Ukrainian medicines in the literal sense — that is, drugs manufactured in Ukraine under Ukrainian brand names — are extremely rare in Canadian pharmacies. The reason is not a lack of demand among the diaspora, but rather Health Canada's strict regulatory framework: before a medicine can hit the shelves, it must undergo a complete registration process, obtain a Drug Identification Number (DIN), and comply with requirements regarding language labeling, safety, and quality. Below is a detailed overview of where and under what conditions a Calgary resident can purchase “Ukrainian” medicines or their analogues.
1. What is already available in the Canadian registry
As of mid-2025, only a few Ukrainian drugs have officially appeared on the Canadian market. The best-known example is Instylan® (sodium hyaluronate for intravesical instillations), which was launched by Yuria-Pharm in partnership with Red Leaf Medical. The drug has a Canadian DIN and is available on prescription from a urologist.
Conclusion: if a drug is registered and has a DIN, it can be ordered from any pharmacy in Calgary in the same way as Canadian brands.
2. Why are most popular “Ukrainian” brands missing?
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Different dosage and form standards. For example, No-Spa (drotaverine) and Citramon do not have a Bioequivalence Package acceptable to Health Canada.
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Dual labeling in the languages of the country of manufacture. Canadian law requires mandatory English and French labels and warnings.
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Registration costs. For niche audiences, importers often cannot recoup the $1–3 million required to submit a dossier.
3. How Ukrainian medicines get into the provinces
| Channel | What can actually be imported | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Personal import by passengers | Up to a 90-day personal supply of prescription or over-the-counter drugs | Original packaging, copy of prescription (if required); controlled substances may not be imported without special permission |
| Postal parcel from Ukraine | Vitamins, creams, dietary supplements; small quantities of over-the-counter medications | Value ≤ $100 CAD; starting in 2024, postal services will require a certificate of composition to be included |
| Humanitarian supplies | Antibiotics, painkillers, children's syrups | Only for charitable organizations with a special license from Health Canada |
Practical advice: personal imports are not considered “grey imports,” but exceeding 90 days or not having a prescription formally violates the Canadian Food and Drugs Act.
4. Are there any “Ukrainian pharmacies” in Calgary?
There are no licensed pharmacies of Ukrainian origin, but some pharmacists speak Ukrainian/Russian and can help you find equivalents. The most frequently mentioned are:
| Pharmacy | Staff language | Special features |
|---|---|---|
| Co-op Pharmacy (Forest Lawn) | 🇺🇦 / 🇷🇺 | area with the largest Eastern European diaspora |
| Shoppers Drug Mart (Marlborough) | 🇺🇦 | often has brochures about coverage for Ukrainian evacuees |
| Safeway Pharmacy (Glenmore Landing) | 🇺🇦 | option to order Instylan® “for the customer” within 24–48 hours |
Pharmacist's functions:
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Find a Canadian equivalent with the same active ingredient.
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Order the imported drug through specialized distributors (if registered).
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Offer compounding — prepare an ointment or solution according to a pharmacopoeia prescription, if the substance is legal.
5. Replacement chart: Canadian equivalents of popular Ukrainian drugs
| Ukrainian brand | Active ingredient | Canadian equivalent | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Spa | Drotaverine | none; Buscopan® (hyoscine) is used | consult a doctor |
| Citramon | Acetylsalicylic acid + caffeine + paracetamol | Excedrin® Extra Strength | over-the-counter |
| Corvalol/Valocordin | Phenobarbital + ethyl bromizovalerianate | not available (phenobarbital is a controlled substance) | import prohibited without permission |
| Linex | Probiotics | Align®, Culturelle® | over-the-counter |
| Carvalol-D | Captopril | Captopril Generics (Rx) | prescription |
6. Ukrainian dietary supplements and herbal teas in Calgary
Ukrainian stores may offer:
- Herbal teas “Carpathian Tea” (chamomile, lemon balm, rosehip)
- Propolis sprays ‘Bdzholosvit’
- Balm “Zirochka” (Vietnamese, popular among post-Soviet consumers)
These are not licensed medicines, but natural products.
7. Summary and practical steps
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Check the DIN. If the drug has a Canadian number, it can be officially ordered.
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Ask for analogues by their international non-proprietary name.
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Personal import of up to a 90-day supply in the original packaging without controlled substances.
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Compounding pharmacies will make an ointment or solution according to a prescription.
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Keep an eye on registrations. Health Canada publishes a monthly “Notice of Compliance” with new drugs.
Conclusion: There is no complete “Ukrainian” assortment in Calgary, but key drugs can be replaced with Canadian equivalents or imported personally within the limits. Consult with a pharmacist, follow Health Canada requirements, and use compounding if special forms are required.