Reference Drug Program (RDP)
Last updated on July 6, 2026This web page explains and provides the Reference Drug Program (RDP) drug list for health professionals.
Overview
The drugs within the Reference Drug Program (RDP)'s seven therapeutic drug classes are equally safe and effective. Each category has at least one fully covered "reference" drug. The rest are partially covered, or “non-reference". The Low Cost Alternative (LCA) program, which groups drugs by active ingredient, applies to all of the drugs in the RDP categories.
Coverage of reference drugs under the Fair PharmaCare plan is subject to deductible requirements, as with all full PharmaCare benefits. All other PharmaCare plans pay 100% of the cost of a full benefit.
Pharmacists can adapt drugs within RDP categories to ensure best coverage for clients.
RDP drug list
Please prescribe the more cost-effective reference drug first when clinically appropriate. The reference drugs do not require Special Authority, except for Proton Pump Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (PPIs and ARBs).
Jump to a reference drug class: ACEIs | ARBs | CCBs | H2 blockers | NSAIDs | PPIs | Statins
| Click the drug name for SA criteria and form. | |
| Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) | |
|---|---|
| Full benefit reference drug | Partial benefits (full coverage with SA) |
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Patient must have tried the reference drug to be eligible for SA.
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| Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) | |
| Full benefit reference drugs (covered only with SA) | Partial benefits (full coverage with SA) |
| Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) | |
| Full benefit reference drug | Partial benefits (full coverage with SA) |
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| Histamine2 receptor blockers (H2 blockers) | |
| Full benefit reference drug | Partial benefits (full coverage with SA) |
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| Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) | |
| Full benefit reference drug | Partial benefits (full coverage with SA) |
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For SA coverage, a medical reason is enough; trial of reference drug(s) not required. |
| Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) | |
| Full benefit reference drugs (covered only with SA) | Partial benefits (full coverage with SA) |
| Statins | |
| Full benefit reference drugs | Partial benefits (full coverage with SA) |
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The RDP helps PharmaCare save millions of dollars each year. These savings help to fund newer drug treatments coming to market and continued access to proven effective therapies. For instance, savings from the RDP have helped to fund new drugs for diabetes and hepatitis C. PharmaCare reviews the cost of the drugs within each category and determines a maximum daily cost it will cover.