PharmaCare Newsletter

Last updated on March 5, 2026

March 2026 PharmaCare Newsletter

Print off the PDF of this PharmaCare Newsletter, and post it in your pharmacy for staff to read! 

March PharmaCare Newsletter (PDF)

Find past issues on the newsletter search page.

Q:  What is tibolone (Tibella)?

A: The current edition of PAD Refills has the basis of Health Canada’s approval of tibolone for vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause. Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out on news and updates!

Policy clarification: Pharmacies must follow prescriber direction for daily dispensing

PharmaCare is clarifying the requirements for dispensing frequency when a prescription is written for daily dispensing.

When a prescriber orders daily dispensing, pharmacies must dispense daily. Pharmacy staff may not independently change a prescription written for daily dispensing to a 2- to 27-day dispensing interval or any interval other than daily. Daily dispensing has already been initiated by the prescriber, and a different dispensing interval may not be clinically appropriate.

To change from daily dispensing to any other frequency, pharmacy staff must obtain explicit prescriber authorization. The prescriber must amend the prescription.

If a pharmacy dispenses an interval different than daily, on a prescription written for daily dispensing, without prescriber authorization, dispensing fees are subject to recovery through PharmaCare Audit.

The Frequent Dispensing Authorization Form (HLTH 5378; PDF, 1.2MB) is not intended to convert a prescription from daily dispensing to 2- to 27-day dispensing.

This clarification will be added to the PharmaCare Policy Manual, Section 8.3: Frequency of Dispensing Policy – Fee Limits. Pharmacies are expected to continue to comply with this requirement.

Resources

LTC pharmacists can now submit SA requests for prescribers

Effective March 4, 2026, PharmaCare has changed its Special Authority (SA) policy to allow pharmacists working in long-term care (LTC) settings to submit SA requests on behalf of a collaborating prescriber.

To submit an SA request, pharmacists must:

  • Be collaborating with a prescriber as part of comprehensive care at an LTC facility
  • Have access to and ability to document care notes and SA requests in the LTC facility’s medical records

To submit an SA request through eForms, pharmacists must:

  1. Sign in using their BC Services Card.
  2. Select themselves as the provider; their pharmacist license number and contact information will auto-populate in the eForm.
  3. Select the scenario that applies (e.g., pharmacist working in LTC).
  4. Complete the additional collaborating prescriber information.
  5. Select the medication, complete the SA request, and submit.

Visit Special Authority eForms to learn more about submitting SA requests online.

To submit a faxed SA request, pharmacists must:

  1. Complete section three of the SA request form with the prescriber’s information.
  2. Sign on behalf of the prescriber, noting they are working in a collaborative practice LTC facility.

For more detailed instructions on submitting SA requests, visit Special Authority (SA).

PharmaCare expects SA requests to be submitted as part of comprehensive patient care. PharmaCare does not accept submissions from:

  • Groups or organizations that only handle SA requests
  • Patient support programs
  • Groups or businesses that are not involved in collaborative, comprehensive, patient care

Resources

Take Home Naloxone program expands to include nasal naloxone

The province is investing an additional $18 million to expand access to publicly funded nasal naloxone through hundreds of community pharmacy and health-care sites. The focus is on improving reach, standardizing access, and supporting frontline overdose response. 

More information about pharmacy access to nasal naloxone will be published in an upcoming edition of the PharmaCare Newsletter as it becomes available.

Learn more about how to Use emergency-use naloxone to save a life. Learn more about the Take Home Naloxone program at Naloxone Administration – Toward the Heart.

Resources

Limit on maximum days’ supply covered for some alternative drugs during shortages

Effective March 2, 2026, PharmaCare is introducing a 30-day maximum days’ supply for certain alternative drugs that have been granted temporary coverage during a shortage. When applied, the drug’s maximum covered days’ supply is reduced to 30 days instead of its usual limit to help preserve supply and support fair access for patients.

The limit will not apply to all alternatives. Each shortage and its alternative drugs will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, considering factors like expected shortage duration, supply levels, clinical considerations, and product characteristics. The limit will be removed once the shortage is resolved and coverage returns to normal.

Drugs currently subject to this limit will be listed on the Drug shortages webpage and updated regularly as shortage situations change. Subscribe for notifications to the Drug shortages webpage so you never miss an update.

Resources

Expanded eligibility for PharmaCare coverage of offloading devices

As of March 2, 2026, PharmaCare has expanded the eligibility criteria for coverage of post‑treatment offloading devices used to prevent the recurrence of diabetic foot ulcers.

