel DR): general benefit, Not a benefit
- Clodronate (Ostac): limited Use 280, 358, 359, Not a benefit
- Etidronate (Didronel): limited Use 236, 237, Not a benefit
- Zoledronic acid (Aclasta): limited Use 319, 436, 523, Not a benefit
- Alendronate + cholecalciferol (Fosavance): general benefit
1 more in the class list below
Pamidronate Disodium for Injection · DIN 02246597 · 3mg/mL · injection solution-10mL Vial
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit
Write on scriptExceptional Access application required. For a drug to be considered for funding, the EAP reimbursement criteria must always be met and the request approved prior to the initiation of treatment with the drug being requested, unless otherwise specified within the criteria. (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗) Submit through SADIE: "The SADIE portal is available to authorized prescribers and their delegates and designates, enabling the creation, submission and tracking of web-based electronic requests directly to the Exceptional Access Program." (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗) Patient paysPatient pays: program not supplied; amount cannot be determined.
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. Current criteria in SADIE
Coverage criteria
Exceptional Access Program criteria on record (ministry list dated 2025-01-01, not exhaustive):
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. https://www.ontario.ca/page/sadie-special-authorization-digital-information-exchange
Pamidronate
Brand(s): Many Generics
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 3 mg/mL, 6 mg/mL, 9 mg/mL
For the treatment of tumor-induced/malignancy-related hypercalcemia in a palliative care
patient.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
474
High Dose Opioids
Effective January 31, 2017, meperidine 50mg tabs and the higher strengths of long-acting
opioids including: morphine SR 200mg tabs; hydromorphone CR 24mg and 30 mg caps
and fentanyl 75mcg/hr and 100mcg/hr patches were delisted from the ODB Formulary.
Access to the higher strengths of long-acting opioids is currently maintained for patients
requiring palliative care through the ODB program’s:
1. Palliative Care Facilitated Access (PCFA) mechanism, for prescribers (physicians
or nurse practitioners) who are registered PCFA prescribers with their professional
associations; AND
2. Exceptional Access Program (EAP) Telephone Request Service (TRS) for
physicians who are not PCFA prescribers, according to specific criteria.
i) Use of the high-strength opioid must be for a patient considered to have a
progressive life-limiting illness requiring palliative care.
ii) The use of the high-strength opioid can be for pain or for symptom
management.
iii) Prescriber must have a consult from a PCFA-registered prescriber with OMA;
CPSO of the PCFA-registered prescriber or NPAO or RNAO; license numbers
must be provided.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
Renewals are considered with same criteria as above. A new consult from a PCFA-
registered prescriber must be provided for each renewal.
Post-transplant Drugs
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 474, record 316, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
How long EAP takes
Turnaround times
The Exceptional Access Program receives between 250 and 500 requests a day. Requests are categorized in order of priority based on how quickly a drug is needed, the type of drug, and the condition for which the drug is being used.
Turnaround times begin on the business day on which the EAP receives a complete request from a physician or nurse practitioner. You may have to wait longer if the request is missing information or supporting documents required by the EAP criteria, if a request requires external review, or if documents are sent by fax or mail instead of submitted via SADIE.
EAP Weekly Progress Report
Date: September 15, 2026
Processing categories and examples | Target | Current |
Priority 1 — for drugs such as antibiotics, cancer medications, and initial requests for pain medications | 3 business days | 2 business day |
Priority 2 — for antiviral drugs to treat HIV, drugs for multiple sclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension | 5 business days | 3 business days |
Biologics — for biologic drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease | 10 business days | 4 business days |
Chronic — for drugs used for chronic conditions such as migraines, chronic pain, Ménière's disease and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. | 4 to 6 weeks | 11 business days |
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)
For selected drugs, the Telephone Request Service is available to authorized prescribers or their delegates. In most cases, the funding decision is provided by the end of the call and processed within one business day.
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)1 brand, same coverage
Pamidronate Disodium for Injection · DIN 02246597
Manufacturer: Fresenius Kabi Canada Ltd.; listing date 2019-08-30
Health Canada: Marketed since 2015-07-07 · brand PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM FOR INJECTION · ATC M05BA03 PAMIDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM 3 MG/ML · company Fresenius kabi canada ltd · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordPamidronate Disodium for Injection: Formulary list price $86.7800/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $86.7800 per source unit.
Source explanation: The formulary price is what ODB pays; the cash price at the counter is set by the pharmacy.
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=70784 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02246597)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02246597).
DIN 02246597: Pamidronate Disodium for Injection
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000562; group id 946; item number 2249; lccId None; manufacturer id FKC
Source form: Inj Sol-10mL Vial; strength: 3mg/mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $86.7800; ministry $86.7800
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02246597
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=70784
Interchangeable products
Aredia · DIN 02059762 · not recorded
Pamidronate Disodium Omega · DIN 02249669 · $86.7800
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=02246597
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Pamidronate Disodium Omega · DIN 02249677 · 6mg/mL · injection solution-10mL Vial
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit
Write on scriptExceptional Access application required. For a drug to be considered for funding, the EAP reimbursement criteria must always be met and the request approved prior to the initiation of treatment with the drug being requested, unless otherwise specified within the criteria. (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗) Submit through SADIE: "The SADIE portal is available to authorized prescribers and their delegates and designates, enabling the creation, submission and tracking of web-based electronic requests directly to the Exceptional Access Program." (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗) Patient paysPatient pays: program not supplied; amount cannot be determined.
