Special Access / Limited Use Designation Drugs

On most private or provincial drug programs, some medications may be listed as “special access” (SA) or “limited use” (LU) drugs or have Exceptional Drug Status (EDS).

Drugs with this designation are typically more expensive and require the fulfillment of certain criteria to be covered. Often, these criteria outline how severe one’s disease must be or what previous medications must have been taken before the drug plan will cover the special access or limited use medication.

It is worthwhile to check whether a drug is limited use or special access before you purchase it. You may otherwise risk not being reimbursed if the criteria have not been met.