Listed in the December 27, 2023 extract; not in the current extract (Aug 26, 2026): Taro-Zoledronic Acid (02415100). Source: odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2023-12-27.xml; compared with odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml.
ZOLEDRONIC ACID
2 Limited Use · 10 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
- Pamidronate (Aredia): not a benefit
- Alendronate + cholecalciferol (Fosavance): general benefit
1 more in the class list below
Aclasta · DIN 02269198 · 5mg/100mL · injection solution-100mL Pk (Preservative-Free)
Limited Use — Reason for Use code 319, 436, 523 requiredMarketed · checked 2026-09-18
StatusLimited Use — Reason for Use code 319, 436, 523 required
Write on scriptLU code 319, 436, 523 (patient must meet the criteria below)
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
Ontario Limited Use criteria — code 319, 436, 523
Reason for Use code 319
For the treatment of Paget's disease.
Coverage limit:
LU Authorization Period: Indefinite
Reason for Use code 436
For the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal females who meet the following criteria:
- High risk* for fracture; and
- For whom oral bisphosphonates are contraindicated due to abnormalities of the esophagus (e.g. esophageal stricture or achalasia) OR inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
*High fracture risk is defined as either:
- a prior fragility fracture AND a moderate 10-year fracture risk (10% to 20%) based on the Canadian Association of Radiologists and Osteoporosis Canada (CAROC) tool or the Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) tool; OR
- a high 10-year fracture risk (greater than or equal to 20%) based on the CAROC or FRAX tool; OR
- where a patient's 10-year fracture risk based on the CAROC or FRAX tool, is less than the thresholds defined above, a high fracture risk based on evaluation of clinical risk factors for fracture
Note: Use of the CAROC or FRAX tool may underestimate fracture risk in certain circumstances and may not include all risk factors.
Coverage limit:
LU Authorization Period: Indefinite
Reason for Use code 523
For the treatment of osteoporosis in males who meet the following criteria:
- High risk* for fracture; and
- For whom oral bisphosphonates are contraindicated due to abnormalities of the esophagus (e.g. esophageal stricture or achalasia) OR inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
*High fracture risk is defined as either:
- a moderate 10-year fracture risk (10% to 20%) with a prior fragility fracture based on the Canadian Association of Radiologists and Osteoporosis Canada (CAROC) tool or the Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) tool; OR
- a high 10-year fracture risk (greater than or equal to 20%) based on the CAROC or FRAX tool; OR
- where the patient's 10-year fracture risk is below 10% based on the CAROC or FRAX tool, a high fracture risk based on evaluation of clinical risk factors for fracture
Note: Use of the CAROC or FRAX tool may underestimate fracture risk in certain circumstances and may not include all risk factors.
Coverage limit:
LU Authorization Period: Indefinite
Coverage limit:
In all cases, patients receiving Aclasta should not be receiving concomitant bisphosphonate therapy. The recommended dose of Aclasta (zoledronic acid) is a single IV injection of 5mg, once yearly.
Exceptional Access criteria on record are for Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate; DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial — not this product; no criteria on record for this product in this block.
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
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Zoledronic acid as Zometa Concentrate will only be considered for the treatment of bony
metastases in those with hormone refractory prostate cancer as well as other
cancers through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) in those receiving outpatient
care who cannot obtain Zometa through the Systemic Treatment-Quality Based Procedure
(STQBP).
Zometa is considered through STQBP CCO for those receiving prostate cancer treatment
from a cancer clinic.
https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/cancer-treatments/chemotherapy/funding-
reimbursement/systemic-treatment-quality-based-procedure
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
For the treatment of bony metastases for patients with hormone refractory prostate
cancer as determined by an elevated PSA level, or evidence of progressive bony
disease1, despite castrate serum testosterone levels (<50 ng/dL).
1Progressive bony disease should be demonstrated by: progressive changes in
radionucleotide bone scan or clinical signs of disease progression (e.g., via
radionucleotide scanning, pathologic fracture or increasing bone pain).
Requests for patients who have undergone orchidectomy do not need to provide a serum
testosterone level.
• For the prevention of skeletal related events in patients who have not experienced
previous skeletal related events2 and who have bony metastases secondary to:
• Solid tumours (e.g. renal, small cell lung, pancreatic cancers) who have good
performance status 3 OR
• Breast cancer or multiple myeloma who are intolerant to pamidronate.
• 2 A skeletal related event is defined as: pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression,
radiation therapy to bone or surgery to bone.
• 3 Good performance status is defined as patients that are ambulatory, capable of self
care and up and about more than 50 per cent of waking hours.
• For the treatment of patients with symptoms due to bony metastases secondary to
breast cancer or multiple myeloma who have failed or are intolerant to pamidronate.
• Consideration for patients who are symptomatic due to bony metastases secondary to
other types of solid tumours or cancers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The physician is asked to include information describing the patient’s bone pain and
use of other therapies including the use of bisphosphonates. The use of other non-
pharmacologic treatment modalities such as surgery or radiation that have been tried
should be provided in the request.
399
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
Renewals will be considered for patients who are responding to therapy and is still
deemed to require treatment.
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
400
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 399, record 228, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
1 brand, same coverage
Aclasta · DIN 02269198
Manufacturer: Sandoz Canada Inc.; listing date 2006-10-23
Health Canada: Marketed since 2022-12-13 · brand ACLASTA · ATC M05BA08 ZOLEDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients ZOLEDRONIC ACID (ZOLEDRONIC ACID MONOHYDRATE) 5 MG/100ML · company Sandoz canada incorporated · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordMinistry pays: $391.6110 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=75458 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02269198)
Source record
DIN 02269198: Aclasta
Raw flags: sec12=Y, sec3=Y
Item: 920000536; group id 990; item number 2325; lccId 00195; manufacturer id SDZ
Source form: Inj Sol-100mL Pk (Preservative-Free); strength: 5mg/100mL
Recorded listing: Limited Use: paid only with a Reason for Use code and the criteria below
Source prices (unrounded): $899.7300; ministry $391.6110
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02269198
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=75458
Interchangeable products
Zoledronic Acid Injection · DIN 02422433 · $391.6110
Shortage status: resolved shortage (ended 2025-05-19); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02269198
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Zoledronic Acid Injection · DIN 02422433 · 5mg/100mL · injection solution-100mL Pk (Preservative-Free)
Limited Use — Reason for Use code 319, 436, 523 requiredMarketed · checked 2026-09-19
StatusLimited Use — Reason for Use code 319, 436, 523 required
Write on scriptLU code 319, 436, 523 (patient must meet the criteria below)
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
Ontario Limited Use criteria — code 319, 436, 523
Reason for Use code 319
For the treatment of Paget's disease.