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. Current criteria in SADIE
Coverage criteria
Exceptional Access Program criteria on record (ministry list dated 2025-01-01, not exhaustive):
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. https://www.ontario.ca/page/sadie-special-authorization-digital-information-exchange
Pamidronate
Brand(s): Many Generics
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 3 mg/mL, 6 mg/mL, 9 mg/mL
For the treatment of tumor-induced/malignancy-related hypercalcemia in a palliative care
patient.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
474
High Dose Opioids
Effective January 31, 2017, meperidine 50mg tabs and the higher strengths of long-acting
opioids including: morphine SR 200mg tabs; hydromorphone CR 24mg and 30 mg caps
and fentanyl 75mcg/hr and 100mcg/hr patches were delisted from the ODB Formulary.
Access to the higher strengths of long-acting opioids is currently maintained for patients
requiring palliative care through the ODB program’s:
1. Palliative Care Facilitated Access (PCFA) mechanism, for prescribers (physicians
or nurse practitioners) who are registered PCFA prescribers with their professional
associations; AND
2. Exceptional Access Program (EAP) Telephone Request Service (TRS) for
physicians who are not PCFA prescribers, according to specific criteria.
i) Use of the high-strength opioid must be for a patient considered to have a
progressive life-limiting illness requiring palliative care.
ii) The use of the high-strength opioid can be for pain or for symptom
management.
iii) Prescriber must have a consult from a PCFA-registered prescriber with OMA;
CPSO of the PCFA-registered prescriber or NPAO or RNAO; license numbers
must be provided.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
Renewals are considered with same criteria as above. A new consult from a PCFA-
registered prescriber must be provided for each renewal.
Post-transplant Drugs
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 474, record 316, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
How long EAP takes
Turnaround times
The Exceptional Access Program receives between 250 and 500 requests a day. Requests are categorized in order of priority based on how quickly a drug is needed, the type of drug, and the condition for which the drug is being used.
Turnaround times begin on the business day on which the EAP receives a complete request from a physician or nurse practitioner. You may have to wait longer if the request is missing information or supporting documents required by the EAP criteria, if a request requires external review, or if documents are sent by fax or mail instead of submitted via SADIE.
EAP Weekly Progress Report
Date: September 15, 2026
Processing categories and examples | Target | Current |
Priority 1 — for drugs such as antibiotics, cancer medications, and initial requests for pain medications | 3 business days | 2 business day |
Priority 2 — for antiviral drugs to treat HIV, drugs for multiple sclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension | 5 business days | 3 business days |
Biologics — for biologic drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease | 10 business days | 4 business days |
Chronic — for drugs used for chronic conditions such as migraines, chronic pain, Ménière's disease and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. | 4 to 6 weeks | 11 business days |
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)
For selected drugs, the Telephone Request Service is available to authorized prescribers or their delegates. In most cases, the funding decision is provided by the end of the call and processed within one business day.
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)1 brand, same coverage
Pamidronate Disodium Omega · DIN 02249677
Manufacturer: Omega Laboratories Ltd.; listing date 2011-12-15
Health Canada: Marketed since 2006-05-24 · brand PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM OMEGA 6 MG/ML · ATC M05BA03 PAMIDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM 6 MG/ML · company Omega laboratories limited · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordPamidronate Disodium Omega: Formulary list price $176.7000/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $176.7000 per source unit.
Source explanation: The formulary price is what ODB pays; the cash price at the counter is set by the pharmacy.
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=73448 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02249677)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02249677).
DIN 02249677: Pamidronate Disodium Omega
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000563; group id 946; item number 2250; lccId None; manufacturer id OMG
Source form: Inj Sol-10mL Vial; strength: 6mg/mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $176.7000; ministry $176.7000
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02249677
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=73448
Interchangeable products
Aredia · DIN 02059770 · not recorded
Pamidronate Disodium for Injection · DIN 02246598 · $176.7000
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=02249677
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Pamidronate Disodium for Injection · DIN 02246598 · 6mg/mL · injection solution-10mL Vial
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit
Write on scriptExceptional Access application required. For a drug to be considered for funding, the EAP reimbursement criteria must always be met and the request approved prior to the initiation of treatment with the drug being requested, unless otherwise specified within the criteria. (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗) Submit through SADIE: "The SADIE portal is available to authorized prescribers and their delegates and designates, enabling the creation, submission and tracking of web-based electronic requests directly to the Exceptional Access Program." (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗) Patient paysPatient pays: program not supplied; amount cannot be determined.
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. Current criteria in SADIE
Coverage criteria
Exceptional Access Program criteria on record (ministry list dated 2025-01-01, not exhaustive):
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. https://www.ontario.ca/page/sadie-special-authorization-digital-information-exchange
Pamidronate
Brand(s): Many Generics
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 3 mg/mL, 6 mg/mL, 9 mg/mL
For the treatment of tumor-induced/malignancy-related hypercalcemia in a palliative care
patient.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
474
High Dose Opioids
Effective January 31, 2017, meperidine 50mg tabs and the higher strengths of long-acting
opioids including: morphine SR 200mg tabs; hydromorphone CR 24mg and 30 mg caps
and fentanyl 75mcg/hr and 100mcg/hr patches were delisted from the ODB Formulary.
