Downloadable drug data files
Last updated on January 23, 2026
The downloadable drug data file includes:
- All information in PharmaCare’s Formulary Search (which lists all drugs PharmaCare currently covers), and
- Historical information, including details on discontinued drugs
For current Low Cost Alternative and Reference Drug Program data, refer to LCA and RDP data files.
Because of its large size, the file is in ZIP file format for easier download. It must be opened in a 2007 or later version of Excel.
The data file is in the Unix text Comma Separated Value (CSV) format. Line breaks end in <LF> instead of <CR><LF> (ASCII 10 instead of ASCII 13, ASCII 10). The Unix text format will not affect line breaks in common PC software products such as Excel, Word and MS Access. In some older software products (such as Notepad), however, line breaks will not appear. There are several free downloadable applications on the web to convert one format to another.
Important:
- The information in this file is provided as a convenience only. It should not be relied on as authoritative or complete
- The Ministry of Health cannot guarantee the information is current or accurate
- The Ministry of Health makes no warranty or representation, expressly or implied, as to the accuracy of the data
- Information in this file requires knowledgeable interpretation and is intended primarily for professional health care practitioners, pharmacies, hospitals, and organizations associated with the manufacture, distribution, and use of pharmaceutical preparations
Benefit groups
The benefit eligibility process uses a relationship, established by PharmaCare, between a product, its associated benefit group and the plan rules.
| Benefit group | Description |
| A | No longer a benefit group. Plan discontinued in 2003. |
| AD | Alzheimer’s ADTI medications—Special Authority required |
| AM | Seniors over 65 methadone maintenance |
| B | Residential care clients—eligible under Plan B |
| C | Recipients of B.C. Income Assistance—eligible under Plan C |
| CH | Recipients of B.C. Income Assistance under age 19—eligible under Plans CN, F, K0-K9, KA-KZ, 1K-4K, QN and UK |
| CF |
Registered cystic fibrosis clients—eligible under Plan D |
| DS |
Syringes and infusion sets for patients with diabetes—eligible under Plans C, F, I0-9, IA-IZ, 1I-4I, J0-J9, JA-JZ, 1J-2J, Q, UI, and W |
| F | At Home clients—eligible under Plan F |
| I2 | Insulin (no fee allowed)—eligible under Plans B, C, F, I0-9, IA-IZ, 1I-4I, J0-J9, JA-JZ, 1J-2J, Q, & UI |
| LC |
Limited coverage items—Special Authority required |
| MH |
Psychiatric medications—eligible under Plan G A limited number of medications in the formulary are available under the Trial Prescription Program. |
| N | Nebulizers for children under 19—eligible under Plans CN, F, K0-K9, KA-KZ, 1K-4K, QN, UK and W |
| NS | Non-steroidal anti inflammatory—eligible under Plan B |
| OS |
Prosthetic / mastectomy / ostomy supplies—eligible under Plans B, C, F, I0-9, IA-IZ, 1I-4I, J0-J9, JA-JZ, 1J-2J, Q, UI, and W* *For Plan W clients, coverage should be obtained through Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB). |
| PC | Clients registered for BC Palliative Care Benefits program (Plan P) |
| TA |
Trial prescriptions—eligible for Plans C, F, I0-9, IA-IZ, 1I-4I, J0-J9, JA-JZ, 1J-2J, Q, UI, and W |
| U | Fair PharmaCare clients—eligible under Plans I0-9, IA-IZ, 1I-4I, J0-J9, JA-JZ, 1J-2J, Q, & UI |
| W | First Nations Health Benefits—eligible under Plan W, WC, WD, WX |
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