Medicines in Canada: what, where, how much
Can immigrants in Canada buy their usual medicines? Which medicines are prescription only and which can be bought freely?
Canada regulates the drug market to make sure no one harms their health (and to keep doctors and pharmacists employed). That is why most drugs can only be bought with a prescription, after a doctor's visit. This should not be a problem, since medicine in Canada is free for all permanent residents.
Drug analogues in Canada
Many medicines in Canada are called differently than in Russia and Ukraine, and often cost more. Here are examples of several analogues with prices in Canada:
- Dr. Mom = Buckley's (cough syrup) — from $8 CAD.
- Ibuprofen, Nurofen, Paracetamol = Advil, Ibuprofen, Tylenol (pain relief) — from $10 CAD.
- Corvalol = Cordarone (for heart) — from $84 CAD.
- Mesim = Créon (for digestive problems) — from $50 CAD.
- No-Shepa = Buscopan (for cramps) — from $26 CAD.
- Renny = Tums (for heartburn) — from $9 CAD.
- Spasmalgon = Zanaflex, Tizanidine (for cramps) — from $46 CAD.
- Teraflu = Neo Citran (for colds) — from $9 CAD.
- Tizin = Otrivin (nasal drops) — from $14 CAD.
- Espumisan = Gas-X (for bloating) — from $15 CAD.
Find other matches using Pillintrip.com. Prices may vary depending on the package and where they are sold. This site does not provide absolute analogues, so it is best to consult with your doctor before purchasing and taking medications.
Prescription and over-the-counter medications
You can get some drugs in Canada without a prescription. These are called non-prescription drugs or over-the-counter drugs. They are usually the most innocuous drugs that do not contain antibiotics or other strong drugs. You can find a full list of these medicines at the Canadian government's website.
For example, among the medicines on this list are activated charcoal, laxatives, allergy medicines, lollipops for sore throats, remedies for fungus, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, stuffy nose, heartburn, coughs, muscle cramps, nausea and other troubles with which people usually do not immediately run to the hospital.
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