Access to the higher strengths of long-acting opioids is currently maintained for patients
requiring palliative care through the ODB program’s:
1. Palliative Care Facilitated Access (PCFA) mechanism, for prescribers (physicians
or nurse practitioners) who are registered PCFA prescribers with their professional
associations; AND
2. Exceptional Access Program (EAP) Telephone Request Service (TRS) for
physicians who are not PCFA prescribers, according to specific criteria.
i) Use of the high-strength opioid must be for a patient considered to have a
progressive life-limiting illness requiring palliative care.
ii) The use of the high-strength opioid can be for pain or for symptom
management.
iii) Prescriber must have a consult from a PCFA-registered prescriber with OMA;
CPSO of the PCFA-registered prescriber or NPAO or RNAO; license numbers
must be provided.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
Renewals are considered with same criteria as above. A new consult from a PCFA-
registered prescriber must be provided for each renewal.
Post-transplant Drugs
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 474, record 316, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
How long EAP takes
Turnaround times
The Exceptional Access Program receives between 250 and 500 requests a day. Requests are categorized in order of priority based on how quickly a drug is needed, the type of drug, and the condition for which the drug is being used.
Turnaround times begin on the business day on which the EAP receives a complete request from a physician or nurse practitioner. You may have to wait longer if the request is missing information or supporting documents required by the EAP criteria, if a request requires external review, or if documents are sent by fax or mail instead of submitted via SADIE.
EAP Weekly Progress Report
Date: September 15, 2026
Processing categories and examples | Target | Current |
Priority 1 — for drugs such as antibiotics, cancer medications, and initial requests for pain medications | 3 business days | 2 business day |
Priority 2 — for antiviral drugs to treat HIV, drugs for multiple sclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension | 5 business days | 3 business days |
Biologics — for biologic drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease | 10 business days | 4 business days |
Chronic — for drugs used for chronic conditions such as migraines, chronic pain, Ménière's disease and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. | 4 to 6 weeks | 11 business days |
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)
For selected drugs, the Telephone Request Service is available to authorized prescribers or their delegates. In most cases, the funding decision is provided by the end of the call and processed within one business day.
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)1 brand, same coverage
Pamidronate Disodium for Injection · DIN 02246598
Manufacturer: Fresenius Kabi Canada Ltd.; listing date 2019-08-30
Health Canada: Marketed since 2015-07-07 · brand PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM FOR INJECTION · ATC M05BA03 PAMIDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM 6 MG/ML · company Fresenius kabi canada ltd · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordPamidronate Disodium for Injection: Formulary list price $176.7000/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $176.7000 per source unit.
Source explanation: The formulary price is what ODB pays; the cash price at the counter is set by the pharmacy.
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=70785 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02246598)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02246598).
DIN 02246598: Pamidronate Disodium for Injection
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000563; group id 946; item number 2250; lccId None; manufacturer id FKC
Source form: Inj Sol-10mL Vial; strength: 6mg/mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $176.7000; ministry $176.7000
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02246598
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=70785
Interchangeable products
Aredia · DIN 02059770 · not recorded
Pamidronate Disodium Omega · DIN 02249677 · $176.7000
Shortage status: resolved shortage (ended 2023-05-01); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02246598
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Pamidronate Disodium Omega · DIN 02249685 · 9mg/mL · injection solution-10mL Vial
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit
Write on scriptExceptional Access application required. For a drug to be considered for funding, the EAP reimbursement criteria must always be met and the request approved prior to the initiation of treatment with the drug being requested, unless otherwise specified within the criteria. (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗) Submit through SADIE: "The SADIE portal is available to authorized prescribers and their delegates and designates, enabling the creation, submission and tracking of web-based electronic requests directly to the Exceptional Access Program." (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗) Patient paysPatient pays: program not supplied; amount cannot be determined.
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. Current criteria in SADIE
Coverage criteria
Exceptional Access Program criteria on record (ministry list dated 2025-01-01, not exhaustive):
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. https://www.ontario.ca/page/sadie-special-authorization-digital-information-exchange
Pamidronate
Brand(s): Many Generics
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 3 mg/mL, 6 mg/mL, 9 mg/mL
For the treatment of tumor-induced/malignancy-related hypercalcemia in a palliative care
patient.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
474
High Dose Opioids
Effective January 31, 2017, meperidine 50mg tabs and the higher strengths of long-acting
opioids including: morphine SR 200mg tabs; hydromorphone CR 24mg and 30 mg caps
and fentanyl 75mcg/hr and 100mcg/hr patches were delisted from the ODB Formulary.
Access to the higher strengths of long-acting opioids is currently maintained for patients
requiring palliative care through the ODB program’s:
1. Palliative Care Facilitated Access (PCFA) mechanism, for prescribers (physicians
or nurse practitioners) who are registered PCFA prescribers with their professional
associations; AND
2. Exceptional Access Program (EAP) Telephone Request Service (TRS) for
physicians who are not PCFA prescribers, according to specific criteria.
i) Use of the high-strength opioid must be for a patient considered to have a
progressive life-limiting illness requiring palliative care.
ii) The use of the high-strength opioid can be for pain or for symptom
management.
iii) Prescriber must have a consult from a PCFA-registered prescriber with OMA;
CPSO of the PCFA-registered prescriber or NPAO or RNAO; license numbers
must be provided.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
Renewals are considered with same criteria as above. A new consult from a PCFA-
registered prescriber must be provided for each renewal.
Post-transplant Drugs
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 474, record 316, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
How long EAP takes
Turnaround times
The Exceptional Access Program receives between 250 and 500 requests a day. Requests are categorized in order of priority based on how quickly a drug is needed, the type of drug, and the condition for which the drug is being used.
Turnaround times begin on the business day on which the EAP receives a complete request from a physician or nurse practitioner. You may have to wait longer if the request is missing information or supporting documents required by the EAP criteria, if a request requires external review, or if documents are sent by fax or mail instead of submitted via SADIE.