Previously, coverage was limited to clients with healed or nearly healed diabetic foot ulcers, and only when those ulcers were treated by a health authority clinic with the total contact cast (TCC) method. Expanded eligibility criteria now includes:

  • Clients with healed or nearly healed neuropathic foot ulcers
  • Clients whose foot ulcers were healed or are nearly healed using non‑TCC offloading methods

This change improves access for clients across B.C. and supports better long‑term outcomes by reducing the risk of re‑ulceration, infection, and amputation for clients who are not indicated for initial treatment by TCC.

Clients are still required to receive initial treatment (ulcer healing or near healing) at an approved B.C. outpatient or ambulatory clinic. Clients who are residents of long-term care facilities who are treated by regional health authority teams of nurses specialized in wound, ostomy and continence (NSWOCs) are also eligible. For a full list of approved sites and health authority nursing teams, refer to B.C. Health Authority Foot Ulcers Treatment Sites (PDF, 341KB).

For more information, visit the Prosthetic and Orthotic Policy Manual and Offloading devices covered by BC PharmaCare.

Resources

Reminder: Nurses with certified practice are authorized to prescribe

In B.C., only registered nurses (RNs) and registered psychiatric nurses (RPNs) with certified practice are authorized to prescribe.

Certified practice (CP) is a term used to describe a distinct practice designation for RNs and RPNs, granted by the BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). Nurses who obtain the CP designation autonomously diagnose and treat clients in one or more practice areas following CP decision support tools (DSTs). Learn more about certified practice by visiting the BCCNM website. 

Nurses who wish to prescribe must meet BCCNM’s conditions, including completing a prescribing course. Once granted prescribing authority, nurses with certified practice can issue prescriptions for a pharmacist to dispense to a client.

Nurses can prescribe only the medications outlined in the DSTs for their CP designation. Visit the BCCNM webpage, Prescribing for certified practice nurses, for more details.

Entering CP nurse prescriptions into PharmaNet

When dispensing prescriptions written by CP nurses, pharmacists must verify that the nurse is identified as a prescriber in PharmaNet. The ID reference code for prescribing nurses is R9 (for RNs) or Y9 (for RPNs). The best way to confirm is to search for the practitioner in PharmaNet by first and last name. Pharmacists can also verify prescribing authority using BCCNM’s online directory.

If searching by ID reference code and practitioner ID, use both the prescribing and non-prescribing codes and, if multiple records are found, select the most current only.

Reference ID codes
  Prescriber ID reference code Non-prescriber ID reference code (do not fill)
RNs R9 RX
RPNs Y9 YX

You may notice both ID reference codes for one nurse. Do not fill if the non-prescribing reference code is the most current record. If you have any questions, call the Help Desk at 1-800-554-0225.

Resources

Cultural safety learning opportunity: Plan W OTC recommendations and related care

As announced in the February 2026 PharmaCare Newsletter (PDF, 513KB), a new course explains recent changes to the PharmaCare Plan W OTC recommendations policy. The free online course, Plan W OTC Recommendations: 2025 Updates, offers practical, real-world examples to support pharmacists in their day-to-day work.

Course content also focuses on how pharmacists can provide OTC recommendations and related care in a culturally safe way and support First Nations health equity through this essential service.

By completing the course, pharmacy professionals earn one hour toward the three hours of annual Indigenous Cultural Safety, Cultural Humility, and Anti‑Racism (CSHAIR) learning required by the BC College of Pharmacists (CPBC).

Resources

New data infographic – PAD at a glance

An overview of PAD data from 2022-2025 is now available in the new infographic, PAD at a glance (PDF, 315KB).

The infographic includes information on PAD’s reach, topics, participants and their practice location, and more.

Visit About PAD service or PAD at a glance (PDF, 315KB) to learn more.  

Resources

Reminder: How price changes for drugs are communicated

Any drug price changes will affect the amount that pharmacies are reimbursed for PharmaCare-eligible benefits.

Drug manufacturers are expected to notify wholesalers and distributors of any price changes ahead of the effective date.

Price increases

Drug manufacturers may submit price increase requests for PharmaCare's consideration once a year. Accepted price increases become effective on April 1 of each year. For more information on drug price changes, visit Submitting price changes.

Brand name drugs

Accepted price increases on brand name drugs are not announced by PharmaCare. Pharmacies would be reimbursed at the higher price for existing stock following a price increase on a PharmaCare-eligible benefit drug.

Generic drugs

Accepted price increases are announced on March 1 of each year on the LCA/RDP Data Files webpage, and take effect on April 1.

Price decreases

Manufacturers can request price increases for brand-name drugs once a year, before the December 31 deadline. If accepted, price changes come into effect on April 1 of the following year.

PharmaCare accepts requests for price decreases year-round. Price decreases for brand-name drugs are announced in the PharmaCare Newsletter and are effective 30 days after announcement. This washout period offers pharmacies the opportunity to clear stock pursed at higher prices.

Price decreases for generic drugs are announced in the LCA/RDP Updates Workbook, which is published on the first Thursday of every month. PharmaCare provides a 14-day washout period.

