[Index]

3.3  SPECIAL ACCESS DRUGS

POLICY

All non marketed drugs that are prescribed in the hospital, including inpatient and outpatient services, shall be designated special access drugs.

These drugs are not available on the market in Canada but are made available to practitioners treating patients with serious or life-threatening conditions when conventional therapies have failed, are unsuitable, are unavailable, or offer limited options. The Special Access Program* (SAP) of the Therapeutics Products Program (formerly Health Protection Branch) authorizes a manufacturer to sell a specific quantity of a drug to a physician or pharmacy.

PROCEDURES

Physician:

1. The physician obtains authorization from the SAP for a special access drug and notifies pharmacy of approval. During office hours (0830-1630hrs Eastern Standard Time), the telephone number to obtain approval is (613) 941-2108. After hours, the telephone number is (613) 941-3061.

Pharmacy:

2. Dispenses the drug after approval from the SAP, and receipt of drug from the manufacturer.
3. Maintains drug inventory.
4. Provides drug information.

* The Special Access Program was formerly called the Emergency Drug Release Program.