Drug Benefits & Interchangeability Formulary

The Manitoba Drug Benefits Formulary is a list of drugs and other items specified as eligible benefits under the Manitoba Pharmacare drug benefit program. The Manitoba Drug Interchangeability Formulary is a list of interchangeable drugs, categories and prices specific to drugs listed on the Manitoba Drug Benefits Formulary. They are compiled with the recommendations of the Common Drug Review and the advice of the Manitoba Drug Standards and Therapeutics Committee, assisted by Manitoba Health staff. The Minister of Health gives the final approval for benefits under the Pharmacare drug benefit program.

The Manitoba Drug Benefits Formulary is divided into two parts. Part 1 includes drug products that are eligible for Pharmacare benefits under all prescribed circumstances. Part 2 includes drug products that are eligible for Pharmacare benefits only when prescribed for the terms and conditions indicated in the Formulary. 

When a drug is not listed in Part 1 or Part 2, a request for coverage may be considered under Exception Drug Status (EDS) – formerly known as "Part 3" or "Part 3 EDS" – for each individual's specific circumstance. The doctor must make an application to the EDS office. Individuals are notified in writing of the decision.

Effective October 18, 2021, changes to The Prescription Drugs Cost Assistance Act and The Pharmaceutical Act will allow for updates to the Manitoba Drug Benefit Formulary, the Manitoba Drug Interchangeability Formulary (collectively "the Formularies"), and the Manitoba Monitored Drug List to be made through policy rather than through regulatory changes.

Each new edition of the Formulary has three components:

  1. a new Bulletin,
  2. a revised Specified Drugs Regulation (Parts 1 and 2) made under The Prescription Drugs Cost Assistance Act,
  3. and a revised Manitoba Drug Interchangeability Formulary. 

A listing of pharmaceutical manufacturer abbreviations is also provided below.

These documents require knowledgeable interpretation and are intended primarily for use by professional health care practitioners, pharmacies, hospitals, and organizations associated with the manufacture, distribution and use of pharmaceutical preparations.


All files are in Adobe Acrobat PDF format unless specified otherwise.

  • Bulletin #131
    Manitoba Drug Benefits and Interchangeability Formulary Amendments. 
    Effective March 13, 2024, and April 1, 2024
  • 2023 Pan-Canadian Price Initiative DIN List
    Effective:  April 1, 2023
  • Manitoba Drug Benefits Formulary
    A list of drugs and other items specified as eligible benefits under the Manitoba Pharmacare drug benefit program.
    Effective: February 22, 2024
  • Manitoba Drug Interchangeability Formulary
    A list of interchangeable drugs, categories and prices specific to drugs listed on the Manitoba Drug Benefits Formulary. Please note that Manitoba Pharmacare will reimburse only up to the lowest price in an interchangeable category for those interchangeable drugs which are Pharmacare benefits.
    Effective: February 22, 2024
  • Exception Drug Status (EDS)
    Certain drugs are approved for coverage under the Exception Drug Status (EDS) Program when the use meets specific criteria as recommended by the Manitoba Drug Standards and Therapeutics Committee (MDSTC).
    "Part 3 Exception Drug Status" or "Part 3 benefits" will be referred to as "Exception Drug Status" or "EDS benefits".
    Effective: February 22, 2024

(Veuillez noter que les documents sont offert en anglais seulement.)

Provincial Drug Programs
Manitoba Health

300 Carlton Street
Winnipeg MB R3B 3M9
Phone: 204-786-7318
Toll free: 1-800-297-8099 extension 7318