Prices may change throughout the year for generic drugs that are subject to pan-Canadian Tiered Pricing Framework (TPF). These would occur upon entry or exit of competitor products. These price changes are announced monthly in the LCA/RDP Updates Workbook. A 14-day washout period is provided.

Resources

Key findings from PharmaCare survey and new PharmaCare Coverage Compass tool

Thank you to the 63 pharmacists who completed the PharmaCare outreach survey that ran from November 13, 2025, to January 2, 2026.

Your feedback helps us understand how PharmaCare information is used in practice and where more communications support is needed.

What we heard

Survey respondents told us:

  • Pharmacists feel significant pressure to explain PharmaCare to the public; this work takes up a lot of time in their day
  • Clients are most often confused about Fair PharmaCare deductibles and Special Authority
  • Pharmacists value visual, multilingual communication materials with QR codes, short videos and learning modules
  • There is opportunity for non-pharmacist professionals to learn more and better inform their clients about PharmaCare coverage, especially Special Authority

What’s next

As well as the new PharmaCare Coverage Compass explained below, the PharmaCare communications team is creating a poster for pharmacies that explains deductibles and Special Authority; a poster and guide for prescribers, and, after much consultation with community groups, will soon launch the online community hub, which has e-learning modules to help frontline community workers support their clients with coverage needs and questions.

Please print our plain language patient information sheets, which are translated into 15 languages, for your clients.

New: PharmaCare Coverage Compass

PharmaCare has published a new, simple online tool called the PharmaCare Coverage Compass, to help clients understand what PharmaCare covers for them.

By responding to 10 simple questions, clients can quickly learn:

  • Which PharmaCare plans they qualify for
  • What steps they need to take (e.g., register for Fair PharmaCare)
  • Where to go for more information

Share the PharmaCare Coverage Compass URL, gov.bc.ca/pharmacarecompass, with your clients.

A PharmaCare Coverage Compass poster (PDF, 3.8MB) is now available for pharmacies to print, display, or share directly with clients.

Resources

Formulary and listing updates

Limited Coverage benefits: omalizumab (Omlyclo)

PharmaCare has added the following limited coverage item to the PharmaCare drug list. Special Authority approval is required for coverage.

Drug name omalizumab (Omlyclo)
Date March 4, 2026
Indication For the treatment of:
DINs 02553805
02553813		 Strength & form 75 mg/0.5 mL solution in a pre-filled syringe for subcutaneous injection
150 mg/1 mL solution in a pre-filled syringe for subcutaneous injection
Notes When entering claims for omalizumab, refer to Correct quantities for PharmaCare claims. The unit of measurement is the number of syringes.  

Existing patients with exceptional Special Authority coverage for Xolair

PharmaCare is transitioning coverage of Xolair to Omlyclo for patients with severe allergic asthma and chronic idiopathic urticaria (chronic spontaneous urticaria).

To maintain patients’ coverage, prescribers must write a new prescription for their patients on Xolair, indicating the transition to Omlyclo by June 4, 2026. For patients with existing Xolair exceptional last-resort Special Authority (SA) coverage, Omlyclo will be automatically covered; prescribers do not need to submit a new SA request for Omlyclo until the next SA renewal date, if applicable.

Regular benefit: insulin aspart (Trurapi®) vial

The following drug is a regular benefit under the National Pharmacare Plan (Plan NP) as of March 1, 2026.

Drug name insulin aspart (Trurapi®) vial
Date March 1, 2026
Indication For the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus who require insulin for the control of hyperglycemia.
DIN 02529254 Strength & form 10 mL vial (100 U/mL)

Drug shortages

PharmaCare has announced, updated, or indicated the resolution of the following drug shortages. Subscribe to the Drug shortages web page to be notified of drug shortage advisories and resolutions.

New shortages: Mycobutin (rifabutin) 150 mg capsules, Bicillin L-A for intramuscular injection

Shortage Mycobutin (rifabutin) 150 mg capsules (DIN 02063786)
Mitigation Use Sterimax’s US-authorized rifabutin 150 mg capsules (use PIN 09858390)
Expected resolution April 17, 2026
Note Rifabutin (Mycobutin) is not a PharmaCare benefit, therefore US supply is also a non-benefit
Resources STERIMAX: Importation of US-labelled rifabutin capsules, USP due to the current shortage of Canadian-authorized MYCOBUTIN (rifabutin) capsules (PDF, 516KB)
Shortage Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine) 1,200,000 IU/2 mL suspension for intramuscular injection (DIN 02291924)
Mitigation Use Septa’s Portugal-authorized Lentocilin S 1200 (use PIN 66128607) powder and solvent for suspension for intramuscular injection (benzathine benzylpenicillin, 1,200,000 IU/4 mL)
Expected resolution April 3, 2026
Notes
  • The active ingredient in Lentocilin S (benzathine benzylpenicillin) and the active ingredient in Bicillin L‑A (penicillin G benzathine) are identical, though the product labels use different nomenclature/naming
  • Bicillin L-A is not a PharmaCare benefit, therefore Lentocilin S is also a non-benefit
  • The two products Lentocilin S and Bicillin L-A are not identical. Please refer to the resources below for details. Some key differences are:
    • Lentocilin S requires reconstitution, while Bicillin L-A comes in pre-filled syringe
    • Lentocilin S includes lidocaine as anesthetic, which is not present in Bicillin L-A
Resources

