Statement on 30-day supply of prescription medications

March 23, 2020 (Ottawa): In the last few weeks, pharmacists have seen a tremendous surge in demand for medical supplies and medications as a result of the evolving and ongoing COVID-19 crisis. As a result, it has become necessary for pharmacies to carefully manage their medication inventories to protect against the real risk of shortages during this critical period. This is a temporary but necessary measure. By appropriately managing inventory today, we are reducing the risk that a patient will not be able to access their medications tomorrow and into the future.

This is an unprecedented health crisis that requires making difficult decisions to protect the health of Canadians. We do recognize that the 30-day supply may be a difficult adjustment for some patients.  Pharmacists and pharmacies are doing everything possible to support patients during this time. This assistance includes working with governments and insurance providers to address any issues associated with the shorter duration. Additionally, many pharmacies in Canada provide delivery services to patients and are working to increase their delivery services to encourage social distancing. As always, pharmacists will also work with each individual patient to understand and accommodate their unique needs.

These are challenging times for all Canadians. Pharmacists across the country are working tirelessly to support their patients and their communities. We are all in this together, so we ask for the understanding and patience of Canadians as pharmacists and pharmacies try to navigate the uncertainties that we are all facing.

About the Canadian Pharmacists Association
The Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is the uniting national voice of pharmacy and the pharmacist profession in Canada. As pharmacists undertake an enhanced role in the delivery of health care services, CPhA ensures that the profession is recognized as a national leader in health care, influencing the policies, programs, budgets and initiatives affecting the profession and the health of Canadians.