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

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VALPROIC ACID

3 general benefit · 2 not a benefit

Other products in the same Health Canada class (N03A, N03AG) — coverage varies; not interchangeable

  • Divalproex (Epival): general benefit
  • Vigabatrin (Vigabatrin for Oral Solution, USP 500mg): limited Use 136, Listing status unconfirmed
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol): general benefit, Limited Use, Not a benefit, Listing status unconfirmed
  • Clonazepam (Rivotril): general benefit
  • Ethosuximide (Zarontin): general benefit
  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal): general benefit

13 more in the class list below

Apo-Valproic · DIN 02238048 · 250mg · capsule

General benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
StatusGeneral benefit
Write on scriptno code needed
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.
1 brand, same coverage
Apo-Valproic · DIN 02238048 Manufacturer: Apotex Inc.; listing date 1999-04-15 Health Canada: Marketed since 2021-08-13 · brand APO-VALPROIC ACID · ATC N03AG01 VALPROIC ACID · form Capsule · route Oral · ingredients VALPROIC ACID 250 MG · company Apotex inc · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

Apo-Valproic: Formulary list price $0.2905/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)

Ministry pays: $0.2905 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=61432 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02238048)

Source record
DIN 02238048: Apo-Valproic Raw flags: sec3=Y Item: 281200041; group id 448; item number 1120; lccId None; manufacturer id APX Source form: Cap; strength: 250mg Recorded listing: General benefit Source prices (unrounded): $0.2905; ministry $0.2905 Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02238048 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=61432
Interchangeable products
Depakene · DIN 00443840 · not recorded PMS-Valproic Acid · DIN 02230768 · $0.2905
Shortage status: resolved shortage (ended 2023-05-11); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02238048
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00

PMS-Valproic Acid · DIN 02230768 · 250mg · capsule

General benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
StatusGeneral benefit
Write on scriptno code needed
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.
1 brand, same coverage
PMS-Valproic Acid · DIN 02230768 Manufacturer: Pharmascience Inc.; listing date 1998-12-31 Health Canada: Marketed since 1997-02-27 · brand PMS-VALPROIC ACID · ATC N03AG01 VALPROIC ACID · form Capsule · route Oral · ingredients VALPROIC ACID 250 MG · company Pharmascience inc · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

PMS-Valproic Acid: Formulary list price $0.2905/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)

Ministry pays: $0.2905 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=50031 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02230768)

Source record
DIN 02230768: PMS-Valproic Acid Raw flags: sec3=Y Item: 281200041; group id 448; item number 1120; lccId None; manufacturer id PMS Source form: Cap; strength: 250mg Recorded listing: General benefit Source prices (unrounded): $0.2905; ministry $0.2905 Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02230768 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=50031
Interchangeable products
Apo-Valproic · DIN 02238048 · $0.2905 Depakene · DIN 00443840 · not recorded
Shortage status: active shortage (reported 2025-03-16, estimated to end 2027-06-01, last updated 2026-08-26); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02230768
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00

PMS-Valproic Acid · DIN 02229628 · 500mg · Ent capsule

General benefitDormant since 2026-07-31 · checked 2026-09-02 · What does dormant mean?
StatusGeneral benefit
Write on scriptno code needed
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.
1 brand, same coverage
PMS-Valproic Acid · DIN 02229628 Manufacturer: Pharmascience Inc.; listing date 1997-08-28 Health Canada: Dormant since 2026-07-31 · brand PMS-VALPROIC ACID E.C. · ATC N03AG01 VALPROIC ACID · form Capsule (enteric-coated) · route Oral · ingredients VALPROIC ACID 500 MG · company Pharmascience inc · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

PMS-Valproic Acid: Formulary list price $0.8102/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)

Ministry pays: $0.8102 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=47553 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02229628)

Source record
DIN 02229628: PMS-Valproic Acid Raw flags: sec3=Y Item: 281200042; group id 448; item number 1121; lccId None; manufacturer id PMS Source form: Ent Cap; strength: 500mg Recorded listing: General benefit Source prices (unrounded): $0.8102; ministry $0.8102 Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02229628 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=47553
Interchangeable products
Depakene · DIN 00507989 · not recorded
Shortage status: active shortage (reported 2022-01-26, last updated 2025-09-26); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02229628
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Health Canada lists this DIN as Dormant since 2026-07-31 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.

