First Exposure

Resources

Drug Benefit Coverage

Drug Benefit Icon -- --Icône Assurance-médicaments

If you are covered by a drug benefit plan it can save costs on prescription drugs so you can get the medications you need. Depending on where you live and your circumstances, you may qualify for one or more of the available federal, provincial, or territorial drug plans. Click ‘Read more’ for detailed information on drug benefit coverage programs that may be available to you. 

If you are enrolled in a group benefit plan, please check with your health benefits provider to see what is covered under your plan. 

For Health Care Providers- when deciding on a treatment plan, please consider if there is an option that is covered by a drug plan your patient qualifies for. Click ‘Read more’ for information on which drugs are included in the various drug benefit plans. 

Finding a Healthcare Provider

Location Icon -- -- Icône de localisation

Having a healthcare provider ensures access to quality medical care, timely diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans. With a healthcare provider, patients can trust in their expertise, benefit from evidence-based practices, and receive comprehensive care that addresses their unique medical needs. Click ‘Read more’ for a list of resources with further information on finding a healthcare provider such as a Family Physician, Obstetrician, Nurse Practitioner, or Midwife. 

Health Canada Drug and Natural Health Product Monographs

Canada Database Icon --Icône monographie

Health Canada Drug and Natural Health Product databases contain monographs for drugs and natural health products that have been authorized for sale by the regulatory authority. These approved product monographs provide details on indications, dosage and administration, interactions, pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, and more. Click ‘Read more’ for further information about accessing product monographs.

Harm Reduction​

Harm Reduction Icon -- Icône Réduction des méfaits

If you are drinking alcohol, using cannabis, methamphetamine and/or other substances, and/or inhaling (sniffing, huffing or chroming) drugs or substances, there may be ways to reduce risks while pregnant or feeding breastmilk. It is called Harm Reduction and provides different ways that have helped others reduce their risksClick ‘Read More’ for further information about ways that may reduce risks while pregnant or feeding breastmilk. If you are a healthcare provider, please see this resource and share with your patients. 

Why Do We Need Harm Reduction?

Harm Reduction Ethical Icon --Icône éthique de réduction des méfaits

Harm reduction involves multiple strategies, services and options which may help people reduce potential harms from their substance use and which may help to keep them alive and healthier. Click ‘Read More’ for further information about caring for people who use substances in pregnancy and postpartum. 

How to Find Active Ingredients

Active Ingredient Icon --Icône des ingrédients actifs

An active ingredient is the ingredient in the drug or medication that produces the desired effects in the body. Click ‘Read more’ for further information on how to find the active ingredients of your medication. 

Making Sense of Risks and Statistics

Risk Icon --Icône des risques

When we make decisions, we usually rely on our knowledge and/or past experiences, to guide us. In pregnancy, making decisions may feel more challenging. On this website you will find information on safety of exposures in pregnancy to help you understand the risk that may or may not be associated with the exposure. There is much talk about risk, or the chance that something will happen.  

Click ‘Read more’ to read about baseline risk, rare risk, relative risk, absolute risk, odds ratio, multiple comparisons and how emotions may affect our understanding of risk.