EAP Weekly Progress Report
Date: September 15, 2026
Processing categories and examples | Target | Current |
Priority 1 — for drugs such as antibiotics, cancer medications, and initial requests for pain medications | 3 business days | 2 business day |
Priority 2 — for antiviral drugs to treat HIV, drugs for multiple sclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension | 5 business days | 3 business days |
Biologics — for biologic drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease | 10 business days | 4 business days |
Chronic — for drugs used for chronic conditions such as migraines, chronic pain, Ménière's disease and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. | 4 to 6 weeks | 11 business days |
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)
For selected drugs, the Telephone Request Service is available to authorized prescribers or their delegates. In most cases, the funding decision is provided by the end of the call and processed within one business day.
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)1 brand, same coverage
Pamidronate Disodium Omega · DIN 02249685
Manufacturer: Omega Laboratories Ltd.; listing date 2011-12-15
Health Canada: Marketed since 2005-07-27 · brand PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM OMEGA 9 MG/ML · ATC M05BA03 PAMIDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM 9 MG/ML · company Omega laboratories limited · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordPamidronate Disodium Omega: Formulary list price $260.3300/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $260.3300 per source unit.
Source explanation: The formulary price is what ODB pays; the cash price at the counter is set by the pharmacy.
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=73449 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02249685)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02249685).
DIN 02249685: Pamidronate Disodium Omega
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000564; group id 946; item number 2251; lccId None; manufacturer id OMG
Source form: Inj Sol-10mL Vial; strength: 9mg/mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $260.3300; ministry $260.3300
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02249685
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=73449
Interchangeable products
Aredia · DIN 02059789 · not recorded
Pamidronate Disodium for Injection · DIN 02246599 · $260.3300
Shortage status: resolved shortage (ended 2025-10-15); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02249685
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Pamidronate Disodium for Injection · DIN 02246599 · 9mg/mL · injection solution-10mL Vial
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit
Write on scriptExceptional Access application required. For a drug to be considered for funding, the EAP reimbursement criteria must always be met and the request approved prior to the initiation of treatment with the drug being requested, unless otherwise specified within the criteria. (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗) Submit through SADIE: "The SADIE portal is available to authorized prescribers and their delegates and designates, enabling the creation, submission and tracking of web-based electronic requests directly to the Exceptional Access Program." (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗) Patient paysPatient pays: program not supplied; amount cannot be determined.
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. Current criteria in SADIE
Coverage criteria
Exceptional Access Program criteria on record (ministry list dated 2025-01-01, not exhaustive):
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. https://www.ontario.ca/page/sadie-special-authorization-digital-information-exchange
Pamidronate
Brand(s): Many Generics
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 3 mg/mL, 6 mg/mL, 9 mg/mL
For the treatment of tumor-induced/malignancy-related hypercalcemia in a palliative care
patient.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
474
High Dose Opioids
Effective January 31, 2017, meperidine 50mg tabs and the higher strengths of long-acting
opioids including: morphine SR 200mg tabs; hydromorphone CR 24mg and 30 mg caps
and fentanyl 75mcg/hr and 100mcg/hr patches were delisted from the ODB Formulary.
Access to the higher strengths of long-acting opioids is currently maintained for patients
requiring palliative care through the ODB program’s:
1. Palliative Care Facilitated Access (PCFA) mechanism, for prescribers (physicians
or nurse practitioners) who are registered PCFA prescribers with their professional
associations; AND
2. Exceptional Access Program (EAP) Telephone Request Service (TRS) for
physicians who are not PCFA prescribers, according to specific criteria.
i) Use of the high-strength opioid must be for a patient considered to have a
progressive life-limiting illness requiring palliative care.
ii) The use of the high-strength opioid can be for pain or for symptom
management.
iii) Prescriber must have a consult from a PCFA-registered prescriber with OMA;
CPSO of the PCFA-registered prescriber or NPAO or RNAO; license numbers
must be provided.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
Renewals are considered with same criteria as above. A new consult from a PCFA-
registered prescriber must be provided for each renewal.
Post-transplant Drugs
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 474, record 316, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
How long EAP takes
Turnaround times
The Exceptional Access Program receives between 250 and 500 requests a day. Requests are categorized in order of priority based on how quickly a drug is needed, the type of drug, and the condition for which the drug is being used.
Turnaround times begin on the business day on which the EAP receives a complete request from a physician or nurse practitioner. You may have to wait longer if the request is missing information or supporting documents required by the EAP criteria, if a request requires external review, or if documents are sent by fax or mail instead of submitted via SADIE.
EAP Weekly Progress Report
Date: September 15, 2026
Processing categories and examples | Target | Current |
Priority 1 — for drugs such as antibiotics, cancer medications, and initial requests for pain medications | 3 business days | 2 business day |
Priority 2 — for antiviral drugs to treat HIV, drugs for multiple sclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension | 5 business days | 3 business days |
Biologics — for biologic drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease | 10 business days | 4 business days |
Chronic — for drugs used for chronic conditions such as migraines, chronic pain, Ménière's disease and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. | 4 to 6 weeks | 11 business days |
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)
For selected drugs, the Telephone Request Service is available to authorized prescribers or their delegates. In most cases, the funding decision is provided by the end of the call and processed within one business day.
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)1 brand, same coverage
Pamidronate Disodium for Injection · DIN 02246599
Manufacturer: Fresenius Kabi Canada Ltd.; listing date 2019-08-30
Health Canada: Marketed since 2015-07-09 · brand PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM FOR INJECTION · ATC M05BA03 PAMIDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM 9 MG/ML · company Fresenius kabi canada ltd · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordPamidronate Disodium for Injection: Formulary list price $260.3300/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $260.3300 per source unit.
