What is the DPD Data Extract? - Drug Product Database (DPD) Data Extract - Health Canada

The data extract is a series of compressed UTF-8 text files of the database. The uncompressed size of the files is approximately 108 MB. In order to utilize the data, the file must be loaded into an existing database or information system. The typical user is most likely a third party claims adjudicator, provincial formulary, insurance company, etc. For a casual user to use this file, they must be familiar with database structure and capable of setting up their own queries. The "Read me" file contains the data structure required to download the zipped files.

The DPD extract files contain complete product information for all approved (filename_ap.zip), marketed (filename.zip), cancelled (filename_ia.zip) and dormant (filename_dr.zip) products, for human, veterinary, disinfectant and radiopharmaceutical use.

For more information on the Data Extract structure consult the Read me file.

Notice: April 1, 2025 Data Extracts

In late March, the Health Products and Food Branch modernized the database application that populates the DPD extracts.

As a result, the extracts published on April 1, 2025, will contain data up to and including March 21, 2025, and have a Last Updated date of March 27, 2025.

This will mean some product changes made later in March will not be available in those extracts. However, these products and changes will be in the DPD online.

On May 1, 2025, the extracts will reflect a full dataset.

Mailing List

If you would like to receive communications regarding future changes to the DPD data extracts, please send an email to the following address to sign up for the mailing list: SIPD-Systems@hc-sc.gc.ca.

Copyright

For information on copyright and who to contact, please visit the Drug Product Database Terms and Conditions.