Proposal to restore potential access to restricted drugs through the Special Access Program

From: Health Canada

Health Canada consulted on a proposal to reverse certain regulatory changes made in 2013. Those changes prohibited access to restricted drugs through the Special Access Program (SAP).

Under this proposal, the SAP would treat restricted drugs like all other controlled substances. Practitioners could request restricted drugs for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions, if other therapies:

• have failed
• aren’t suitable, or
• aren’t available in Canada

Read our Notice of Intent for more details on the proposal.

Please note: Feedback received through the consultation will help determine whether or not to proceed with the proposed regulatory amendments. This consultation does not mean that practitioners can currently request restricted drugs through the SAP.

Who was the focus of this consultation

Health Canada engaged with:

• health care professionals and organizations
• researchers and academics
• general public

Related information

• Special Access Program
• Food and Drug Regulations
• Narcotic Control Regulations

Contact us

Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Controlled Substances Directorate
Health Canada
Email: hc.csd.regulatory.policy-politique.reglementaire.dsc.sc@canada.ca