Source explanation: The formulary price is what ODB pays; the cash price at the counter is set by the pharmacy.
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=70786 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02246599)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02246599).
DIN 02246599: Pamidronate Disodium for Injection
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000564; group id 946; item number 2251; lccId None; manufacturer id FKC
Source form: Inj Sol-10mL Vial; strength: 9mg/mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $260.3300; ministry $260.3300
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02246599
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=70786
Interchangeable products
Aredia · DIN 02059789 · not recorded
Pamidronate Disodium Omega · DIN 02249685 · $260.3300
Shortage status: To be discontinued; reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02246599
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Aredia · DIN 02059762 · 3mg/mL · injection solution-10mL Vial
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2016-02-23 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.Discontinued 2016-02-23 · checked 2026-09-02
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2016-02-23 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.
Write on scriptExceptional Access application required. For a drug to be considered for funding, the EAP reimbursement criteria must always be met and the request approved prior to the initiation of treatment with the drug being requested, unless otherwise specified within the criteria. (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗) Submit through SADIE: "The SADIE portal is available to authorized prescribers and their delegates and designates, enabling the creation, submission and tracking of web-based electronic requests directly to the Exceptional Access Program." (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗); Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2016-02-23 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list. Patient paysPatient pays: program not supplied; amount cannot be determined.
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. Current criteria in SADIE
Coverage criteria
Exceptional Access Program criteria on record (ministry list dated 2025-01-01, not exhaustive):
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. https://www.ontario.ca/page/sadie-special-authorization-digital-information-exchange
Pamidronate
Brand(s): Many Generics
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 3 mg/mL, 6 mg/mL, 9 mg/mL
For the treatment of tumor-induced/malignancy-related hypercalcemia in a palliative care
patient.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
474
High Dose Opioids
Effective January 31, 2017, meperidine 50mg tabs and the higher strengths of long-acting
opioids including: morphine SR 200mg tabs; hydromorphone CR 24mg and 30 mg caps
and fentanyl 75mcg/hr and 100mcg/hr patches were delisted from the ODB Formulary.
Access to the higher strengths of long-acting opioids is currently maintained for patients
requiring palliative care through the ODB program’s:
1. Palliative Care Facilitated Access (PCFA) mechanism, for prescribers (physicians
or nurse practitioners) who are registered PCFA prescribers with their professional
associations; AND
2. Exceptional Access Program (EAP) Telephone Request Service (TRS) for
physicians who are not PCFA prescribers, according to specific criteria.
i) Use of the high-strength opioid must be for a patient considered to have a
progressive life-limiting illness requiring palliative care.
ii) The use of the high-strength opioid can be for pain or for symptom
management.
iii) Prescriber must have a consult from a PCFA-registered prescriber with OMA;
CPSO of the PCFA-registered prescriber or NPAO or RNAO; license numbers
must be provided.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
Renewals are considered with same criteria as above. A new consult from a PCFA-
registered prescriber must be provided for each renewal.
Post-transplant Drugs
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 474, record 316, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
How long EAP takes
Turnaround times
The Exceptional Access Program receives between 250 and 500 requests a day. Requests are categorized in order of priority based on how quickly a drug is needed, the type of drug, and the condition for which the drug is being used.
Turnaround times begin on the business day on which the EAP receives a complete request from a physician or nurse practitioner. You may have to wait longer if the request is missing information or supporting documents required by the EAP criteria, if a request requires external review, or if documents are sent by fax or mail instead of submitted via SADIE.
EAP Weekly Progress Report
Date: September 15, 2026
Processing categories and examples | Target | Current |
Priority 1 — for drugs such as antibiotics, cancer medications, and initial requests for pain medications | 3 business days | 2 business day |
Priority 2 — for antiviral drugs to treat HIV, drugs for multiple sclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension | 5 business days | 3 business days |
Biologics — for biologic drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease | 10 business days | 4 business days |
Chronic — for drugs used for chronic conditions such as migraines, chronic pain, Ménière's disease and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. | 4 to 6 weeks | 11 business days |
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)
For selected drugs, the Telephone Request Service is available to authorized prescribers or their delegates. In most cases, the funding decision is provided by the end of the call and processed within one business day.
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)1 brand, same coverage
Aredia · DIN 02059762
Manufacturer: Novartis Pharma Canada Inc.; listing date 2007-07-12
Health Canada: Cancelled post market since 2016-02-23 · brand AREDIA 30MG · ATC M05BA03 PAMIDRONIC ACID · form Powder for solution · route Intravenous · ingredients PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM 30 MG/VIAL · company Novartis pharmaceuticals canada inc · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordAredia: 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=19020 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02059762)
Source record
DIN 02059762: Aredia
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y
Item: 920000562; group id 946; item number 2249; lccId None; manufacturer id NOV
Source form: Inj Sol-10mL Vial; strength: 3mg/mL
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=02059762
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=19020
Interchangeable products
Pamidronate Disodium Omega · DIN 02249669 · $86.7800
Pamidronate Disodium for Injection · DIN 02246597 · $86.7800
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=02059762
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2016-02-23 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.
Pamidronate Disodium Omega · DIN 02249669 · 3mg/mL · injection solution-10mL Vial
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2026-07-29 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.Discontinued 2026-07-29 · checked 2026-09-02
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2026-07-29 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.