Coverage limit:
LU Authorization Period: Indefinite
Reason for Use code 436
For the treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal females who meet the following criteria:
- High risk* for fracture; and
- For whom oral bisphosphonates are contraindicated due to abnormalities of the esophagus (e.g. esophageal stricture or achalasia) OR inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
*High fracture risk is defined as either:
- a prior fragility fracture AND a moderate 10-year fracture risk (10% to 20%) based on the Canadian Association of Radiologists and Osteoporosis Canada (CAROC) tool or the Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) tool; OR
- a high 10-year fracture risk (greater than or equal to 20%) based on the CAROC or FRAX tool; OR
- where a patient's 10-year fracture risk based on the CAROC or FRAX tool, is less than the thresholds defined above, a high fracture risk based on evaluation of clinical risk factors for fracture
Note: Use of the CAROC or FRAX tool may underestimate fracture risk in certain circumstances and may not include all risk factors.
Coverage limit:
LU Authorization Period: Indefinite
Reason for Use code 523
For the treatment of osteoporosis in males who meet the following criteria:
- High risk* for fracture; and
- For whom oral bisphosphonates are contraindicated due to abnormalities of the esophagus (e.g. esophageal stricture or achalasia) OR inability to stand or sit upright for at least 30 minutes.
*High fracture risk is defined as either:
- a moderate 10-year fracture risk (10% to 20%) with a prior fragility fracture based on the Canadian Association of Radiologists and Osteoporosis Canada (CAROC) tool or the Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) tool; OR
- a high 10-year fracture risk (greater than or equal to 20%) based on the CAROC or FRAX tool; OR
- where the patient's 10-year fracture risk is below 10% based on the CAROC or FRAX tool, a high fracture risk based on evaluation of clinical risk factors for fracture
Note: Use of the CAROC or FRAX tool may underestimate fracture risk in certain circumstances and may not include all risk factors.
Coverage limit:
LU Authorization Period: Indefinite
Coverage limit:
In all cases, patients receiving Aclasta should not be receiving concomitant bisphosphonate therapy. The recommended dose of Aclasta (zoledronic acid) is a single IV injection of 5mg, once yearly.
Exceptional Access criteria on record are for Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate; DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial — not this product; no criteria on record for this product in this block.
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
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Zoledronic acid as Zometa Concentrate will only be considered for the treatment of bony
metastases in those with hormone refractory prostate cancer as well as other
cancers through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) in those receiving outpatient
care who cannot obtain Zometa through the Systemic Treatment-Quality Based Procedure
(STQBP).
Zometa is considered through STQBP CCO for those receiving prostate cancer treatment
from a cancer clinic.
https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/cancer-treatments/chemotherapy/funding-
reimbursement/systemic-treatment-quality-based-procedure
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
For the treatment of bony metastases for patients with hormone refractory prostate
cancer as determined by an elevated PSA level, or evidence of progressive bony
disease1, despite castrate serum testosterone levels (<50 ng/dL).
1Progressive bony disease should be demonstrated by: progressive changes in
radionucleotide bone scan or clinical signs of disease progression (e.g., via
radionucleotide scanning, pathologic fracture or increasing bone pain).
Requests for patients who have undergone orchidectomy do not need to provide a serum
testosterone level.
• For the prevention of skeletal related events in patients who have not experienced
previous skeletal related events2 and who have bony metastases secondary to:
• Solid tumours (e.g. renal, small cell lung, pancreatic cancers) who have good
performance status 3 OR
• Breast cancer or multiple myeloma who are intolerant to pamidronate.
• 2 A skeletal related event is defined as: pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression,
radiation therapy to bone or surgery to bone.
• 3 Good performance status is defined as patients that are ambulatory, capable of self
care and up and about more than 50 per cent of waking hours.
• For the treatment of patients with symptoms due to bony metastases secondary to
breast cancer or multiple myeloma who have failed or are intolerant to pamidronate.
• Consideration for patients who are symptomatic due to bony metastases secondary to
other types of solid tumours or cancers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The physician is asked to include information describing the patient’s bone pain and
use of other therapies including the use of bisphosphonates. The use of other non-
pharmacologic treatment modalities such as surgery or radiation that have been tried
should be provided in the request.
399
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
Renewals will be considered for patients who are responding to therapy and is still
deemed to require treatment.
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
400
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 399, record 228, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
1 brand, same coverage
Zoledronic Acid Injection · DIN 02422433
Manufacturer: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc.; listing date 2014-09-25
Health Canada: Marketed since 2014-05-28 · brand ZOLEDRONIC ACID INJECTION · ATC M05BA08 ZOLEDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients ZOLEDRONIC ACID (ZOLEDRONIC ACID MONOHYDRATE) 5 MG/100ML · company Dr reddy's laboratories ltd · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordZoledronic Acid Injection: Formulary list price $391.6110/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $391.6110 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=90712 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02422433)
Source record
DIN 02422433: Zoledronic Acid Injection
Raw flags: sec12=Y, sec3=Y
Item: 920000536; group id 990; item number 2325; lccId 00195; manufacturer id DRR
Source form: Inj Sol-100mL Pk (Preservative-Free); strength: 5mg/100mL
Recorded listing: Limited Use: paid only with a Reason for Use code and the criteria below
Source prices (unrounded): $391.6110; ministry $391.6110
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02422433
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=90712
Interchangeable products
Aclasta · DIN 02269198 · $391.6110
Shortage status: resolved shortage (ended 2022-11-22); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02422433
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Jamp-Zoledronic Acid · DIN 02482525 · 4mg/5mL · injection solution-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free)
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-19
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit
Write on scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives
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 criteria on record are for Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate; DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial — not this product; no criteria on record for this product in this block.