Your Voice: Input needed for drug decisions

The knowledge and experience of patients, caregivers and patient groups is integral to B.C.'s drug review process. If you know someone who is taking one of the drugs below or who has a condition any of the drugs treat, please encourage them to visit www.gov.bc.ca/BCyourvoice.

Your Voice is now accepting input on the following drugs:

Drug Indication Input window
tezepelumab (Tezpire®) Severe chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) in adults February 25 to March 24 at 11:59 pm
tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) Adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus  February 25 to March 24 at 11:59 pm
fluorouracil sodium (Tolak®) Topical treatment of actinic keratosis lesions of the face, ears, and/or scalp February 25 to March 24 at 11:59 pm
beclomethasone dipropionate, glycopyrronium (as bromide) and formoterol fumarate dihydrate (Trimbow™) Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults February 25 to March 24 at 11:59 pm

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March 1 Special Release: National Pharmacare launches

BC PharmaCare’s National Pharmacare Plan (Plan NP) is live as of March 1, 2026.  Plan NP provides 100% coverage of select diabetes medications, menopausal hormone therapy (MHT), and contraceptives for B.C. residents enrolled in MSP. The federal government contributes funding for the universal plan.

Regulation changes to the price of insulin also goes into effect March 1, 2026. Insulin is now subject to the Maximum Pricing Policy and the Full Payment Policy.

As of March 1, 2026 Plan NP is fully active in PharmaNet. Benefits will appear in the PharmaCare Formulary search by mid-March.

Expanded coverage for certain diabetes-related devices and supplies will begin on April 1, 2026. Details coming soon.

Special Authority

Special Authority is no longer required for:

  • Empagliflozin
  • Empagliflozin/metformin
  • Gliclazide
  • Insulin glargine (Semglee, Basaglar), and
  • Topical estrogen and estrogen/progesterone (gels & patches)

Low Cost Alternative pricing

Some medications will be partially covered and subject to Low Cost Alternative (LCA) pricing. PharmaCare is encouraging B.C. residents to ask prescribers and pharmacists to substitute fully covered medications for partially covered ones.

Exceptional coverage for residents in MSP wait period

Exceptional coverage under Plan NP is available for three months for people who have enrolled in MSP but are in the wait period for coverage. The new form Exceptional Coverage: National Pharmacare can be used to apply for exceptional coverage of any plan NP benefits. It is submitted to HIBC.

Drug lists

The Plan NP drug lists and DINs are available at:

For your clients

The PharmaCare communications team has prepared the following materials for the public. Please share them with your clients or post them in your pharmacy.

Resources

In 2024, 9% of people in B.C. received at least one dispense for an opioid and 95% of pharmacies in B.C. dispensed at least one opioid. The BC Prescription Drug Atlas – Opioids and BZRAs (2025) provides an overview of the prescribing patterns in B.C. for opioids and benzodiazepine receptor agonists.

Click here, print off the PDF of this PharmaCare Newsletter, and post it in your Pharmacy for staff to read!

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About the PharmaCare Newsletter

The PharmaCare Newsletter is published on the first Wednesday of each month, with occasional mid-month releases. The PharmaCare Newsletter communicates drug listings, PharmaCare policy, PharmaNet procedures, and other pertinent information for PharmaCare providers and health care partners. 

Information in previous newsletters is accurate as of the date it was published. Newsletters are not retroactively updated when policy, procedures or other information changes. Refer to the most recent mention of a topic for up-to-date information.

Search past newsletters on the Newsletter search page.

Welcome

The PharmaCare Newsletter team works from the territory of the Lekwungen People, including the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. Our gratitude extends to them, and all the Indigenous Peoples on whose territories and lands we build relationships.

Cultural safety and humility

BC PharmaCare counts on pharmacy and device providers to practise cultural safety and humility.

To learn more, read Coming Together for Wellness, a series of articles by First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and PharmaCare, and consider taking the online San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety course.  

Drug shortages

Active advisories 

spironolactone tablets; disopyramide capsules; olanzapine for injection; peginterferon alfa-2a (Pegasys®​) injection

Visit Drug shortages for full list and details.