Write on scriptExceptional Access application required. For a drug to be considered for funding, the EAP reimbursement criteria must always be met and the request approved prior to the initiation of treatment with the drug being requested, unless otherwise specified within the criteria. (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗) Submit through SADIE: "The SADIE portal is available to authorized prescribers and their delegates and designates, enabling the creation, submission and tracking of web-based electronic requests directly to the Exceptional Access Program." (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗); Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2026-07-29 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list. Patient paysPatient pays: program not supplied; amount cannot be determined.
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. Current criteria in SADIE
Coverage criteria
Exceptional Access Program criteria on record (ministry list dated 2025-01-01, not exhaustive):
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. https://www.ontario.ca/page/sadie-special-authorization-digital-information-exchange
Pamidronate
Brand(s): Many Generics
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 3 mg/mL, 6 mg/mL, 9 mg/mL
For the treatment of tumor-induced/malignancy-related hypercalcemia in a palliative care
patient.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
474
High Dose Opioids
Effective January 31, 2017, meperidine 50mg tabs and the higher strengths of long-acting
opioids including: morphine SR 200mg tabs; hydromorphone CR 24mg and 30 mg caps
and fentanyl 75mcg/hr and 100mcg/hr patches were delisted from the ODB Formulary.
Access to the higher strengths of long-acting opioids is currently maintained for patients
requiring palliative care through the ODB program’s:
1. Palliative Care Facilitated Access (PCFA) mechanism, for prescribers (physicians
or nurse practitioners) who are registered PCFA prescribers with their professional
associations; AND
2. Exceptional Access Program (EAP) Telephone Request Service (TRS) for
physicians who are not PCFA prescribers, according to specific criteria.
i) Use of the high-strength opioid must be for a patient considered to have a
progressive life-limiting illness requiring palliative care.
ii) The use of the high-strength opioid can be for pain or for symptom
management.
iii) Prescriber must have a consult from a PCFA-registered prescriber with OMA;
CPSO of the PCFA-registered prescriber or NPAO or RNAO; license numbers
must be provided.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
Renewals are considered with same criteria as above. A new consult from a PCFA-
registered prescriber must be provided for each renewal.
Post-transplant Drugs
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 474, record 316, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
How long EAP takes
Turnaround times
The Exceptional Access Program receives between 250 and 500 requests a day. Requests are categorized in order of priority based on how quickly a drug is needed, the type of drug, and the condition for which the drug is being used.
Turnaround times begin on the business day on which the EAP receives a complete request from a physician or nurse practitioner. You may have to wait longer if the request is missing information or supporting documents required by the EAP criteria, if a request requires external review, or if documents are sent by fax or mail instead of submitted via SADIE.
EAP Weekly Progress Report
Date: September 15, 2026
Processing categories and examples | Target | Current |
Priority 1 — for drugs such as antibiotics, cancer medications, and initial requests for pain medications | 3 business days | 2 business day |
Priority 2 — for antiviral drugs to treat HIV, drugs for multiple sclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension | 5 business days | 3 business days |
Biologics — for biologic drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease | 10 business days | 4 business days |
Chronic — for drugs used for chronic conditions such as migraines, chronic pain, Ménière's disease and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. | 4 to 6 weeks | 11 business days |
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)
For selected drugs, the Telephone Request Service is available to authorized prescribers or their delegates. In most cases, the funding decision is provided by the end of the call and processed within one business day.
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)1 brand, same coverage
Pamidronate Disodium Omega · DIN 02249669
Manufacturer: Omega Laboratories Ltd.; listing date 2011-12-15
Health Canada: Cancelled post market since 2026-07-29 · brand PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM OMEGA 3 MG/ML · ATC M05BA03 PAMIDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM 3 MG/ML · company Omega laboratories limited · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordPamidronate Disodium Omega: Formulary list price $86.7800/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $86.7800 per source unit.
Source explanation: The formulary price is what ODB pays; the cash price at the counter is set by the pharmacy.
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=73447 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02249669)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02249669).
DIN 02249669: Pamidronate Disodium Omega
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000562; group id 946; item number 2249; lccId None; manufacturer id OMG
Source form: Inj Sol-10mL Vial; strength: 3mg/mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $86.7800; ministry $86.7800
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02249669
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=73447
Interchangeable products
Aredia · DIN 02059762 · not recorded
Pamidronate Disodium for Injection · DIN 02246597 · $86.7800
Shortage status: active shortage (reported 2013-01-01, last updated 2017-10-05) — report may be stale, confirm; reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02249669
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2026-07-29 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.
Aredia · DIN 02059770 · 6mg/mL · injection solution-10mL Vial
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2001-07-30 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.Discontinued 2001-07-30 · checked 2026-09-02
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2001-07-30 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.
Write on scriptExceptional Access application required. For a drug to be considered for funding, the EAP reimbursement criteria must always be met and the request approved prior to the initiation of treatment with the drug being requested, unless otherwise specified within the criteria. (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗) Submit through SADIE: "The SADIE portal is available to authorized prescribers and their delegates and designates, enabling the creation, submission and tracking of web-based electronic requests directly to the Exceptional Access Program." (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗); Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2001-07-30 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list. Patient paysPatient pays: program not supplied; amount cannot be determined.
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. Current criteria in SADIE
Coverage criteria
Exceptional Access Program criteria on record (ministry list dated 2025-01-01, not exhaustive):
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. https://www.ontario.ca/page/sadie-special-authorization-digital-information-exchange
Pamidronate
Brand(s): Many Generics
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 3 mg/mL, 6 mg/mL, 9 mg/mL
For the treatment of tumor-induced/malignancy-related hypercalcemia in a palliative care
patient.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
474
High Dose Opioids
Effective January 31, 2017, meperidine 50mg tabs and the higher strengths of long-acting
opioids including: morphine SR 200mg tabs; hydromorphone CR 24mg and 30 mg caps
and fentanyl 75mcg/hr and 100mcg/hr patches were delisted from the ODB Formulary.
