The pharmacy briefing

News & insight.

Canadian pharmacy and therapeutics news: recalls, shortages, guideline updates and developments in practice.

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6 results

OCP Outlines Pharmacy Technician Changes Ahead of October 1 Controlled Substances Regulations

OCP has outlined upcoming controlled-substance responsibilities for pharmacy technicians. Pharmacy teams should prepare their procedures before the October 1, 2026 effective date.

Sep 8, 2026 · 1 min read Read briefing

Illustrative medications; not specific controlled products. National Cancer Institute / Unsplash. Image source

Regulatory Update

OCP Opens Consultation on Pharmacy Services for Animals

OCP is seeking feedback on a draft animal-services policy. Ontario pharmacy teams can comment until October 26, 2026, at 4 p.m. ET.

Sep 8, 2026 · 1 min read Read briefing

Illustrative pharmacy photo; not a veterinary treatment or product. National Cancer Institute / Unsplash. Image source

Practice Guidance

Ontario Pharmacists Gain Nine New Minor Ailments, Technicians Gain Expanded Vaccine Authority, Effective July 1

As of July 1, 2026, Ontario pharmacists and interns can assess and prescribe for nine additional minor ailments and administer six more publicly funded vaccines, while pharmacy technicians can now administer all Schedule 3 vaccines under supervision. The Ontario College of Pharmacists has set out what changed and what training and consent steps pharmacies need in place.

Jul 1, 2026 · 2 min read Read briefing

Illustrative pharmacy photo. National Cancer Institute / Unsplash. Image source

New Drug Approvals

Health Canada Approves Sevmia, the First Generic Semaglutide for Weight Management

Health Canada has approved Apotex's Sevmia, the first generic semaglutide authorized specifically for chronic weight management, referencing Wegovy rather than the diabetes-indicated Ozempic that earlier generics referenced. Pharmacists should be ready to explain the distinction to patients as generic semaglutide products multiply across different brand references and indications.

Jun 29, 2026 · 3 min read Read briefing

Illustrative injection equipment; not the products discussed. Diana Polekhina / Unsplash. Image source

Medication Safety

Health Canada Adds Pulmonary Aspiration Warning to All GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Product Monographs

Health Canada has completed a safety review linking GLP-1 receptor agonists — including semaglutide, tirzepatide, dulaglutide, liraglutide, and lixisenatide — to an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration during general anesthesia or deep sedation, and has updated the Canadian product monographs for the entire drug class. Community and hospital pharmacists are often the last clinician to see both the medication history and the upcoming procedure.

Apr 30, 2026 · 3 min read Read briefing

Illustrative perioperative care photo. National Cancer Institute / Unsplash. Image source

Drug Shortages

Health Canada Authorizes UK and US Imports of Injectable Cyclophosphamide Amid Tier 3 Shortage

Health Canada has authorized the exceptional importation of UK- and US-labelled cyclophosphamide for injection to relieve a Tier 3 shortage of this essential chemotherapy drug, first declared in February 2026. Hospital and oncology pharmacists need to know the differences between the Canadian, UK, and US-labelled products before dispensing or preparing doses.

Apr 10, 2026 · 3 min read Read briefing

Illustrative chemotherapy vials; not the imported products. National Cancer Institute / Unsplash. Image source