ODB Exemptions and Exceptions

The following lists of drug exemptions and exceptions was created from the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Exempted Medications List. It is available online at the Ministry’s website.

ODB Exemptions

The following lists drug types that are exempt from capitation. That is, a fee is charged.

  • Any listed drug product where the Limited Use criteria for reimbursement requires reduced quantity dispensing.
  • Any listed drug product where the stability after dispensing does not exceed 15 days
  • Anticholinergic angest: benztropine mesylate, trihexyphenidyl HCI, ethopropazine HCI, and procyclidine HCI.
  • Anticonvulsants, as classified in the Formulary.
  • Anti-infective agents (antibiotics and antivirals, including opthalmic and otic drops for short-course therapy.
  • Antiparkinsonian agents: levodopa & carbidopa combinations, levodopa & benserazide combinations, bromocriptine, pramipexole dihydrochloride monohyrdrate, ropinirole and amantadine HCI
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Extemporaneous preparations where the stability does not exceed 15 days.
  • Injectable preparations including those prepared as an extemporaneous mixture.
  • Lithium
  • Narcotics and controlled drug products, including methadone.
  • Nitroglycerin for sublingual usage.
  • Psychotherapeutic medications, including antipsychotics, antidepressants, tranquilizers, CNS stimulants, sedatives, and hypnotics.
  • Palliative Care drugs available through Facilitated Access mechanism.

ODB Exceptions

Further to the exceptions listing, below is a list of drug types that are EXEMPT from capitation, the comments that appear in TP Rules window for that drug, and the corresponding message prompt that displays when filling for this drug.

Type of Drug

During periods of dosage adjustment:

  • Anticoagulants

During periods of dosage tapering:

  • Corticosteriods

Excludes regularly scheduled administration:

  • Inhalers (oral and nasal) and other inhalation devices for PRN usage.
  • Inhalation solutions for PRN usage.
  • Suppositories for PRN usage.
  • Topical dermatological agents for PRN usage. (Where monthly utilizations can be determined.)

For PRN, or short-term usage:

  • Ophthalmic preparations
  • Otic preparations