Access to the higher strengths of long-acting opioids is currently maintained for patients
requiring palliative care through the ODB program’s:
1. Palliative Care Facilitated Access (PCFA) mechanism, for prescribers (physicians
or nurse practitioners) who are registered PCFA prescribers with their professional
associations; AND
2. Exceptional Access Program (EAP) Telephone Request Service (TRS) for
physicians who are not PCFA prescribers, according to specific criteria.
i) Use of the high-strength opioid must be for a patient considered to have a
progressive life-limiting illness requiring palliative care.
ii) The use of the high-strength opioid can be for pain or for symptom
management.
iii) Prescriber must have a consult from a PCFA-registered prescriber with OMA;
CPSO of the PCFA-registered prescriber or NPAO or RNAO; license numbers
must be provided.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
Renewals are considered with same criteria as above. A new consult from a PCFA-
registered prescriber must be provided for each renewal.
Post-transplant Drugs
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 474, record 316, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
How long EAP takes
Turnaround times
The Exceptional Access Program receives between 250 and 500 requests a day. Requests are categorized in order of priority based on how quickly a drug is needed, the type of drug, and the condition for which the drug is being used.
Turnaround times begin on the business day on which the EAP receives a complete request from a physician or nurse practitioner. You may have to wait longer if the request is missing information or supporting documents required by the EAP criteria, if a request requires external review, or if documents are sent by fax or mail instead of submitted via SADIE.
EAP Weekly Progress Report
Date: September 15, 2026
Processing categories and examples | Target | Current |
Priority 1 — for drugs such as antibiotics, cancer medications, and initial requests for pain medications | 3 business days | 2 business day |
Priority 2 — for antiviral drugs to treat HIV, drugs for multiple sclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension | 5 business days | 3 business days |
Biologics — for biologic drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease | 10 business days | 4 business days |
Chronic — for drugs used for chronic conditions such as migraines, chronic pain, Ménière's disease and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. | 4 to 6 weeks | 11 business days |
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)
For selected drugs, the Telephone Request Service is available to authorized prescribers or their delegates. In most cases, the funding decision is provided by the end of the call and processed within one business day.
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)1 brand, same coverage
Aredia · DIN 02059770
Manufacturer: Novartis Pharma Canada Inc.; listing date 2007-07-12
Health Canada: Cancelled post market since 2001-07-30 · brand AREDIA · ATC M05BA03 PAMIDRONIC ACID · form Powder for solution · route Intravenous · ingredients PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM 60 MG/VIAL · company Novartis pharmaceuticals canada inc · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordAredia: 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=19019 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02059770)
Source record
DIN 02059770: Aredia
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y
Item: 920000563; group id 946; item number 2250; lccId None; manufacturer id NOV
Source form: Inj Sol-10mL Vial; strength: 6mg/mL
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=02059770
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=19019
Interchangeable products
Pamidronate Disodium Omega · DIN 02249677 · $176.7000
Pamidronate Disodium for Injection · DIN 02246598 · $176.7000
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=02059770
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2001-07-30 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.
Aredia · DIN 02059789 · 9mg/mL · injection solution-10mL Vial
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2016-02-23 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.Discontinued 2016-02-23 · checked 2026-09-02
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2016-02-23 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.
Write on scriptExceptional Access application required. For a drug to be considered for funding, the EAP reimbursement criteria must always be met and the request approved prior to the initiation of treatment with the drug being requested, unless otherwise specified within the criteria. (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗) Submit through SADIE: "The SADIE portal is available to authorized prescribers and their delegates and designates, enabling the creation, submission and tracking of web-based electronic requests directly to the Exceptional Access Program." (ontario.ca, Aug 31, 2026 ↗); Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2016-02-23 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list. Patient paysPatient pays: program not supplied; amount cannot be determined.
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. Current criteria in SADIE
Coverage criteria
Exceptional Access Program criteria on record (ministry list dated 2025-01-01, not exhaustive):
Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. https://www.ontario.ca/page/sadie-special-authorization-digital-information-exchange
Pamidronate
Brand(s): Many Generics
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 3 mg/mL, 6 mg/mL, 9 mg/mL
For the treatment of tumor-induced/malignancy-related hypercalcemia in a palliative care
patient.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
474
High Dose Opioids
Effective January 31, 2017, meperidine 50mg tabs and the higher strengths of long-acting
opioids including: morphine SR 200mg tabs; hydromorphone CR 24mg and 30 mg caps
and fentanyl 75mcg/hr and 100mcg/hr patches were delisted from the ODB Formulary.
Access to the higher strengths of long-acting opioids is currently maintained for patients
requiring palliative care through the ODB program’s:
1. Palliative Care Facilitated Access (PCFA) mechanism, for prescribers (physicians
or nurse practitioners) who are registered PCFA prescribers with their professional
associations; AND
2. Exceptional Access Program (EAP) Telephone Request Service (TRS) for
physicians who are not PCFA prescribers, according to specific criteria.
i) Use of the high-strength opioid must be for a patient considered to have a
progressive life-limiting illness requiring palliative care.
ii) The use of the high-strength opioid can be for pain or for symptom
management.
iii) Prescriber must have a consult from a PCFA-registered prescriber with OMA;
CPSO of the PCFA-registered prescriber or NPAO or RNAO; license numbers
must be provided.
