Drug Product Database: Search Health Canada's Drug Products

The Drug Product Database, a crucial resource managed by Health Canada, provides extensive information on drugs approved for use in Canada. This database is an essential tool for healthcare professionals, researchers, and the public, offering access to specific information on drugs and health products available in the Canadian market.

Introduction to the Drug Product Database

 

What is the Drug Product Database?

The Health Canada Drug Product Database (DPD) is a comprehensive repository that contains product-specific information on drugs approved for use in Canada. It includes data such as the drug's ingredients, brand name, and the date it was approved. This database aims to provide healthcare professionals with access to accurate and up-to-date information on drugs.

Importance of Health Canada in Drug Regulation

Health Canada plays a vital role in the regulation and control of health products, including drugs. The organization is responsible for reviewing and approving drugs for safety and efficacy before they can be sold in Canada. The Health Canada Drug Product Database is integral to ensuring that approved drugs meet the required standards.

Overview of Health Products

Health Canada's purview extends beyond just pharmaceutical drugs; it includes a wide array of health products, such as natural health products and veterinary drugs. The Drug Product Database may include information on some of these products. The database provides product information necessary for making informed decisions about health interventions approved in Canada.

Accessing the Health Canada Drug Product Database

 

How to Navigate the Database

The Health Canada Drug Product Database is accessible through the Canada.ca website, specifically the Drug and Health Product Portal. A guide is available to help users navigate the database effectively and efficiently. The portal provides a user-friendly interface for accessing specific information on drugs approved for use and helps users find the data easily.

Search Features and Filters

The database offers powerful search features that allow users to search for drugs using various criteria, such as the brand name, ingredient, or drug identification number (DIN). Filters can be applied to narrow down the search results and find the specific product information needed. This helps streamline the search and ensures users can find relevant drug products.

Understanding the User Interface

The user interface of the Health Canada Drug Product Database is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. The database includes tables and lists that provide a clear overview of product information. Understanding how to use the interface is crucial for effectively searching and accessing specific information on drugs approved for use in Canada.

Information Available in the Drug Product Database

 

Details on Drug Products

The Drug Product Database (DPD) contains product-specific information on drugs approved for use in Canada. This includes detailed information about each drug, such as the product's name, dosage form, route of administration, and pharmaceutical company. The database may also include the date the drug was approved by Health Canada for use in Canada. Users can access this information to gain a comprehensive understanding of the drug's characteristics and intended use.

Information on Ingredients

 

The Health Canada Drug Product Database offers detailed information about drug products, including a list of ingredients. This data is vital for safe drug use.

Ingredient Type	Information Provided
Medicinal	Listed in the Health Canada Drug Product Database
Non-Medicinal	Listed in the Health Canada Drug Product Database

This specific ingredient information is regularly updated and allows for informed decisions about drug use, helping to prevent adverse reactions.

 

Safety and Efficacy Data

Safety and efficacy data are vital components of the information available in the Drug Product Database. The product monograph often includes summaries of clinical trials and post-market surveillance data that support the safety and effectiveness of the drug. Health Canada conducts a thorough review of this data before approving a drug. This ensures that only drugs approved for use in Canada that meet rigorous standards are available to the Canadian public.

Types of Drug Products in the Database

 

Prescription vs. Over-the-Counter Drugs

The Drug Product Database distinguishes between prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. Prescription drugs require a prescription from an authorized healthcare professional, while OTC drugs are available for purchase without a prescription. The database provides clear categorization and specific information on drugs approved for each type of drug product, reflecting their control status and accessibility.

Natural Health Products

In addition to pharmaceutical drugs, the Health Canada Drug Product Database may include certain natural health products (NHPs). While NHPs are regulated differently than drugs, some product information might be available in the database. Users should be aware of the regulatory differences between drugs and NHPs when searching the database for health product information. The Health Canada portal also provides resources related to natural health products.

Medical Devices

Although the primary focus of the Drug Product Database is on drugs and health products, it's important to note that medical devices are regulated separately by Health Canada. Specific information on drugs approved within the database generally excludes medical devices, which have their own regulatory framework and register. To find data on devices, users should search the appropriate Health Canada page for medical devices.

Understanding the Data and Safety Information

 

Data Control and Updates

Health Canada takes stringent measures in data control to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the Drug Product Database (DPD). Regular updates are performed to include the latest product-specific information on drugs approved for use in Canada. These updates may include changes to product names, ingredients, safety information, and regulatory statuses. It's imperative to access the most current information before making any decisions about a drug.

Schedule and Classification of Drugs

The Drug Product Database (DPD) provides information on the schedule and classification of drugs, based on their potential for misuse, safety profiles, and regulatory requirements. Health Canada categorizes drugs into different schedules, which determine the level of control and access to these health products. This classification is important for healthcare professionals and the public to understand the regulatory framework governing their use in Canada.

Purpose of Safety Information

The primary use of safety information within the Health Canada Drug Product Database (DPD) is to provide healthcare professionals and patients with critical data about potential risks and adverse reactions associated with each drug. This includes details on contraindications, warnings, and precautions related to the health product. By accessing this data, individuals can make informed decisions to safeguard human health.

Navigating Changes in the Database

 

How to Track Changes in Drug Information

To effectively track changes in drug information within the Health Canada Drug Product Database (DPD), users should regularly access the database for updates. Health Canada often provides release notes or changelogs that summarize the modifications made to product details. By monitoring these updates, healthcare professionals and researchers can stay informed about new data, revised safety information, and any alterations to drugs approved for use in Canada.

Understanding Regulatory Changes

Understanding regulatory changes is crucial when searching the Health Canada Drug Product Database (DPD) to ensure access to accurate information. Regulatory changes, such as new approvals, recalls, or labeling modifications, impact the safety and efficacy of drugs. Health Canada communicates these changes through official notices and updates to the database, helping users stay informed and compliant with current regulations.

Staying Informed About Health Products

Staying informed about health product information requires proactive engagement with resources like the Health Canada Drug Product Database (DPD). Regularly review the database for updates on drugs approved for use in Canada, product monographs, and safety alerts. Subscribing to Health Canada's newsletters or RSS feeds can also provide timely information on regulatory changes and new approvals related to drug products.