The availability of familiar medications from Ukraine is one of the most important issues for Ukrainians who have moved to Edmonton. Adapting to a new healthcare system can be difficult, especially when it comes to continuing treatment for chronic conditions or finding familiar medications. The good news is that although it is impossible to find exactly the same Ukrainian medications in Edmonton due to different drug regulation systems, there are many alternatives and solutions that can help you get the treatment you need. This article takes a detailed look at all aspects of the issue, from the reasons why Ukrainian medications are not available to practical ways to find their Canadian equivalents, and also tells you about a unique Ukrainian-language pharmacy in Edmonton that specializes in helping the Ukrainian community.
Why Ukrainian medications are not available in Canada
Understanding why you cannot simply buy Ukrainian medications in Canadian pharmacies is important for adapting to the local healthcare system. Canada has very strict rules regarding the import and sale of medicines, which differ significantly from Ukrainian standards. Health Canada, the federal department responsible for national health policy, regulates the safety and effectiveness of prescription drugs sold in Canada.
Prescription drugs have specific import requirements and are only allowed to be imported by a practicing physician, drug manufacturer, drug wholesaler, registered pharmacist, or foreign resident while visiting Canada. This means that Canadian residents, including Ukrainians who have already obtained resident status or citizenship, are generally not allowed to import prescription drugs by mail or courier.
Health Canada clearly states on its website that “Canadian residents are not generally permitted to import prescription drugs by mail or courier.” However, in certain circumstances, the agency may grant special exemptions allowing individuals to import prescription drugs from other countries. For example, if a drug that is not available in Canada is necessary for a patient to treat a serious medical condition, Health Canada may grant an import permit.
For visitors to Canada, the rules are slightly different. Visitors entering Canada may bring a personal supply of prescription drugs for their own use or for use by a person or animal under their care and with whom they are traveling. Visitors staying in Canada for more than three months may import an additional 90-day supply of the medical product every three months for personal use by mail or courier.
It is important to note that if you have a prescription from a Ukrainian doctor, it will not be valid in Canada. Prescriptions issued abroad cannot be filled in Canada, just as medications prescribed in Canada must be filled only in Canada. This means that even if you have leftover Ukrainian medications with you, you will need to establish care with a Canadian doctor or pharmacist to continue your treatment.
Ukrainian-language pharmacy in Edmonton
The most significant resource for the Ukrainian community in Edmonton is aaa homehealth pharmacy & café, the only Ukrainian-language pharmacy in the city. This pharmacy is located in the Kingsway area at 11230 110 St NW #102, Edmonton, AB T5G 3H7. Contact number: (780) 474-2525.
The pharmacy was created specifically to help the Ukrainian community navigate the Canadian healthcare system. The pharmacy's owner, Zenon Wojnowskyj, is a licensed pharmacist with license number #4395. He is a proud Edmonton native and lifelong Edmonton Oilers fan who combines deep community ties with professional expertise.
Aaa homehealth pharmacy offers a wide range of free services to the Ukrainian community. These services include medical consultation and provision of any other medical information, selection and dispensing of medications without a prior visit to the hospital, flu and COVID vaccinations, medical injections (vitamins, insulin, vaccines), assistance with online doctor appointments, and setting up the Canadian medical navigation system on your phone.
The pharmacy team understands that the healthcare system can be difficult to understand when you arrive in a new country. They can help you navigate the healthcare systems here in Canada, your new home. The team can help you with medications and refer you to the right resources for other medical needs.
A unique feature of this pharmacy is that there is also a café on the premises where you can enjoy locally roasted coffee while your medication is being prepared. There is also a gynecology and physiotherapy department on the premises.
The aaa homehealth pharmacy team actively listens to patients so that they feel heard and understood. This allows them to provide access to prescription medications and medication management services that empower people to take control of their health and effectively manage their medical conditions. The pharmacy emphasizes the importance of personalized care and an individualized approach to meet the unique needs of each patient.
Pharmacists at aaa homehealth pharmacy have Additional Prescribing Authority (APA), which means they can not only advise on medications, but also write prescriptions for minor illnesses, chronic conditions, and refills of routine medications without the need to see a doctor. This is especially helpful for Ukrainians who have not yet established a relationship with a family doctor in Edmonton.
Equivalents of Ukrainian medications in Canada
Although Ukrainian brands of medications are not available in Canada, there are Canadian equivalents for almost all medications, as most medications are manufactured using the same active ingredients. The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has published tables of equivalencies between drugs registered in Ukraine and those available in other countries.
These tables were created to facilitate the provision of pharmaceutical care to refugees from Ukraine and to support healthcare professionals who provide this care. The tables include the ATC classification and INN (international nonproprietary name) of selected medicines, their names in Ukrainian (both in Cyrillic and Latin script), brand names, dosage form (in both languages), and manufacturer information.
Priority was given to chronic non-communicable diseases that require ongoing treatment, including medications for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mental health, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. This information is extremely useful for Ukrainians in Edmonton who are trying to find Canadian equivalents for their usual medications.