Depakene · DIN 00443840 · 250mg · capsule

Listed, not a benefit; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2017-05-16 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.Discontinued 2017-05-16 · checked 2026-09-02
StatusListed, not a benefit; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2017-05-16 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.
Write on scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2017-05-16 — 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.
1 brand, same coverage
Depakene · DIN 00443840 Manufacturer: Abbott Laboratories Limited; listing date 1996-10-01 Health Canada: Cancelled post market since 2017-05-16 · brand DEPAKENE · ATC N03AG01 VALPROIC ACID · form Capsule · route Oral · ingredients VALPROIC ACID (SODIUM VALPROATE) 250 MG · company Bgp pharma ulc · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

Depakene: 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=3112 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 00443840)

Source record
DIN 00443840: Depakene Raw flags: notABenefit=Y, sec3=Y Item: 281200041; group id 448; item number 1120; lccId None; manufacturer id ABB Source form: Cap; strength: 250mg Recorded listing: Listed, not a benefit; ODB pays only for the benefit products in this interchangeable category Source prices (unrounded): not recorded; ministry not recorded Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=00443840 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=3112
Interchangeable products
Apo-Valproic · DIN 02238048 · $0.2905 PMS-Valproic Acid · DIN 02230768 · $0.2905
Shortage status: resolved shortage (ended 2017-04-24); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=00443840
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2017-05-16 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.

Depakene · DIN 00507989 · 500mg · Ent capsule

Listed, not a benefit; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2007-05-11 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.Discontinued 2007-05-11 · checked 2026-09-02
StatusListed, not a benefit; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2007-05-11 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.
Write on scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2007-05-11 — 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.
1 brand, same coverage
Depakene · DIN 00507989 Manufacturer: Abbott Laboratories Limited; listing date 1996-10-01 Health Canada: Cancelled post market since 2007-05-11 · brand DEPAKENE CAP 500MG · ATC N03AG01 VALPROIC ACID · form Capsule (enteric-coated) · route Oral · ingredients VALPROIC ACID 500 MG · company Abbott laboratories, limited · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

Depakene: 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=4439 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 00507989)

Source record
DIN 00507989: Depakene Raw flags: notABenefit=Y, sec3=Y Item: 281200042; group id 448; item number 1121; lccId None; manufacturer id ABB Source form: Ent Cap; strength: 500mg Recorded listing: Listed, not a benefit; ODB pays only for the benefit products in this interchangeable category Source prices (unrounded): not recorded; ministry not recorded Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=00507989 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=4439
Interchangeable products
PMS-Valproic Acid · DIN 02229628 · $0.8102
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=00507989
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2007-05-11 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.

VALPROATE SODIUM

All strengths: General benefit; same patient cost rules

Shared coverage and patient cost rules
StatusGeneral benefit
Patient paysPatient pays: program not supplied; amount cannot be determined.

Other products in the same Health Canada class (N03A, N03AG) — coverage varies; not interchangeable

  • Divalproex (Epival): general benefit
  • Vigabatrin (Vigabatrin for Oral Solution, USP 500mg): limited Use 136, Listing status unconfirmed
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol): general benefit, Limited Use, Not a benefit, Listing status unconfirmed
  • Clonazepam (Rivotril): general benefit
  • Ethosuximide (Zarontin): general benefit
  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal): general benefit