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
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Zoledronic acid as Zometa Concentrate will only be considered for the treatment of bony
metastases in those with hormone refractory prostate cancer as well as other
cancers through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) in those receiving outpatient
care who cannot obtain Zometa through the Systemic Treatment-Quality Based Procedure
(STQBP).
Zometa is considered through STQBP CCO for those receiving prostate cancer treatment
from a cancer clinic.
https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/cancer-treatments/chemotherapy/funding-
reimbursement/systemic-treatment-quality-based-procedure
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
For the treatment of bony metastases for patients with hormone refractory prostate
cancer as determined by an elevated PSA level, or evidence of progressive bony
disease1, despite castrate serum testosterone levels (<50 ng/dL).
1Progressive bony disease should be demonstrated by: progressive changes in
radionucleotide bone scan or clinical signs of disease progression (e.g., via
radionucleotide scanning, pathologic fracture or increasing bone pain).
Requests for patients who have undergone orchidectomy do not need to provide a serum
testosterone level.
• For the prevention of skeletal related events in patients who have not experienced
previous skeletal related events2 and who have bony metastases secondary to:
• Solid tumours (e.g. renal, small cell lung, pancreatic cancers) who have good
performance status 3 OR
• Breast cancer or multiple myeloma who are intolerant to pamidronate.
• 2 A skeletal related event is defined as: pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression,
radiation therapy to bone or surgery to bone.
• 3 Good performance status is defined as patients that are ambulatory, capable of self
care and up and about more than 50 per cent of waking hours.
• For the treatment of patients with symptoms due to bony metastases secondary to
breast cancer or multiple myeloma who have failed or are intolerant to pamidronate.
• Consideration for patients who are symptomatic due to bony metastases secondary to
other types of solid tumours or cancers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The physician is asked to include information describing the patient’s bone pain and
use of other therapies including the use of bisphosphonates. The use of other non-
pharmacologic treatment modalities such as surgery or radiation that have been tried
should be provided in the request.
399
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
Renewals will be considered for patients who are responding to therapy and is still
deemed to require treatment.
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
400
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 399, record 228, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
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-Zoledronic Acid · DIN 02482525
Manufacturer: Jamp Pharma Corporation; listing date 2019-10-31
Health Canada: Marketed since 2020-01-20 · brand JAMP-ZOLEDRONIC ACID · ATC M05BA08 ZOLEDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients ZOLEDRONIC ACID (ZOLEDRONIC ACID MONOHYDRATE) 4 MG/5ML · company Jamp pharma corporation · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordJamp-Zoledronic Acid: Formulary list price $415.5600/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $415.5600 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=97282 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02482525)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02482525).
DIN 02482525: Jamp-Zoledronic Acid
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000575; group id 991; item number 2326; lccId None; manufacturer id JPC
Source form: Inj Sol-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free); strength: 4mg/5mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $415.5600; ministry $415.5600
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02482525
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=97282
Interchangeable products
Taro-Zoledronic Acid Concentrate · DIN 02415186 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02413701 · $415.0000
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02422425 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02407639 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02434458 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02444739 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02472805 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid-Z · DIN 02401606 · $415.5600
Zometa Concentrate · DIN 02248296 · not recorded
Shortage status: resolved shortage (ended 2023-10-10); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02482525
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Taro-Zoledronic Acid Concentrate · DIN 02415186 · 4mg/5mL · injection solution-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free)
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-18
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit
Write on scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives
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 criteria on record are for Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate; DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial — not this product; no criteria on record for this product in this block.
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
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Zoledronic acid as Zometa Concentrate will only be considered for the treatment of bony
metastases in those with hormone refractory prostate cancer as well as other
cancers through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) in those receiving outpatient
care who cannot obtain Zometa through the Systemic Treatment-Quality Based Procedure
(STQBP).
Zometa is considered through STQBP CCO for those receiving prostate cancer treatment
from a cancer clinic.
https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/cancer-treatments/chemotherapy/funding-
reimbursement/systemic-treatment-quality-based-procedure
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
For the treatment of bony metastases for patients with hormone refractory prostate
cancer as determined by an elevated PSA level, or evidence of progressive bony
disease1, despite castrate serum testosterone levels (<50 ng/dL).
1Progressive bony disease should be demonstrated by: progressive changes in
radionucleotide bone scan or clinical signs of disease progression (e.g., via
radionucleotide scanning, pathologic fracture or increasing bone pain).
Requests for patients who have undergone orchidectomy do not need to provide a serum
testosterone level.
• For the prevention of skeletal related events in patients who have not experienced
previous skeletal related events2 and who have bony metastases secondary to:
• Solid tumours (e.g. renal, small cell lung, pancreatic cancers) who have good
performance status 3 OR
• Breast cancer or multiple myeloma who are intolerant to pamidronate.
• 2 A skeletal related event is defined as: pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression,
radiation therapy to bone or surgery to bone.
• 3 Good performance status is defined as patients that are ambulatory, capable of self
care and up and about more than 50 per cent of waking hours.
• For the treatment of patients with symptoms due to bony metastases secondary to
breast cancer or multiple myeloma who have failed or are intolerant to pamidronate.
• Consideration for patients who are symptomatic due to bony metastases secondary to
other types of solid tumours or cancers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The physician is asked to include information describing the patient’s bone pain and
use of other therapies including the use of bisphosphonates. The use of other non-
pharmacologic treatment modalities such as surgery or radiation that have been tried
should be provided in the request.
399
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
Renewals will be considered for patients who are responding to therapy and is still
deemed to require treatment.
