Pharmaceuticals

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.

CMA policies on pharmaceuticals

Physician Changemakers

Dr. Douglas DuVal

It’s a life-threatening reaction to anesthesia that causes a rapid heart rate, a dangerously high fever and severe muscle spasms. The condition is called malignant hyperthermia, and dantrolene is the only drug that can treat it. So when Alberta Health Services (AHS) issued a warning in May 2018 that dantrolene was on back order until late August 2018, the issue of drug shortages hit home for Dr. Douglas DuVal.

Dr. Douglas DuVal's full story

CMA activity and submissions

2017

June 28, 2017

CMA response: Patented Medicines Regulations Consultations

The CMA responds to Health Canada consultations on patented medicines regulations, calling for revisions to bring transparency and clarity to price setting of patented medicines

2016

June 1, 2016

National Pharmacare in Canada: Getting There from Here

The CMA submits background to support a federal study on the development of a national pharmacare program, underscoring the need for federal government leadership and financial support

January 20, 2016

Regulatory Framework for the Mandatory Reporting of Adverse Drug Reactions and Medical Device Incidents by Provincial and Territorial Healthcare Institutions

The CMA recommends improvements to Canada’s adverse drug reactions reporting system in response to a Health Canada consultation

2015

June 8, 2015

CMA response: Bill C-17, Protecting Canadians from Unsafe Drugs Act (Vanessa's Law)

The CMA calls for enhancements and revised guidance in response to Health Canada’s public consultation on the Guide to New Authorities under Bill C-17 Protecting Canadians from Unsafe Drugs Act (Vanessa’s Law)

2014

March 1, 2014

Statement on Internet Prescribing (Update 2004)

The CMA reminds physicians to always observe the clinical standards, ethical guidelines and laws that accompany prescribing with the rise of internet prescriptions.

2012

December 8, 2012

Vision for e-Prescribing: A joint statement by the CMA and the CPA

In a joint statement with the Canadian Pharmacists Association, the CMA calls for provinces, territories and regulatory organizations to work together to overcome barriers to e-Prescribing in Canada

Tools & Resources

Tool

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.

Resource

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.

Tool

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.

All topic resources

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.

All resources

Driving meaningful change in health care

Advocating on issues that matter to the profession and their patients

Social Determinants of Health

Social and economic conditions have a direct impact on Canadians’ health. Through our policies, we recommend actions for governments, physicians, medical schools and other stakeholders to address those conditions and improve health for populations that are most at risk.

Learn moreabout Social Determinants of Health

Medical Assistance in Dying

From a position of neutrality — supporting members who provide services for medically assisted dying and those who choose not to — the CMA is driving dialogue about this complex end-of-life intervention.

Learn moreabout Medical Assistance in Dying

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