When you approach a pharmacist in Edmonton with information about your Ukrainian medication, the pharmacist can use the international nonproprietary name (INN) or active ingredient to identify the Canadian equivalent. For example, if you were taking a certain medication to treat high blood pressure in Ukraine, the pharmacist can find a Canadian medication with the same active ingredient, even if the brand name is different.
Alberta also has an Automatic Substitution List, which allows pharmacists to substitute certain medications with equivalent drugs. This means that if a doctor prescribes a specific brand, the pharmacist can substitute it with a bioequivalent drug that is covered by the Alberta Drug Benefit List.
For Ukrainian evacuees who arrived in Alberta in 2022 or later, Alberta Health created a temporary health benefits program (Ukrainian Evacuee Temporary Health Benefits Program). Although this program ended on March 31, 2025, it provided coverage for prescription drugs, dental care, optical care, and other benefits without premiums or co-payments.
Alberta Health asked pharmacists to provide support to Ukrainian evacuees who do not have a Personal Health Number (PHN), medical history, or active health benefits coverage. Pharmacists with additional prescribing privileges could initiate drug therapy or manage ongoing drug therapy for evacuees.
Compounding services: creating customized medications
If the Canadian equivalent of your Ukrainian medication is not available in a standard form or dosage, compounding services (the preparation of customized medications) may be the solution. Compounding is the process of creating a customized medication by changing the ingredients, dosage form, or taste to meet the individual requirements of the patient.
Many pharmacies in Edmonton offer compounding services. Brintnell Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, Norwood Compounding Centre, Heritage IDA Pharmacy, UPharmacy Compounding Centre, and other specialty pharmacies can create customized medications to meet your specific needs.
Compounding is particularly useful in several situations. If you are allergic to certain ingredients in a standard medication, pharmacists can remove allergens or unnecessary ingredients. For children or the elderly, medications can be reformulated into liquids, creams, or gels for easier administration. If you need a specific strength of medication that differs from standard doses, compounding allows for the creation of a precise dosage for your needs.
Compounding can also be used to change the taste of medications, which is especially helpful for children who refuse to take their medicine because of the unpleasant taste. Pharmacists can add a flavor of your choice while maintaining the therapeutic effectiveness of the medication.
UPharmacy Compounding Centre in Windermere, Edmonton, specializes in customizing medications for clients using the latest technology, equipment, and only the highest quality ingredients. Their team consists of individuals with years of experience in compounding and keeping up with the latest science. They offer a wide range of compounded medications, including hormone replacement therapy, pediatric dosages, dermatological creams, sterile injections, and various formulations such as creams, ointments, suspensions, eye drops, and ear drops.
Market Drugs Medical, a family-owned and independently operated pharmacy in downtown Edmonton, has 60 years of experience providing patients, healthcare professionals, and other medical businesses with home medical products and pharmaceutical solutions. They offer specialized compounding for customized solutions to your medication requirements.
Practical steps for finding equivalents for your medications
When you move to Edmonton from Ukraine and have existing prescriptions, there are several practical steps you can take to ensure the continuity of your treatment. The first and most important step is to bring all information about your current medications to your pharmacist or doctor in Canada.
It is helpful to have the following with you: empty medicine bottles with labels showing the name of the medication in Ukrainian, a list of all your medications with dosages and frequency of use, medical documentation from Ukraine explaining your health conditions and treatments, and, if possible, information about the active ingredients in your medications (international non-proprietary names).
Visit the Ukrainian-speaking pharmacy aaa homehealth pharmacy at 11230 110 St NW #102, Edmonton, AB T5G 3H7. A Ukrainian-speaking pharmacist can help you identify Canadian equivalents for your Ukrainian medications. They can also write prescriptions for minor illnesses and chronic conditions without the need to see a doctor.
If you do not yet have an Alberta Health Care Card, apply for one as soon as possible. An Alberta Health Care Card is required to access insured health care services in Alberta, including consultations with doctors and pharmacists. The registration process involves completing an AHCIP application form and providing proof of age and residency status.
There were special support programs for Ukrainian evacuees who arrived in Alberta after February 24, 2022. Although the Alberta Health Benefits (Ukrainian Evacuee) program ended on March 31, 2025, Ukrainians may be eligible for other health benefit programs depending on their age and income.
For evacuees under 65 without a health benefits plan, options such as an employer-sponsored plan or other private coverage are available. The Alberta government also has drug and health benefits programs available to ensure that all Albertans have access to affordable health benefits.
The government-sponsored Non-Group Coverage plan is an option for Albertans under 65 who do not qualify for low-income programs. There is usually a waiting period for Non-Group Coverage, but Ukrainian evacuees who were previously covered by the Alberta Health Benefit for Ukrainian Evacuees program and applied for Non-Group Coverage before April 30, 2025, were able to transition directly without a waiting period.
For evacuees aged 65 or older, the Alberta government provides Albertans of this age with premium-free coverage for prescription drugs and other medical benefits under the Coverage for Seniors Program. Ukrainian evacuees aged 65 or older who were registered with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan before March 31, 2025, were automatically enrolled in the Coverage for Seniors program on April 1, 2025.
