Registered LNG-EC products:
- Next Choice* - Available over the counter without having to go through a pharmacist
- Option 2 - Available over the counter without having to go through a pharmacist
- Plan B One-Step* - Available over the counter without having to go through a pharmacist
Registered UPA-EC products:
- ella* - Available only with prescription
Products marked with * have been approved by a stringent regulatory authority, such as the WHO Prequalification Programme, the US Food and Drug Administration, the European Medicines Agency, or other.
Where at least one type of ECP is available: Public sector clinics, Pharmacies
Age restrictions for accessing ECPs: Yes
Type of age restriction: In May 2008, the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) recommended full OTC access for the LNG regimen with no age restriction. This recommendation is being applied Under Common Law; however, pharmacists have the discretion to restrict sale of EC if a woman does not appear mature. All provinces follow Common Law with the exception of Quebec, which follows Civil Code, and Saskatchewan.
In Quebec, EC is available behind-the-counter. No parental consent is needed for individuals 14 years of age or older. Quebec chose to keep EC behind the counter so that it could be reimbursed by the provincial drug insurance plan. The amount reimbursed is dependent on age, school-status, and/or individual consumption of medicated drugs and insurance deductibles.
In Saskatchewan, EC is available behind-the-counter. Pharmacists are paid a consultation fee by the government and women can be reimbursed fully or partially from private drug insurance plans.
Legal history, developments, and/or challenges: See 'Type of age restriction' section above.
Legal/regulatory documents in which EC is included: No data available
Pricing information: The price of LNG EC ranges from $23-$40 when procured from pharmacies and $13-$20 when procured from community health clinics, as of 2013.