13 more in the class list below

Jamp Valproic Acid Oral Solution · DIN 02532441 · 50mg/mL · oral liquid

General benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
Write on scriptno code needed
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
Brand vs generic price
Lowest DBP recovery rule under medically necessary no-substitution claims: 6.2 Medically Necessary "No Substitution" Claims The Side Effect Reporting Form will not have to be renewed. However, the pharmacy must maintain a copy of the prescription that contains a direction that there be no substitution and the required Health Canada Side Effect Reporting Form (completed and signed by the prescriber). The prescriber must write “No Substitution” or “No Sub” on renewal or subsequent new written prescriptions, and indicate “No Substitution” on subsequent new oral prescriptions. The dispenser will be reimbursed the DBP plus a mark-up and the lesser of the posted usual and customary fee or the ODB dispensing fee minus the applicable ODB co-payment amount. Where a completed Side Effect Reporting Form is not available at the pharmacy during an inspection, the difference between the cost of the higher-cost product and the lowest DBP listed for the interchangeable category will be recovered. (ontario.ca, Revision #17; 2026-08-03 ↗) 6.2 Medically Necessary "No Substitution" Claims The Ministry will provide reimbursement of a higher-cost interchangeable product in medically necessary circumstances where a patient has experienced a significant adverse reaction with two (2) lower-cost interchangeable drug products, where available. When a prescriber identifies a patient for which it is medically necessary that a higher cost interchangeable product be provided, the prescriber must: • Complete, sign and forward to the pharmacist a copy of the Health Canada side effect reporting form for each lower-cost interchangeable drug product trialed (Side Effect Reporting Form[s]); and • Write “No Substitution” or “No Sub” on a written prescription or indicate “No Substitution” to the pharmacist in the case of a verbal prescription. The prescriber should keep a copy of the completed form in the patient’s record for future use and reference. In the case of a written prescription, when the pharmacist or dispensing physician receives a prescription with the written notation “No Substitution” or “No Sub”, reimbursement will be provided for the higher-cost interchangeable product only if the prescription is accompanied by a completed Health Canada Side Effect Reporting Form for each of the lower-cost interchangeable drug products trialed. This form must be completely filled out noting the details of the adverse reaction and signed by the prescriber. In the case of a verbal prescription, the prescriber must satisfy the operator of the pharmacy or dispensing physician that a completed Health Canada Side Effect Reporting Form for each of the lower-cost interchangeable drug products trialed has been completed and signed by the prescriber. A written record of this verbal prescription and the completed Health Canada Side Effect Reporting Form must be received by the pharmacy prior to claim submission. Upon receipt, the pharmacist must: • Fax, submit online or mail the completed and signed form to Health Canada’s Canada Vigilance Program; and • Retain his or her copy of the completed and signed Side Effect Reporting Form. (ontario.ca, Revision #17; 2026-08-03 ↗)
1 brand, same coverage
Jamp Valproic Acid Oral Solution · DIN 02532441 Manufacturer: Jamp Pharma Corporation; listing date 2023-11-30 Health Canada: Marketed since 2023-10-05 · brand JAMP VALPROIC ACID ORAL SOLUTION · ATC N03AG01 VALPROIC ACID · form Solution · route Oral · ingredients VALPROIC ACID (SODIUM VALPROATE) 250 MG/5ML · company Jamp pharma corporation · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

Jamp Valproic Acid Oral Solution: Formulary list price $0.0398/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)

Ministry pays: $0.0398 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=102148 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02532441)

Source record
DIN 02532441: Jamp Valproic Acid Oral Solution Raw flags: sec3=Y Item: 281200040; group id 447; item number 1119; lccId None; manufacturer id JPC Source form: O/L; strength: 50mg/mL Recorded listing: General benefit Source prices (unrounded): $0.0398; ministry $0.0398 Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02532441 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=102148
Interchangeable products
Apo-Valproic · DIN 02238370 · $0.0398 Depakene · DIN 00443832 · $0.0398 Odan-Valproic Acid · DIN 02549190 · $0.0398 PMS-Valproic Acid · DIN 02236807 · $0.0398
Shortage status: resolved shortage (ended 2026-05-28); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02532441
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00