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
400
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 399, record 228, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
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
Taro-Zoledronic Acid Concentrate · DIN 02415186
Manufacturer: Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc.; listing date 2014-05-29
Health Canada: Marketed since 2014-02-26 · brand TARO-ZOLEDRONIC ACID CONCENTRATE · ATC M05BA08 ZOLEDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients ZOLEDRONIC ACID (ZOLEDRONIC ACID MONOHYDRATE) 4 MG/5ML · company Taro pharmaceuticals inc · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordTaro-Zoledronic Acid Concentrate: Formulary list price $415.5600/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $415.5600 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=89980 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02415186)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02415186).
DIN 02415186: Taro-Zoledronic Acid Concentrate
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000575; group id 991; item number 2326; lccId None; manufacturer id TAR
Source form: Inj Sol-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free); strength: 4mg/5mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $415.5600; ministry $415.5600
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02415186
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=89980
Interchangeable products
Jamp-Zoledronic Acid · DIN 02482525 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02413701 · $415.0000
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02422425 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02407639 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02434458 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02444739 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02472805 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid-Z · DIN 02401606 · $415.5600
Zometa Concentrate · DIN 02248296 · not recorded
Shortage status: active shortage (reported 2026-05-28, estimated to end 2026-09-25, last updated 2026-09-04); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02415186
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02422425 · 4mg/5mL · injection solution-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free)
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit
Write on scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives
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 criteria on record are for Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate; DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial — not this product; no criteria on record for this product in this block.
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
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Zoledronic acid as Zometa Concentrate will only be considered for the treatment of bony
metastases in those with hormone refractory prostate cancer as well as other
cancers through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) in those receiving outpatient
care who cannot obtain Zometa through the Systemic Treatment-Quality Based Procedure
(STQBP).
Zometa is considered through STQBP CCO for those receiving prostate cancer treatment
from a cancer clinic.
https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/cancer-treatments/chemotherapy/funding-
reimbursement/systemic-treatment-quality-based-procedure
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
For the treatment of bony metastases for patients with hormone refractory prostate
cancer as determined by an elevated PSA level, or evidence of progressive bony
disease1, despite castrate serum testosterone levels (<50 ng/dL).
1Progressive bony disease should be demonstrated by: progressive changes in
radionucleotide bone scan or clinical signs of disease progression (e.g., via
radionucleotide scanning, pathologic fracture or increasing bone pain).
Requests for patients who have undergone orchidectomy do not need to provide a serum
testosterone level.
• For the prevention of skeletal related events in patients who have not experienced
previous skeletal related events2 and who have bony metastases secondary to:
• Solid tumours (e.g. renal, small cell lung, pancreatic cancers) who have good
performance status 3 OR
• Breast cancer or multiple myeloma who are intolerant to pamidronate.
• 2 A skeletal related event is defined as: pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression,
radiation therapy to bone or surgery to bone.
• 3 Good performance status is defined as patients that are ambulatory, capable of self
care and up and about more than 50 per cent of waking hours.
• For the treatment of patients with symptoms due to bony metastases secondary to
breast cancer or multiple myeloma who have failed or are intolerant to pamidronate.
• Consideration for patients who are symptomatic due to bony metastases secondary to
other types of solid tumours or cancers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The physician is asked to include information describing the patient’s bone pain and
use of other therapies including the use of bisphosphonates. The use of other non-
pharmacologic treatment modalities such as surgery or radiation that have been tried
should be provided in the request.
399
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
Renewals will be considered for patients who are responding to therapy and is still
deemed to require treatment.
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
400
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 399, record 228, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
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
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02422425
Manufacturer: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc.; listing date 2014-09-25
Health Canada: Marketed since 2014-05-28 · brand ZOLEDRONIC ACID FOR INJECTION CONCENTRATE · ATC M05BA08 ZOLEDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients ZOLEDRONIC ACID (ZOLEDRONIC ACID MONOHYDRATE) 4 MG/5ML · company Dr reddy's laboratories ltd · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordZoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate: Formulary list price $415.5600/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $415.5600 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=90711 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02422425)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02422425).
DIN 02422425: Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000575; group id 991; item number 2326; lccId None; manufacturer id DRR
Source form: Inj Sol-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free); strength: 4mg/5mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $415.5600; ministry $415.5600
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02422425
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=90711
Interchangeable products
Jamp-Zoledronic Acid · DIN 02482525 · $415.5600
Taro-Zoledronic Acid Concentrate · DIN 02415186 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02413701 · $415.0000
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02407639 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02434458 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02444739 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02472805 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid-Z · DIN 02401606 · $415.5600
Zometa Concentrate · DIN 02248296 · not recorded
Shortage status: resolved shortage (ended 2018-09-15); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02422425
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02434458 · 4mg/5mL · injection solution-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free)
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-18
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit
Write on scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives
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 criteria on record are for Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate; DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial — not this product; no criteria on record for this product in this block.
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
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Zoledronic acid as Zometa Concentrate will only be considered for the treatment of bony
metastases in those with hormone refractory prostate cancer as well as other
cancers through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) in those receiving outpatient
care who cannot obtain Zometa through the Systemic Treatment-Quality Based Procedure
(STQBP).
Zometa is considered through STQBP CCO for those receiving prostate cancer treatment
from a cancer clinic.
https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/cancer-treatments/chemotherapy/funding-
reimbursement/systemic-treatment-quality-based-procedure
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
For the treatment of bony metastases for patients with hormone refractory prostate
cancer as determined by an elevated PSA level, or evidence of progressive bony
disease1, despite castrate serum testosterone levels (<50 ng/dL).
1Progressive bony disease should be demonstrated by: progressive changes in
radionucleotide bone scan or clinical signs of disease progression (e.g., via
radionucleotide scanning, pathologic fracture or increasing bone pain).
Requests for patients who have undergone orchidectomy do not need to provide a serum
testosterone level.
• For the prevention of skeletal related events in patients who have not experienced
previous skeletal related events2 and who have bony metastases secondary to:
• Solid tumours (e.g. renal, small cell lung, pancreatic cancers) who have good
performance status 3 OR
• Breast cancer or multiple myeloma who are intolerant to pamidronate.
• 2 A skeletal related event is defined as: pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression,
radiation therapy to bone or surgery to bone.