Standard Approval Duration: 12 months
Renewals are considered with same criteria as above. A new consult from a PCFA-
registered prescriber must be provided for each renewal.
Post-transplant Drugs
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 474, record 316, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
How long EAP takes
Turnaround times
The Exceptional Access Program receives between 250 and 500 requests a day. Requests are categorized in order of priority based on how quickly a drug is needed, the type of drug, and the condition for which the drug is being used.
Turnaround times begin on the business day on which the EAP receives a complete request from a physician or nurse practitioner. You may have to wait longer if the request is missing information or supporting documents required by the EAP criteria, if a request requires external review, or if documents are sent by fax or mail instead of submitted via SADIE.
EAP Weekly Progress Report
Date: September 15, 2026
Processing categories and examples | Target | Current |
Priority 1 — for drugs such as antibiotics, cancer medications, and initial requests for pain medications | 3 business days | 2 business day |
Priority 2 — for antiviral drugs to treat HIV, drugs for multiple sclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension | 5 business days | 3 business days |
Biologics — for biologic drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease | 10 business days | 4 business days |
Chronic — for drugs used for chronic conditions such as migraines, chronic pain, Ménière's disease and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. | 4 to 6 weeks | 11 business days |
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)
For selected drugs, the Telephone Request Service is available to authorized prescribers or their delegates. In most cases, the funding decision is provided by the end of the call and processed within one business day.
(ontario.ca, Updated September 15, 2026 ↗)1 brand, same coverage
Aredia · DIN 02059789
Manufacturer: Novartis Pharma Canada Inc.; listing date 2007-07-12
Health Canada: Cancelled post market since 2016-02-23 · brand AREDIA 90MG · ATC M05BA03 PAMIDRONIC ACID · form Powder for solution · route Intravenous · ingredients PAMIDRONATE DISODIUM 90 MG/VIAL · company Novartis pharmaceuticals canada inc · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordAredia: 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=19018 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02059789)
Source record
DIN 02059789: Aredia
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y
Item: 920000564; group id 946; item number 2251; lccId None; manufacturer id NOV
Source form: Inj Sol-10mL Vial; strength: 9mg/mL
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=02059789
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=19018
Interchangeable products
Pamidronate Disodium Omega · DIN 02249685 · $260.3300
Pamidronate Disodium for Injection · DIN 02246599 · $260.3300
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=02059789
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2016-02-23 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.
Other drugs in the same formulary class (92:00 UNCLASSIFIED THERAPEUTIC AGENTS) and how they are covered
Matched class: 92:00 UNCLASSIFIED THERAPEUTIC AGENTS
Drug-class inventory only. Lists recorded Ontario formulary products, not every Canadian medication; does not recommend treatment.
Covered without a code on the Ontario formulary: ALENDRONATE & CHOLECALCIFEROL, AZATHIOPRINE, CYCLOSPORINE, GLUCAGON RDNA ORIGIN, LANREOTIDE ACETATE, LEFLUNOMIDE, LEVODOPA & BENSERAZIDE, MYCOPHENOLATE SODIUM
Some products covered without a code (check the product listing): ALENDRONATE, ALLOPURINOL, AMANTADINE HCL, BROMOCRIPTINE, CLOPIDOGREL BISULFATE, LEVODOPA & CARBIDOPA, MYCOPHENOLATE MOFETIL, OCTREOTIDE, RISEDRONATE SODIUM, ROPINIROLE, SELEGILINE HCL, TAMSULOSIN HCL
92:00 UNCLASSIFIED THERAPEUTIC AGENTS
· 28 products · Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit (4), Listed, not a benefit (1), General benefit (23) · strengths: 5mg, 10mg, 70mg · Tab
· 23 products · General benefit (20), Listed, not a benefit (3) · strengths: 35mg, 5mg, 30mg, 150mg · DR Tab, Tab
· 2 products · Listed, not a benefit (1),
Limited Use, codes 280, 358, 359 (1) · strengths: 400mg · Cap
· 2 products · Listed, not a benefit (1),
Limited Use, codes 236, 237 (1) · strengths: 200mg · Tab
· 12 products ·
Limited Use, codes 319, 436, 523 (2), Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit (10) · strengths: 5mg/100mL, 4mg/5mL · Inj Sol-100mL Pk (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free)
· 6 products · General benefit · strengths: 70mg & 70mcg, 70mg & 140mcg · Tab
· 8 products ·
Limited Use, codes 687, 688 (4),
Limited Use, codes 686 (4) · strengths: 60mg/mL, 120mg/1.7mL · Inj Sol-1.0mL Pref Syr Pk (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-Pref Syr, Inj Sol-Pref Syr (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-Vial Pk, Inj Sol-Vial Pk (Preservative-Free)
· 10 products · General benefit (6), Listed, not a benefit (4) · strengths: 100mg, 200mg, 300mg · Tab
· 5 products · Listed, not a benefit (2), General benefit (3) · strengths: 100mg, 10mg/mL · Cap, O/L
· 3 products · General benefit · strengths: 50mg · Tab
· 4 products · Listed, not a benefit (2), General benefit (2) · strengths: 5mg, 2.5mg · Cap, Tab
· 19 products · General benefit (16), Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit (3) · strengths: 75mg, 300mg · Tab
Source: formulary-ed43-front-matter.txt Part V; ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26; class 92:00
and 75 more
Full class listing
Related classes:
Same formulary class, not same indication: class membership alone does not establish equivalent uses.