The interim recommendations made by the National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee (NDSAC) for the scheduling of esomeprazole were finalized effective November 12, 2018, to read as follows:
- Esomeprazole or its salts, when sold for the 14-day treatment for frequent heartburn at a daily dose of 20 mg, in package sizes of no more than 280 mg of esomeprazole moves to Schedule III.
- Esomeprazole or its salts, EXCEPT when sold for the 14-day treatment for frequent heartburn at a daily dose of 20 mg in package sizes of no more than 280 mg of esomeprazole is retained in Schedule I.
The National Drug Schedules will be revised accordingly. Through the provincial Scheduled Drugs Regulation, Alberta recognizes the recommendations of the National Drug Schedules Advisory Committee, except where exceptions are noted.