Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

Which type of medication is a Canadian pharmacy allowed to dispense?

1. Controlled substances

2. FDA approved medications

3. Biologics

4. Refrigerated medications

The correct answer is: FDA approved medications

The choice of FDA-approved medications as the type of medication a Canadian pharmacy is allowed to dispense highlights the regulatory framework governing pharmacies in Canada and the relationship to medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Canadian pharmacies operate under their national pharmaceutical regulations, which allows them to distribute medications that are approved for use in their country. While many medications that are FDA-approved may also be available in Canada, the key point is that a Canadian pharmacy will typically dispense medications that comply with Health Canada regulations. However, this does not inherently limit them to only dispensing FDA-approved medications; it indicates the commonality of certain medications between the two regulatory systems. Controlled substances, biologics, and refrigerated medications have specific regulations and restrictions that can vary significantly between Canada and the U.S. For example, controlled substances are handled under strict regulations that differ from those governing general pharmaceuticals, and while biologics can be approved in both countries, their availability may be subject to different criteria. Refrigerated medications are also subject to particular storage and handling requirements that must be adhered to but do not specifically pertain to the type of medications a Canadian pharmacy can dispense regarding FDA approval. Thus, the emphasis on FDA-approved medications illustrates the overlap between the two systems while remaining compliant