Prescription drugs are a key treatment option for many health conditions and vital to health care in Canada. Canadians’ health is at stake when drugs aren’t accessible due to shortages or prohibitive prescription costs, or when a drug causes adverse reactions in patients. The CMA is a prominent voice on pharmaceutical issues like these, advocating for solutions for patients and ensuring physicians’ perspectives are considered. For example, the CMA participates in a steering committee that works with Health Canada to help stakeholders identify, mitigate, resolve and prevent drug shortages. We also offer physicians guidance on optimal prescribing, interactions with the pharmaceutical industry and related topics.
Physician Changemakers
Tools & Resources
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Principles for optimal prescribing
The goal of any prescribing physician is to provide the most beneficial and least harmful drugs at the right cost to the patient and the health care system. This CMA policy paper supports that goal with information on what physicians can do to promote optimal prescribing in their practice.
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Support for deprescribing
Whenever you prescribe a medication, you’re weighing the benefits and the potential harms to the patient. But this determination can shift over time. Deprescribing.org is a valuable resource for helping patients taper off medications that are no longer serving their needs.
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Canadian Drug Shortages database
The CMA is part of the Multi-Stakeholder Steering Committee on Drug Shortages in Canada, which operates the Canadian Drug Shortages database — a repository of information and resources to aid drug shortage response and prevention.
Related resources
Principles for giving prescription drug information to consumers
Canadians should have access to accurate, unbiased information about prescription medications and other therapeutic interventions — especially those living with chronic conditions. This CMA policy offers 10 principles for providing consumer information on prescription drugs.
Appropriate prescribing for seniors
Seniors are the fastest-growing segment of Canada’s population and use prescriptions drugs more than any other. This CMA policy offers guidance on appropriate prescribing for older patients.
Enhancing drug therapy quality
Achieving optimal drug therapy outcomes demands effective communication and collaboration between patients, physicians and pharmacists. This statement outlines the goals of drug therapy, strategies for collaboration and what your responsibilities are as a physician.
Prescription drug shortages in Canada
This CMA policy statement outlines Canada’s drug supply chain, the impacts of drug shortages and supply disruptions, and the CMA’s recommendations for prevention and response.
Guidelines for interacting with industry
Take advantage of these guidelines to help avoid conflicts of interest and uphold your primary duty of patient care when collaborating with pharmaceutical and health supply stakeholders for research, education and other purposes.
Driving meaningful change in health care
Advocating on issues that matter to the profession and their patients