Odan-Valproic Acid · DIN 02549190 · 50mg/mL · oral liquid

General benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
Write on scriptno code needed
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
Brand vs generic price
Lowest DBP recovery rule under medically necessary no-substitution claims: 6.2 Medically Necessary "No Substitution" Claims The Side Effect Reporting Form will not have to be renewed. However, the pharmacy must maintain a copy of the prescription that contains a direction that there be no substitution and the required Health Canada Side Effect Reporting Form (completed and signed by the prescriber). The prescriber must write “No Substitution” or “No Sub” on renewal or subsequent new written prescriptions, and indicate “No Substitution” on subsequent new oral prescriptions. The dispenser will be reimbursed the DBP plus a mark-up and the lesser of the posted usual and customary fee or the ODB dispensing fee minus the applicable ODB co-payment amount. Where a completed Side Effect Reporting Form is not available at the pharmacy during an inspection, the difference between the cost of the higher-cost product and the lowest DBP listed for the interchangeable category will be recovered. (ontario.ca, Revision #17; 2026-08-03 ↗) 6.2 Medically Necessary "No Substitution" Claims The Ministry will provide reimbursement of a higher-cost interchangeable product in medically necessary circumstances where a patient has experienced a significant adverse reaction with two (2) lower-cost interchangeable drug products, where available. When a prescriber identifies a patient for which it is medically necessary that a higher cost interchangeable product be provided, the prescriber must: • Complete, sign and forward to the pharmacist a copy of the Health Canada side effect reporting form for each lower-cost interchangeable drug product trialed (Side Effect Reporting Form[s]); and • Write “No Substitution” or “No Sub” on a written prescription or indicate “No Substitution” to the pharmacist in the case of a verbal prescription. The prescriber should keep a copy of the completed form in the patient’s record for future use and reference. In the case of a written prescription, when the pharmacist or dispensing physician receives a prescription with the written notation “No Substitution” or “No Sub”, reimbursement will be provided for the higher-cost interchangeable product only if the prescription is accompanied by a completed Health Canada Side Effect Reporting Form for each of the lower-cost interchangeable drug products trialed. This form must be completely filled out noting the details of the adverse reaction and signed by the prescriber. In the case of a verbal prescription, the prescriber must satisfy the operator of the pharmacy or dispensing physician that a completed Health Canada Side Effect Reporting Form for each of the lower-cost interchangeable drug products trialed has been completed and signed by the prescriber. A written record of this verbal prescription and the completed Health Canada Side Effect Reporting Form must be received by the pharmacy prior to claim submission. Upon receipt, the pharmacist must: • Fax, submit online or mail the completed and signed form to Health Canada’s Canada Vigilance Program; and • Retain his or her copy of the completed and signed Side Effect Reporting Form. (ontario.ca, Revision #17; 2026-08-03 ↗)
1 brand, same coverage
Odan-Valproic Acid · DIN 02549190 Manufacturer: Odan Laboratories Ltd.; listing date 2024-12-30 Health Canada: Marketed since 2024-11-06 · brand ODAN-VALPROIC ACID · ATC N03AG01 VALPROIC ACID · form Solution · route Oral · ingredients VALPROIC ACID (SODIUM VALPROATE) 250 MG/5ML · company Odan laboratoriesltd · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

Odan-Valproic Acid: Formulary list price $0.0398/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)

Ministry pays: $0.0398 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=103806 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02549190)

Source record
DIN 02549190: Odan-Valproic Acid Raw flags: sec3=Y Item: 281200040; group id 447; item number 1119; lccId None; manufacturer id ODN Source form: O/L; strength: 50mg/mL Recorded listing: General benefit Source prices (unrounded): $0.0398; ministry $0.0398 Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02549190 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=103806
Interchangeable products
Apo-Valproic · DIN 02238370 · $0.0398 Depakene · DIN 00443832 · $0.0398 Jamp Valproic Acid Oral Solution · DIN 02532441 · $0.0398 PMS-Valproic Acid · DIN 02236807 · $0.0398
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=02549190
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00

PMS-Valproic Acid · DIN 02236807 · 50mg/mL · oral liquid

General benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
Write on scriptno code needed
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.
Brand vs generic price
Lowest DBP recovery rule under medically necessary no-substitution claims: 6.2 Medically Necessary "No Substitution" Claims The Side Effect Reporting Form will not have to be renewed. However, the pharmacy must maintain a copy of the prescription that contains a direction that there be no substitution and the required Health Canada Side Effect Reporting Form (completed and signed by the prescriber). The prescriber must write “No Substitution” or “No Sub” on renewal or subsequent new written prescriptions, and indicate “No Substitution” on subsequent new oral prescriptions. The dispenser will be reimbursed the DBP plus a mark-up and the lesser of the posted usual and customary fee or the ODB dispensing fee minus the applicable ODB co-payment amount. Where a completed Side Effect Reporting Form is not available at the pharmacy during an inspection, the difference between the cost of the higher-cost product and the lowest DBP listed for the interchangeable category will be recovered. (ontario.ca, Revision #17; 2026-08-03 ↗) 6.2 Medically Necessary "No Substitution" Claims The Ministry will provide reimbursement of a higher-cost interchangeable product in medically necessary circumstances where a patient has experienced a significant adverse reaction with two (2) lower-cost interchangeable drug products, where available. When a prescriber identifies a patient for which it is medically necessary that a higher cost interchangeable product be provided, the prescriber must: • Complete, sign and forward to the pharmacist a copy of the Health Canada side effect reporting form for each lower-cost interchangeable drug product trialed (Side Effect Reporting Form[s]); and • Write “No Substitution” or “No Sub” on a written prescription or indicate “No Substitution” to the pharmacist in the case of a verbal prescription. The prescriber should keep a copy of the completed form in the patient’s record for future use and reference. In the case of a written prescription, when the pharmacist or dispensing physician receives a prescription with the written notation “No Substitution” or “No Sub”, reimbursement will be provided for the higher-cost interchangeable product only if the prescription is accompanied by a completed Health Canada Side Effect Reporting Form for each of the lower-cost interchangeable drug products trialed. This form must be completely filled out noting the details of the adverse reaction and signed by the prescriber. In the case of a verbal prescription, the prescriber must satisfy the operator of the pharmacy or dispensing physician that a completed Health Canada Side Effect Reporting Form for each of the lower-cost interchangeable drug products trialed has been completed and signed by the prescriber. A written record of this verbal prescription and the completed Health Canada Side Effect Reporting Form must be received by the pharmacy prior to claim submission. Upon receipt, the pharmacist must: • Fax, submit online or mail the completed and signed form to Health Canada’s Canada Vigilance Program; and • Retain his or her copy of the completed and signed Side Effect Reporting Form. (ontario.ca, Revision #17; 2026-08-03 ↗)
1 brand, same coverage
PMS-Valproic Acid · DIN 02236807 Manufacturer: Pharmascience Inc.; listing date 1999-04-15 Health Canada: Marketed since 1997-11-20 · brand PMS-VALPROIC ACID · ATC N03AG01 VALPROIC ACID · form Solution · route Oral · ingredients VALPROIC ACID (SODIUM VALPROATE) 250 MG/5ML · company Pharmascience inc · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

