New Drug Schedules Changes for Ibuprofen, Esomeprazole, and Fluticasone Now in Effect
Amendments made to the Drug Schedules Regulation, BC Reg. 9/98 are now in force.
Following a review of the recommendations made by the National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee (NDSAC) in March 2016, the College Board approved the amendments on November 18, 2016 which were then filed with the Ministry of Health.
NDSAC’s recommendations consisted of changing the scheduling classification for Ibuprofen, Esomeprazole, and Fluticasone. As of August 2016, most other provinces and territories had implemented these recommendations.
The Ministry approved the Board’s resolution and the amendments came into effect on December 5, 2016.
Summary of Amendments
| Drug | Existing | New |
|---|---|---|
| Ibuprofen or its salts, when sold in a modified-release oral dosage form that provides 600 mg or less per dosage unit (indicated for relief of rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis) | Schedule I | Schedule III |
| Esomeprazole or its salts, when sold for the 14-day treatment for frequent heartburn at a daily dose of 20 mg, in package sizes of no more than 280 mg of esomeprazole | Schedule I | Schedule II |
| Fluticasone propionate, when sold for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in a nasal spray that delivers 50 mcg/spray for those 18 years of age and older, in package sizes containing no more than 120 metered sprays | Schedule I | Schedule III |
| Fluticasone propionate, when sold for the treatment of allergic rhinitis in a nasal spray that delivers 50 mcg/spray for those 18 years of age and older, in package sizes containing more than 120 metered sprays | Schedule I | Schedule II |
College Role in BC’s Drug Schedules Regulation
The legislative authority for the College Board to make or amend drug schedules is outlined in section 22 of PODSA. BC’s process for creating or amending drug schedules requires the College to complete an internal review of NDSAC’s drug scheduling recommendations. The College also works with the Ministry of Health to assess whether the proposed drug scheduling changes are appropriate for BC.