• 3 Good performance status is defined as patients that are ambulatory, capable of self
care and up and about more than 50 per cent of waking hours.
• For the treatment of patients with symptoms due to bony metastases secondary to
breast cancer or multiple myeloma who have failed or are intolerant to pamidronate.
• Consideration for patients who are symptomatic due to bony metastases secondary to
other types of solid tumours or cancers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The physician is asked to include information describing the patient’s bone pain and
use of other therapies including the use of bisphosphonates. The use of other non-
pharmacologic treatment modalities such as surgery or radiation that have been tried
should be provided in the request.
399
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
Renewals will be considered for patients who are responding to therapy and is still
deemed to require treatment.
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
400
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 399, record 228, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
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
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02434458
Manufacturer: Fresenius Kabi Canada Ltd.; listing date 2018-12-21
Health Canada: Marketed since 2016-02-10 · brand ZOLEDRONIC ACID FOR INJECTION · ATC M05BA08 ZOLEDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients ZOLEDRONIC ACID (ZOLEDRONIC ACID MONOHYDRATE) 4 MG/5ML · company Fresenius kabi canada ltd · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordZoledronic Acid for Injection: Formulary list price $415.5600/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $415.5600 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=91878 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02434458)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02434458).
DIN 02434458: Zoledronic Acid for Injection
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000575; group id 991; item number 2326; lccId None; manufacturer id FKC
Source form: Inj Sol-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free); strength: 4mg/5mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $415.5600; ministry $415.5600
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02434458
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=91878
Interchangeable products
Jamp-Zoledronic Acid · DIN 02482525 · $415.5600
Taro-Zoledronic Acid Concentrate · DIN 02415186 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02413701 · $415.0000
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02422425 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02407639 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02444739 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02472805 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid-Z · DIN 02401606 · $415.5600
Zometa Concentrate · DIN 02248296 · not recorded
Shortage status: shortage reported ended 2026-06-10 (report last updated 2026-06-10); confirm supply with the pharmacy; reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02434458
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02472805 · 4mg/5mL · injection solution-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free)
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-19
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit
Write on scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives
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 criteria on record are for Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate; DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial — not this product; no criteria on record for this product in this block.
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
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Zoledronic acid as Zometa Concentrate will only be considered for the treatment of bony
metastases in those with hormone refractory prostate cancer as well as other
cancers through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) in those receiving outpatient
care who cannot obtain Zometa through the Systemic Treatment-Quality Based Procedure
(STQBP).
Zometa is considered through STQBP CCO for those receiving prostate cancer treatment
from a cancer clinic.
https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/cancer-treatments/chemotherapy/funding-
reimbursement/systemic-treatment-quality-based-procedure
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
For the treatment of bony metastases for patients with hormone refractory prostate
cancer as determined by an elevated PSA level, or evidence of progressive bony
disease1, despite castrate serum testosterone levels (<50 ng/dL).
1Progressive bony disease should be demonstrated by: progressive changes in
radionucleotide bone scan or clinical signs of disease progression (e.g., via
radionucleotide scanning, pathologic fracture or increasing bone pain).
Requests for patients who have undergone orchidectomy do not need to provide a serum
testosterone level.
• For the prevention of skeletal related events in patients who have not experienced
previous skeletal related events2 and who have bony metastases secondary to:
• Solid tumours (e.g. renal, small cell lung, pancreatic cancers) who have good
performance status 3 OR
• Breast cancer or multiple myeloma who are intolerant to pamidronate.
• 2 A skeletal related event is defined as: pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression,
radiation therapy to bone or surgery to bone.
• 3 Good performance status is defined as patients that are ambulatory, capable of self
care and up and about more than 50 per cent of waking hours.
• For the treatment of patients with symptoms due to bony metastases secondary to
breast cancer or multiple myeloma who have failed or are intolerant to pamidronate.
• Consideration for patients who are symptomatic due to bony metastases secondary to
other types of solid tumours or cancers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The physician is asked to include information describing the patient’s bone pain and
use of other therapies including the use of bisphosphonates. The use of other non-
pharmacologic treatment modalities such as surgery or radiation that have been tried
should be provided in the request.
399
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
Renewals will be considered for patients who are responding to therapy and is still
deemed to require treatment.
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
400
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 399, record 228, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
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
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02472805
Manufacturer: Marcan Pharmaceuticals Inc.; listing date 2019-04-30
Health Canada: Marketed since 2019-01-29 · brand ZOLEDRONIC ACID FOR INJECTION · ATC M05BA08 ZOLEDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients ZOLEDRONIC ACID (ZOLEDRONIC ACID MONOHYDRATE) 4 MG/5ML · company Marcan pharmaceuticals inc · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordZoledronic Acid for Injection: Formulary list price $415.5600/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $415.5600 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=96212 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02472805)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02472805).
DIN 02472805: Zoledronic Acid for Injection
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000575; group id 991; item number 2326; lccId None; manufacturer id MAR
Source form: Inj Sol-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free); strength: 4mg/5mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $415.5600; ministry $415.5600
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02472805
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=96212
Interchangeable products
Jamp-Zoledronic Acid · DIN 02482525 · $415.5600
Taro-Zoledronic Acid Concentrate · DIN 02415186 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02413701 · $415.0000
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02422425 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02407639 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02434458 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02444739 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid-Z · DIN 02401606 · $415.5600
Zometa Concentrate · DIN 02248296 · not recorded
Shortage status: no shortage or discontinuation reported (checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02472805
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Zoledronic Acid-Z · DIN 02401606 · 4mg/5mL · injection solution-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free)
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-02
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit
Write on scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives
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 criteria on record are for Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate; DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial — not this product; no criteria on record for this product in this block.
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
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Zoledronic acid as Zometa Concentrate will only be considered for the treatment of bony
metastases in those with hormone refractory prostate cancer as well as other
cancers through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) in those receiving outpatient
care who cannot obtain Zometa through the Systemic Treatment-Quality Based Procedure
(STQBP).