PMS-Valproic Acid: Formulary list price $0.0398/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)

Ministry pays: $0.0398 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=60096 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02236807)

Source record
DIN 02236807: PMS-Valproic Acid Raw flags: sec3=Y Item: 281200040; group id 447; item number 1119; lccId None; manufacturer id PMS Source form: O/L; strength: 50mg/mL Recorded listing: General benefit Source prices (unrounded): $0.0398; ministry $0.0398 Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02236807 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=60096
Interchangeable products
Apo-Valproic · DIN 02238370 · $0.0398 Depakene · DIN 00443832 · $0.0398 Jamp Valproic Acid Oral Solution · DIN 02532441 · $0.0398 Odan-Valproic Acid · DIN 02549190 · $0.0398
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=02236807
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Other drugs in the same formulary class (28:12 Anticonvulsants) and how they are covered

Matched class: 28:12 Anticonvulsants

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: CLONAZEPAM, DIVALPROEX SODIUM, ETHOSUXIMIDE, LAMOTRIGINE Some products covered without a code (check the product listing): CARBAMAZEPINE, GABAPENTIN, PHENYTOIN (DIPHENYLHYDANTOIN), PHENYTOIN (DIPHENYLHYDANTOIN) SODIUM, PREGABALIN, PRIMIDONE, TOPIRAMATE 28:12 Anticonvulsants

DIVALPROEX SODIUM

· 9 products · General benefit · strengths: 125mg, 250mg, 500mg · Ent Tab

VIGABATRIN

· 3 products · Temporary benefit (2), Limited Use, codes 136 (1) · strengths: 500mg/Sachet, 500mg · Pd for Oral Sol, Tab

CARBAMAZEPINE

· 15 products · Listed, not a benefit (3), General benefit (6), Temporary benefit (2), Limited Use, codes 67 (4) · strengths: 100mg, 200mg, 400mg, 100mg/5mL · Chew Tab, ER Tab, LA Tab, Oral Susp, Tab

CLONAZEPAM

· 9 products · General benefit · strengths: 0.5mg, 2mg · Tab

ETHOSUXIMIDE

· 4 products · General benefit · strengths: 250mg, 50mg/mL · Cap, O/L

LAMOTRIGINE

· 28 products · General benefit · strengths: 25mg, 100mg, 150mg · Tab

PHENYTOIN (DIPHENYLHYDANTOIN)

· 4 products · General benefit; DIN status E (meaning unconfirmed); confirm discontinuation/availability with Health Canada (2), General benefit (2) · strengths: 6mg/mL, 25mg/mL, 50mg · O/L, Tab

PHENYTOIN (DIPHENYLHYDANTOIN) SODIUM

· 4 products · General benefit (3), Limited Use, codes 481, 657 (1) · strengths: 30mg, 100mg, 50mg/mL · Cap, Inj Sol (Preservative Free)

PRIMIDONE

· 4 products · General benefit (2), Listed, not a benefit (2) · strengths: 125mg, 250mg · Tab

TOPIRAMATE

· 54 products · Limited Use, codes 321 (2), Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit (3), General benefit (49) · strengths: 15mg, 25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 200mg · Sprinkle Cap, Tab