Communication with healthcare professionals and interpreters
One of the biggest challenges for Ukrainians in Edmonton is the language barrier when communicating with healthcare professionals. Although many doctors and pharmacists in Edmonton have experience working with patients from different cultures, finding a Ukrainian-speaking healthcare professional can be difficult.
The Ukrainian-speaking pharmacy aaa homehealth pharmacy is the best first point of contact for navigating the healthcare system. The pharmacy team can help you set up the Canadian healthcare navigation system on your phone and assist you with online doctor appointments.
If you need to translate medical documents from Ukrainian to English, there are certified translation services in Canada. These services can accurately translate official documents such as medical records, prescriptions, and other medical documents from Ukrainian to English.
Alberta Health Services has developed special tools for early assessment of primary care for Ukrainian evacuees. These tools help healthcare professionals understand the specific needs of Ukrainian evacuees, including the need for continued treatment for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, HIV, and tuberculosis.
Healthcare workers are asked not to refuse requests for assistance, but to respond as needed. Alberta Health has provided recommendations on how pharmacists can provide services to Ukrainian evacuees, including the ability to dispense medications in emergency situations and assist with the management of ongoing medication therapy.
Ukrainian products and community resources in Edmonton
Although you may not be able to find Ukrainian medications in Edmonton, there is a large Ukrainian community with shops, restaurants, and other resources that can help you feel at home. These places can also be useful sources of information about medical services and recommendations from other members of the Ukrainian community.
European Market and Produce is located at 6607 - 177 Street in Edmonton and offers a wide selection of European products and fresh produce. K&K Foodliner has been Edmonton's European deli since 1956, offering European sausages and imported favorites from Germany, Poland, Denmark, Holland, Ukraine, Finland, and Croatia.
Yo Baba Ukrainian Foods is located at 8103 127 Ave NW #9, Edmonton, AB T5C 1R9 and offers homemade varenyky, holubtsi, borscht, and pampushky. Everything is handmade and reflects authentic Ukrainian cuisine.
MirKo Stores offers a unique shopping experience that combines Ukrainian products with genuine hospitality. Consultants are always ready to help, creating an atmosphere filled with genuine attention and friendliness.
Kalyna Store is a family business founded by Ukrainians that offers products from Ukraine, Poland, the Baltics, and other Eastern European countries. These stores can be useful not only for purchasing familiar products, but also for establishing connections with other Ukrainians who can share their experiences navigating the healthcare system in Edmonton.
The Ukrainian community in Edmonton is also active on social media, including Facebook groups such as “Ukrainians | Edmonton, Canada.” These groups can be valuable sources of information about medical services, recommendations for doctors and pharmacists, and support from others facing similar challenges.
Important considerations regarding drug safety and quality
It is very important to understand that Health Canada has strict standards for drug safety and quality. These standards exist to protect patients from dangerous or ineffective medications. While it may be tempting to try to import Ukrainian medications on your own or through unofficial channels, this can be dangerous and illegal.
There is always the possibility that a package containing drugs could be confiscated at the border. The Canada Border Services Agency is most interested in confiscating packages that contain prohibited or controlled substances, drugs that require a prescription but do not have one, or drugs that are not approved for use in Canada.
If the imported medication is clearly intended for personal use, i.e., it meets certain criteria such as being a non-controlled substance for which a valid prescription has been obtained that does not exceed a 90-day supply, it will likely be allowed to enter. However, Canadian patients should be aware that due to Health Canada's restrictions on importing drugs for personal use, even if the drugs meet these criteria, there is still a risk of confiscation by customs officials.
Rather than risk importing medications, it is much safer and more legal to work with Canadian healthcare professionals to find equivalents for your Ukrainian medications. Pharmacists and doctors in Edmonton have experience working with patients from different countries and can help you find effective alternatives.
Canadian medications undergo rigorous testing and regulation to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Health Canada requires that all medications sold in Canada meet strict quality standards and regularly audits manufacturers to ensure compliance.
Conclusion
Although you may not be able to find the exact same Ukrainian medications in Edmonton, there are many solutions to ensure the continuity of your treatment. The most important resource is the Ukrainian-speaking pharmacy aaa homehealth pharmacy, which specializes in helping the Ukrainian community navigate the Canadian healthcare system and find equivalents for Ukrainian medications.
Canadian equivalents based on the same active ingredients exist for almost all Ukrainian medications. Pharmacists in Edmonton can use international nonproprietary names and equivalence tables to identify the corresponding Canadian medications. In cases where standard formulations are not available, compounding services can create customized medications to meet your specific needs.
The key to successful adaptation is a proactive approach. Bring all information about your Ukrainian medications to your pharmacist or doctor, register with the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan as soon as possible, and establish relationships with healthcare professionals who understand your needs. The Ukrainian-language pharmacy in the Kingsway area is an excellent first point of contact for this process.
Remember that while brand names and packaging may differ, medical science is universal. Canadian doctors and pharmacists strive to provide the same quality care you received in Ukraine, and there are many resources available to support you in this process. Don't hesitate to ask for help, ask questions, and use the resources available to the Ukrainian community in Edmonton to ease your transition to the Canadian healthcare system.