Zometa is considered through STQBP CCO for those receiving prostate cancer treatment
from a cancer clinic.
https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/cancer-treatments/chemotherapy/funding-
reimbursement/systemic-treatment-quality-based-procedure
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
For the treatment of bony metastases for patients with hormone refractory prostate
cancer as determined by an elevated PSA level, or evidence of progressive bony
disease1, despite castrate serum testosterone levels (<50 ng/dL).
1Progressive bony disease should be demonstrated by: progressive changes in
radionucleotide bone scan or clinical signs of disease progression (e.g., via
radionucleotide scanning, pathologic fracture or increasing bone pain).
Requests for patients who have undergone orchidectomy do not need to provide a serum
testosterone level.
• For the prevention of skeletal related events in patients who have not experienced
previous skeletal related events2 and who have bony metastases secondary to:
• Solid tumours (e.g. renal, small cell lung, pancreatic cancers) who have good
performance status 3 OR
• Breast cancer or multiple myeloma who are intolerant to pamidronate.
• 2 A skeletal related event is defined as: pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression,
radiation therapy to bone or surgery to bone.
• 3 Good performance status is defined as patients that are ambulatory, capable of self
care and up and about more than 50 per cent of waking hours.
• For the treatment of patients with symptoms due to bony metastases secondary to
breast cancer or multiple myeloma who have failed or are intolerant to pamidronate.
• Consideration for patients who are symptomatic due to bony metastases secondary to
other types of solid tumours or cancers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The physician is asked to include information describing the patient’s bone pain and
use of other therapies including the use of bisphosphonates. The use of other non-
pharmacologic treatment modalities such as surgery or radiation that have been tried
should be provided in the request.
399
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
Renewals will be considered for patients who are responding to therapy and is still
deemed to require treatment.
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
400
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 399, record 228, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
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
Zoledronic Acid-Z · DIN 02401606
Manufacturer: Sandoz Canada Inc.; listing date 2014-04-30
Health Canada: Marketed since 2014-01-15 · brand ZOLEDRONIC ACID - Z · ATC M05BA08 ZOLEDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients ZOLEDRONIC ACID (ZOLEDRONIC ACID MONOHYDRATE) 4 MG/5ML · company Sandoz canada incorporated · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordZoledronic Acid-Z: Formulary list price $415.5600/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $415.5600 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=88649 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02401606)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02401606).
DIN 02401606: Zoledronic Acid-Z
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000575; group id 991; item number 2326; lccId None; manufacturer id SDZ
Source form: Inj Sol-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free); strength: 4mg/5mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $415.5600; ministry $415.5600
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02401606
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=88649
Interchangeable products
Jamp-Zoledronic Acid · DIN 02482525 · $415.5600
Taro-Zoledronic Acid Concentrate · DIN 02415186 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02413701 · $415.0000
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02422425 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02407639 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02434458 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02444739 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02472805 · $415.5600
Zometa Concentrate · DIN 02248296 · not recorded
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=02401606
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Zometa Concentrate · DIN 02248296 · 4mg/5mL · injection solution-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free)
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefitMarketed · checked 2026-09-18
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
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Zoledronic acid as Zometa Concentrate will only be considered for the treatment of bony
metastases in those with hormone refractory prostate cancer as well as other
cancers through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) in those receiving outpatient
care who cannot obtain Zometa through the Systemic Treatment-Quality Based Procedure
(STQBP).
Zometa is considered through STQBP CCO for those receiving prostate cancer treatment
from a cancer clinic.
https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/cancer-treatments/chemotherapy/funding-
reimbursement/systemic-treatment-quality-based-procedure
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
For the treatment of bony metastases for patients with hormone refractory prostate
cancer as determined by an elevated PSA level, or evidence of progressive bony
disease1, despite castrate serum testosterone levels (<50 ng/dL).
1Progressive bony disease should be demonstrated by: progressive changes in
radionucleotide bone scan or clinical signs of disease progression (e.g., via
radionucleotide scanning, pathologic fracture or increasing bone pain).
Requests for patients who have undergone orchidectomy do not need to provide a serum
testosterone level.
• For the prevention of skeletal related events in patients who have not experienced
previous skeletal related events2 and who have bony metastases secondary to:
• Solid tumours (e.g. renal, small cell lung, pancreatic cancers) who have good
performance status 3 OR
• Breast cancer or multiple myeloma who are intolerant to pamidronate.
• 2 A skeletal related event is defined as: pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression,
radiation therapy to bone or surgery to bone.
• 3 Good performance status is defined as patients that are ambulatory, capable of self
care and up and about more than 50 per cent of waking hours.
• For the treatment of patients with symptoms due to bony metastases secondary to
breast cancer or multiple myeloma who have failed or are intolerant to pamidronate.
• Consideration for patients who are symptomatic due to bony metastases secondary to
other types of solid tumours or cancers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The physician is asked to include information describing the patient’s bone pain and
use of other therapies including the use of bisphosphonates. The use of other non-
pharmacologic treatment modalities such as surgery or radiation that have been tried
should be provided in the request.
399
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
Renewals will be considered for patients who are responding to therapy and is still
deemed to require treatment.
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
400
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 399, record 228, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
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 ↗)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
Zometa Concentrate · DIN 02248296
Manufacturer: Novartis Pharma Canada Inc.; listing date 2014-04-30
Health Canada: Marketed since 2004-10-14 · brand ZOMETA CONCENTRATE · ATC M05BA08 ZOLEDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients ZOLEDRONIC ACID (ZOLEDRONIC ACID MONOHYDRATE) 4 MG/5ML · company Novartis pharmaceuticals canada inc · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordZometa Concentrate: 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=72636 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02248296)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02248296).