BRIVARACETAM

· 12 products · Limited Use, codes 548 · strengths: 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg · Tab

CENOBAMATE

· 9 products · Limited Use, codes 719 · strengths: 12.5mg, 25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg, 12.5mg & 25mg, 50mg & 100mg, 150mg & 200mg · Tab, Tab - (Starter Kit) Source: formulary-ed43-front-matter.txt Part V; ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26; class 28:12 and 10 more
Full class listing Related classes: 28:08 Analgesics, 28:10 Opiate Antagonists, 28:16 Psychotherapeutic Agents, 28:20 C.N.S. Stimulants, 28:24 Sedatives and Hypnotics, 28:36 Antiparkinsonian Agents, 28:92 Miscellaneous Central Nervous System Drugs Same formulary class, not same indication: class membership alone does not establish equivalent uses.
Other drugs whose Health Canada label lists a similar indication: simple or complex absence seizures
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. Covered without a code on the Ontario formulary: DIVALPROEX SODIUM DIVALPROEX SODIUM · General benefit Indications EPIVAL® (divalproex sodium delayed-release tablets) is indicated for: Epilepsy • use as sole or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple or complex absence seizures, including petit mal, and is useful in primary generalized seizures with tonic-clonic manifestations. PM: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00084579.PDF; date 2026-04-30; DIN 00596418; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph Coverage source: ON formulary extract 2026-08-26
What the Health Canada label says it is for
1. Indications pms-VALPROIC ACID / pms-VALPROIC ACID E.C. (valproic acid) are indicated for: • use as sole or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple or complex absence seizures, including petit mal, and is useful in primary generalized seizures with tonic-clonic manifestations. • use adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types, which include either absence or tonic-clonic seizures. In accordance with the International Classification of Seizures, simple absence is defined as a very brief clouding of the sensorium or loss of consciousness (lasting usually 2 to 15 seconds), accompanied by certain generalized epileptic discharges without other detectable clinical signs. Complex absence is the term used when other signs are also present. See 2 Contraindications; and 7 Hepatic/Biliary/Pancreatic, Serious or Fatal Hepatotoxicity for statement regarding serious or fatal hepatic dysfunction. 1.1. Pediatrics Pediatrics (< 18 years of age): When pms-VALPROIC ACID / pms-VALPROIC ACID E.C. is used in children under the age of 2 years, it should be used with extreme caution and as a sole agent. Above the age of 2 years, experience in epilepsy has indicated … https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00083584.PDF PM date: 2026-02-23 Source product: PMS-VALPROIC ACID; DIN 02230768; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph posted by Health Canada; excerpt for lookup only.
What the Health Canada label says it is for
1. Indications DEPAKENE (valproic acid oral solution) is indicated for: • use as sole or adjunctive therapy in the treatment of simple or complex absence seizures, including petit mal, and is useful in primary generalized seizures with tonic-clonic manifestations. • use adjunctively in patients with multiple seizure types which include either absence or tonic- clonic seizures. In accordance with the International Classification of Seizures, simple absence is defined as a very brief clouding of the sensorium or loss of consciousness (lasting usually 2 to 15 seconds), accompanied by certain generalized epileptic discharges without other detectable clinical signs. Complex absence is the term used when other signs are also present. See 2 Contraindications and 7 Hepatic/Biliary/Pancreatic, Serious or Fatal Hepatotoxicity for statement regarding serious or fatal hepatic dysfunction. 1.1. Pediatrics Pediatrics (< 18 years of age): When DEPAKENE is used in children under the age of 2 years, it should be used with extreme caution and as a sole agent. Above the age of 2 years, experience in epilepsy has indicated that the incidence of fatal hepatotoxicity decreases considerably … https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00084557.PDF PM date: 2026-04-30 Source product: DEPAKENE; DIN 00443832; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph posted by Health Canada; excerpt for lookup only.

Availability

PMS-Valproic Acid · DIN 02230768 Shortage status: active shortage (reported 2025-03-16, estimated to end 2027-06-01, last updated 2026-08-26); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02230768

Check this DIN again

PMS-Valproic Acid · DIN 02229628 Shortage status: active shortage (reported 2022-01-26, last updated 2025-09-26); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada) Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02229628

Check this DIN again
Health Canada: dormant products
Health Canada defines dormant products as: “products that were previously marketed in Canada but for which the manufacturer has suspended sale for period of at least 12 months.” (canada.ca, Sep 10, 2026 ↗)

Other review policies

For Depakene: 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