What Are Over-the-Counter Medications and How to Buy Them in Canada?

Summary

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications, also called non-prescription medications, are drugs you can buy without a prescription. In Canada, these medications are regulated by Health Canada and must have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) to be sold. Always read the Canadian Drug Facts Table and follow the directions and warnings on the label.

What are over-the-counter medications?

You may reach for an OTC medication when you have a minor health concern and want to manage your symptoms without seeing a practitioner first. These medications are available without a prescription and include products used for a range of common health concerns.

In Canada, OTC medications are also referred to as non-prescription drugs. Health Canada regulates these products to help ensure they meet requirements for safety, quality and effectiveness before they are sold. Non-prescription drugs sold in Canada must have a valid Drug Identification Number (DIN).

Can you buy OTC medications online in Canada?

Yes. OTC medications can be purchased online, but it is important to make sure you are buying from a legitimate Canadian pharmacy.

Health Canada warns that some websites selling medications may operate illegally or sell products that have not been authorized for sale in Canada. A legitimate online pharmacy should be licensed by the pharmacy regulatory authority in the province or territory where it operates and should provide a Canadian business address.

When buying medications online, look for:

• A Canadian pharmacy address
• A pharmacy licensed by the appropriate provincial or territorial regulatory authority
• Access to a Canadian-licensed pharmacist who can answer questions
• A valid DIN on non-prescription drug products
• Clear contact information

Be cautious of websites that make unusually strong health claims, do not provide a physical address, or sell medications that are not authorized for sale in Canada.

Good to know: An online pharmacy can look legitimate without actually being licensed. Health Canada recommends checking the pharmacy with the appropriate provincial or territorial pharmacy regulatory authority before buying medications online.

What should you check before using an OTC medication?

Before taking an OTC medication, read the Canadian Drug Facts Table on the package. It is designed to make important information easier to find and understand.

The table includes information such as:

• Active ingredient: The medicinal ingredient and its strength or amount
• Purpose: What the active ingredient does
• Uses: What the product is intended to be used for
• Warnings: Important safety information, including situations where you should not use the product or should speak with a doctor or pharmacist
• Directions: How to use the product safely
• Other information: Additional instructions, such as storage information
• Inactive ingredients: Ingredients that do not provide the medicinal effect
• Questions: Contact information for the manufacturer

This information can help you choose an appropriate product and avoid taking more than one medication containing the same active ingredient.

Are OTC medications safe for everyone?

No medication is appropriate for everyone. OTC medications can cause side effects or interact with other medications, supplements or health products.

Read the warnings carefully if you have an existing health condition, allergies, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. Some products may also have age restrictions or require additional precautions.

It is also important to follow the directions on the label. Do not take more than the recommended amount or use a product more often than directed.

If you are giving an OTC medication to a child, use the measuring device recommended for the product rather than a household spoon. If you are unsure about the appropriate product or how to use it, ask a pharmacist.

What medications can you buy without a prescription?

Many medications for common, minor health concerns are available without a prescription. These can include products used for concerns such as:

• Allergies
• Pain and fever
• Minor skin concerns
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Cough and cold symptoms

The availability of a medication without a prescription does not mean it is the right choice for every situation. Different products can contain different active ingredients, and some products may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions or for those taking other medications.

The Canadian Drug Facts Table can help you understand what a product contains, what it is intended to be used for and what precautions apply.

Are OTC medications covered by insurance in Canada?

It depends on your insurance plan.

Many private drug plans focus primarily on prescription medications, but coverage can vary between plans and employers. Some plans may provide coverage for certain non-prescription products or health products under specific circumstances.

If you are unsure whether an OTC medication is covered, check your benefits plan or contact your insurance provider before purchasing it.

How can you buy OTC medications through Pocketpills?

If you prefer to manage your medications online, Pocketpills offers access to pharmacy services from home.

You can browse available medications, place an order for eligible products and have your order delivered, depending on your location and the product. If you have questions about a medication, a pharmacist can also help you understand how to use it safely.

When should you speak with a healthcare practitioner?

An OTC medication may be appropriate for a minor, short-term health concern, but it is not always the right next step. Speak with a healthcare practitioner if your symptoms are severe, unusual, persistent or getting worse, or if you are unsure what is causing them.

It is also worth speaking with a pharmacist or other healthcare practitioner if you have an existing medical condition, take other medications or health products, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. They can assess your situation, help you understand your options and determine whether further care is needed.

OTC medications can be useful for managing many common health concerns without a prescription. But “over the counter” does not mean “risk-free.” Check the Canadian Drug Facts Table, follow the directions and warnings, and speak with a pharmacist or other healthcare practitioner when you are unsure whether a product is right for you.

Frequently asked questions

What does OTC mean?

OTC means over the counter. In Canada, OTC medications are also called non-prescription drugs because they can be purchased without a prescription. These products are regulated by Health Canada and must have a valid Drug Identification Number (DIN) to be sold in Canada.

Can you buy OTC medications online in Canada?

Yes. You can buy OTC medications online in Canada, but you should make sure you are using a legitimate pharmacy. Health Canada recommends checking that an online pharmacy is licensed by the appropriate provincial or territorial pharmacy regulatory authority and provides a Canadian address.

Are OTC medications safe?

OTC medications are regulated for safety, quality and effectiveness, but they are not risk-free. Always follow the directions and warnings on the label. Your health conditions, allergies, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, and other medications can affect whether an OTC product is appropriate for you.

Do OTC medications have a Drug Facts label in Canada?

Yes. Non-prescription medications in Canada use a Canadian Drug Facts Table that provides information such as active ingredients, purpose, uses, warnings, directions and inactive ingredients. Reading this information can help you choose and use the product safely.

Do insurance plans cover OTC medications?

Coverage varies by insurance plan. Many plans primarily cover prescription medications, while some may cover certain non-prescription products or health products under specific conditions. Check your benefits plan or contact your insurance provider to confirm whether a particular OTC medication is covered.