DIN 02248296: Zometa Concentrate
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000575; group id 991; item number 2326; lccId None; manufacturer id NOV
Source form: Inj Sol-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free); strength: 4mg/5mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): not recorded; ministry not recorded
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02248296
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=72636
Interchangeable products
Jamp-Zoledronic Acid · DIN 02482525 · $415.5600
Taro-Zoledronic Acid Concentrate · DIN 02415186 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02413701 · $415.0000
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02422425 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02407639 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02434458 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02444739 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02472805 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid-Z · DIN 02401606 · $415.5600
Shortage status: active shortage (reported 2025-05-27, last updated 2025-06-02); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02248296
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02413701 · 4mg/5mL · injection solution-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free)
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 2026-09-19
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 scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives; 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 criteria on record are for Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate; DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial — not this product; no criteria on record for this product in this block.
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
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Zoledronic acid as Zometa Concentrate will only be considered for the treatment of bony
metastases in those with hormone refractory prostate cancer as well as other
cancers through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) in those receiving outpatient
care who cannot obtain Zometa through the Systemic Treatment-Quality Based Procedure
(STQBP).
Zometa is considered through STQBP CCO for those receiving prostate cancer treatment
from a cancer clinic.
https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/cancer-treatments/chemotherapy/funding-
reimbursement/systemic-treatment-quality-based-procedure
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
For the treatment of bony metastases for patients with hormone refractory prostate
cancer as determined by an elevated PSA level, or evidence of progressive bony
disease1, despite castrate serum testosterone levels (<50 ng/dL).
1Progressive bony disease should be demonstrated by: progressive changes in
radionucleotide bone scan or clinical signs of disease progression (e.g., via
radionucleotide scanning, pathologic fracture or increasing bone pain).
Requests for patients who have undergone orchidectomy do not need to provide a serum
testosterone level.
• For the prevention of skeletal related events in patients who have not experienced
previous skeletal related events2 and who have bony metastases secondary to:
• Solid tumours (e.g. renal, small cell lung, pancreatic cancers) who have good
performance status 3 OR
• Breast cancer or multiple myeloma who are intolerant to pamidronate.
• 2 A skeletal related event is defined as: pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression,
radiation therapy to bone or surgery to bone.
• 3 Good performance status is defined as patients that are ambulatory, capable of self
care and up and about more than 50 per cent of waking hours.
• For the treatment of patients with symptoms due to bony metastases secondary to
breast cancer or multiple myeloma who have failed or are intolerant to pamidronate.
• Consideration for patients who are symptomatic due to bony metastases secondary to
other types of solid tumours or cancers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The physician is asked to include information describing the patient’s bone pain and
use of other therapies including the use of bisphosphonates. The use of other non-
pharmacologic treatment modalities such as surgery or radiation that have been tried
should be provided in the request.
399
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
Renewals will be considered for patients who are responding to therapy and is still
deemed to require treatment.
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
400
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 399, record 228, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
1 brand, same coverage
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02413701
Manufacturer: Omega Laboratories Ltd.; listing date 2014-10-29
Health Canada: Cancelled post market since 2026-07-29 · brand ZOLEDRONIC ACID FOR INJECTION CONCENTRATE · ATC M05BA08 ZOLEDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients ZOLEDRONIC ACID (ZOLEDRONIC ACID MONOHYDRATE) 4 MG/5ML · company Omega laboratories limited · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordZoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate: Formulary list price $415.0000/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $415.0000 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=89834 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02413701)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02413701).
DIN 02413701: Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000575; group id 991; item number 2326; lccId None; manufacturer id OMG
Source form: Inj Sol-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free); strength: 4mg/5mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $415.0000; ministry $415.0000
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02413701
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=89834
Interchangeable products
Jamp-Zoledronic Acid · DIN 02482525 · $415.5600
Taro-Zoledronic Acid Concentrate · DIN 02415186 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02422425 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02407639 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02434458 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02444739 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02472805 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid-Z · DIN 02401606 · $415.5600
Zometa Concentrate · DIN 02248296 · not recorded
Shortage status: no shortage or discontinuation reported (checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02413701
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.
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02407639 · 4mg/5mL · injection solution-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free)
Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2020-05-15 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.Discontinued 2020-05-15 · checked 2026-09-19
StatusOff-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2020-05-15 — 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 2020-05-15 — 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 criteria on record are for Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate; DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial — not this product; no criteria on record for this product in this block.
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
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Zoledronic acid as Zometa Concentrate will only be considered for the treatment of bony
metastases in those with hormone refractory prostate cancer as well as other
cancers through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) in those receiving outpatient
care who cannot obtain Zometa through the Systemic Treatment-Quality Based Procedure
(STQBP).
Zometa is considered through STQBP CCO for those receiving prostate cancer treatment
from a cancer clinic.
https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/cancer-treatments/chemotherapy/funding-
reimbursement/systemic-treatment-quality-based-procedure
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
For the treatment of bony metastases for patients with hormone refractory prostate
cancer as determined by an elevated PSA level, or evidence of progressive bony
disease1, despite castrate serum testosterone levels (<50 ng/dL).
1Progressive bony disease should be demonstrated by: progressive changes in
radionucleotide bone scan or clinical signs of disease progression (e.g., via
radionucleotide scanning, pathologic fracture or increasing bone pain).
Requests for patients who have undergone orchidectomy do not need to provide a serum
testosterone level.
• For the prevention of skeletal related events in patients who have not experienced
previous skeletal related events2 and who have bony metastases secondary to:
• Solid tumours (e.g. renal, small cell lung, pancreatic cancers) who have good
performance status 3 OR
• Breast cancer or multiple myeloma who are intolerant to pamidronate.
• 2 A skeletal related event is defined as: pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression,
radiation therapy to bone or surgery to bone.
• 3 Good performance status is defined as patients that are ambulatory, capable of self
care and up and about more than 50 per cent of waking hours.
• For the treatment of patients with symptoms due to bony metastases secondary to
breast cancer or multiple myeloma who have failed or are intolerant to pamidronate.
• Consideration for patients who are symptomatic due to bony metastases secondary to
other types of solid tumours or cancers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The physician is asked to include information describing the patient’s bone pain and
use of other therapies including the use of bisphosphonates. The use of other non-
pharmacologic treatment modalities such as surgery or radiation that have been tried
should be provided in the request.
399
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
Renewals will be considered for patients who are responding to therapy and is still
deemed to require treatment.
