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 65 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: Change effective July 1, 2022

Effective March 1, 2022, the American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) classification information is no longer available in the Drug Product Database data extracts.

Effective July 1, 2022, the Allfiles will contain the Therapeutic Class file (previously referred to as Version 2 of the Therapeutic Class file) that does not have the AHFS code and description fields and has the format outlined below.

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.