The Pfizer original brand medication is the one first invented and developed by Pfizer. Other companies then sometimes develop medications that are pharmaceutically equivalent to the original brand medication. These are known as generics. Even when a generic version is available, we continue to manufacture the original brand.

For over 150 years we have manufactured some of the world’s most well-known medications and we will continue to do so. We want to help you manage your health by making the products you know and trust available and accessible.

The Pfizer Originals Program includes many of Pfizer’s most well-known medications for which a generic version is available.

People around the world trust and depend on Pfizer medications every single day to help manage their health. We are dedicated to enhancing this trust by investing in research for a variety of new and innovative medications.

The original brand medication is the one first invented and developed by Pfizer. Other companies then sometimes develop medications that are pharmaceutically equivalent to the original brand medication. These are known as generics. According to Health Canada, the generic medication should contain chemically identical, but not necessarily physically identical, medicinal ingredients and may vary in non-medicinal ingredients, preservatives, flavour, shape, colour, packaging or labelling.

Some people prefer the Pfizer original brand medication over a generic. That’s why Pfizer is committed to helping you get the original brand medication you know and trust, as prescribed by your doctor.

Yes. All medications that are part of the Pfizer Originals Program continue to be manufactured even after a generic becomes available so you can continue taking the Pfizer original brand medication you know and trust.

Most pharmacies will have the original brand medication in stock and all pharmacies can order it from their wholesaler. If your pharmacy does not have your original brand medication, simply ask your pharmacist to order it. They should receive it within a day or two. If you are unable to get the Pfizer original brand medication at your pharmacy, you should be able to get it at a different one.

Everyone’s insurance coverage varies. Some people have private insurance through their employers while other people are covered by provincial drug insurance plans.

Some insurance plans continue to cover the cost of the original brand medication. In such cases, plan members need to cover any co-payment and/or deductible according to their plan design. Other insurance plans will allow you to receive your original brand medication but will only reimburse up to the price of the generic version. You will then need to pay the difference between the price of the original brand medication and the generic in addition to any co-payment and/or deductible. These plans may still cover the original brand medication if specific reimbursement criteria are met (for example, if you’re allergic to an ingredient in the generic version).

It is important to take the time to learn about your plan and what medications are covered. While at the pharmacy, you will find out if the original brand medication is covered once the claim is submitted to your drug plan.

The Pfizer Originals Program includes many of Pfizer’s most well-known medications for which generic versions are available. Pfizer aims to make this program available for as many medications as possible, based on a number of different factors.

These are the brands that are currently part of the program:

Yes. You have the right to request the original brand medication if that’s what you prefer. All Pfizer brands participating in the Pfizer Originals Program are available in Canada and can be ordered by pharmacies. Depending on your insurance coverage, you might need to pay the difference between the price of the original brand medication and the generic.

Are you a resident of Canada?
If your out-of-pocket cost is preventing you from getting your Pfizer original brand medication, the Pfizer Originals payment assistance card can help. The payment assistance card allows you to remain on the original brand medication you know and trust at little to no additional cost versus the generic. Most pharmacies will accept the card; however, some may not.

1. Sign up for your card
2. You can print your card or add it to your phone wallet. You can also have it emailed or mailed to you
3. Present this card to your pharmacist when filling or refilling your prescription
4. State your preference for the Pfizer original brand medication(s)
5. Ask the pharmacist to add your payment assistance card number to your file
6. Remember to always check your medication

Why isn't the card available for registration to Quebec patients?
A regulation implemented in Quebec in April 2021 prevents in some cases drug manufacturers, wholesalers, and other intermediaries to provide such financial assistance. Patient support programs have been adjusted accordingly since April 15, 2021. All products previously offered on the Pfizer Originals card are impacted by this recent regulation, and as such, no patients can register for a card in Quebec.

Most times yes, but sometimes no. Some provinces do not require pharmacists to tell their patients if they have been switched from the original brand medication to a generic, from one generic to another or from a generic back to the original brand medication. That’s why it’s always a good idea to specifically mention if you prefer to take a generic or the original brand medication to the pharmacist and to always check the medication you receive.

The Pfizer Originals payment assistance card works just like the card for your insurance plan. When at the pharmacy, give the card to your pharmacist and they will enter it into their system. You will immediately be covered for most, if not all, of the difference between the original brand and the generic.

The Pfizer Originals payment assistance card allows you to remain on the original brand medication at little or no additional cost versus the generic. Payment assistance varies by brand and depends on the drug plan coverage you might have (private or public insurance). Private plans can vary significantly in how much of the prescription cost of the original brand medication they cover.

See the participating brands in your province here.

Here are a few helpful tips to help you get your Pfizer original brand medication when filling or refilling your prescription:

1. State your preference for the Pfizer original brand medication(s). If it’s not in stock, you can have the pharmacy order it or you can try another pharmacy.
2. Ask the pharmacist to add a note in your file to record your preference for the next time you fill or refill a prescription.
3. Check your medication each time you receive it to make sure it’s the brand you asked for.

Sometimes prescription labels or receipts can be difficult to understand. It’s also possible that the brand name is written on pharmacy labels even if the generic version is dispensed. Pharmacists sometimes do this so patients know which pills are in which bottle. That’s why it’s always best to look at the pills themselves. You can use the Medication Identifier to help you find out if you’re taking the original brand medication or a generic.