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
400
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 399, record 228, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
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
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02407639
Manufacturer: Teva Canada Limited; listing date 2014-05-29
Health Canada: Cancelled post market since 2020-05-15 · brand ZOLEDRONIC ACID FOR INJECTION · ATC M05BA08 ZOLEDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients ZOLEDRONIC ACID (ZOLEDRONIC ACID MONOHYDRATE) 4 MG/5ML · company Teva canada limited · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordZoledronic Acid for Injection: Formulary list price $415.5600/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $415.5600 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=89236 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02407639)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02407639).
DIN 02407639: Zoledronic Acid for Injection
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000575; group id 991; item number 2326; lccId None; manufacturer id TEV
Source form: Inj Sol-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free); strength: 4mg/5mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $415.5600; ministry $415.5600
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02407639
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=89236
Interchangeable products
Jamp-Zoledronic Acid · DIN 02482525 · $415.5600
Taro-Zoledronic Acid Concentrate · DIN 02415186 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02413701 · $415.0000
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02422425 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02434458 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02444739 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02472805 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid-Z · DIN 02401606 · $415.5600
Zometa Concentrate · DIN 02248296 · not recorded
Shortage status: discontinued (2018-01-01, reported by TEVA CANADA LIMITED); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02407639
Shortage record checked 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00
Health Canada lists this DIN as Cancelled post market since 2020-05-15 — choose a marketed DIN from the same-category list.
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02444739 · 4mg/5mL · injection solution-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free)
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 2026-09-19
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 scriptnot a benefit; no Exceptional Access criteria on record; see alternatives; 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 criteria on record are for Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate; DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial — not this product; no criteria on record for this product in this block.
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
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Zoledronic acid as Zometa Concentrate will only be considered for the treatment of bony
metastases in those with hormone refractory prostate cancer as well as other
cancers through the Exceptional Access Program (EAP) in those receiving outpatient
care who cannot obtain Zometa through the Systemic Treatment-Quality Based Procedure
(STQBP).
Zometa is considered through STQBP CCO for those receiving prostate cancer treatment
from a cancer clinic.
https://www.cancercareontario.ca/en/cancer-treatments/chemotherapy/funding-
reimbursement/systemic-treatment-quality-based-procedure
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
For the treatment of bony metastases for patients with hormone refractory prostate
cancer as determined by an elevated PSA level, or evidence of progressive bony
disease1, despite castrate serum testosterone levels (<50 ng/dL).
1Progressive bony disease should be demonstrated by: progressive changes in
radionucleotide bone scan or clinical signs of disease progression (e.g., via
radionucleotide scanning, pathologic fracture or increasing bone pain).
Requests for patients who have undergone orchidectomy do not need to provide a serum
testosterone level.
• For the prevention of skeletal related events in patients who have not experienced
previous skeletal related events2 and who have bony metastases secondary to:
• Solid tumours (e.g. renal, small cell lung, pancreatic cancers) who have good
performance status 3 OR
• Breast cancer or multiple myeloma who are intolerant to pamidronate.
• 2 A skeletal related event is defined as: pathologic fracture, spinal cord compression,
radiation therapy to bone or surgery to bone.
• 3 Good performance status is defined as patients that are ambulatory, capable of self
care and up and about more than 50 per cent of waking hours.
• For the treatment of patients with symptoms due to bony metastases secondary to
breast cancer or multiple myeloma who have failed or are intolerant to pamidronate.
• Consideration for patients who are symptomatic due to bony metastases secondary to
other types of solid tumours or cancers will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The physician is asked to include information describing the patient’s bone pain and
use of other therapies including the use of bisphosphonates. The use of other non-
pharmacologic treatment modalities such as surgery or radiation that have been tried
should be provided in the request.
399
Zoledronic Acid
Brand(s): Zometa Concentrate
DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 4 mg/ 5 mL Vial
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
Renewals will be considered for patients who are responding to therapy and is still
deemed to require treatment.
Duration of Approval: 6 Months
400
EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 399, record 228, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
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
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02444739
Manufacturer: MDA Inc.; listing date 2016-12-22
Health Canada: Cancelled post market since 2026-07-29 · brand ZOLEDRONIC ACID FOR INJECTION · ATC M05BA08 ZOLEDRONIC ACID · form Solution · route Intravenous · ingredients ZOLEDRONIC ACID (ZOLEDRONIC ACID MONOHYDRATE) 4 MG/5ML · company Juno pharmaceuticals corp. · schedule Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product recordZoledronic Acid for Injection: Formulary list price $415.5600/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)
Ministry pays: $415.5600 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=92989 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02444739)
Source record
The source extract's flag for this DIN is unclear — confirm on the e-Formulary before prescribing (DIN 02444739).
DIN 02444739: Zoledronic Acid for Injection
Raw flags: sec3=Y, sec3b=Y, sec3bEAP=Y
Item: 920000575; group id 991; item number 2326; lccId None; manufacturer id MDI
Source form: Inj Sol-5mL Pk (Preservative-Free); strength: 4mg/5mL
Recorded listing: Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit; may be reimbursed through the Exceptional Access Program when approved (likely, unconfirmed)
Source prices (unrounded): $415.5600; ministry $415.5600
Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02444739
Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=92989
Interchangeable products
Jamp-Zoledronic Acid · DIN 02482525 · $415.5600
Taro-Zoledronic Acid Concentrate · DIN 02415186 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02413701 · $415.0000
Zoledronic Acid for Inj. Concentrate · DIN 02422425 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02407639 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02434458 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid for Injection · DIN 02472805 · $415.5600
Zoledronic Acid-Z · DIN 02401606 · $415.5600
Zometa Concentrate · DIN 02248296 · not recorded
Shortage status: resolved shortage (ended 2022-12-23); reports as of 2026-09-13T08:10:21.292534+00:00 (Health Product Shortages Canada)
Source: https://healthproductshortages.ca/search?term=02444739
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.
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
· 9 products · Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit · strengths: 3mg/mL, 6mg/mL, 9mg/mL · Inj Sol-10mL Vial
· 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.