Health Glossary
Plain-language definitions of health and medication terms: A1C, formulary, deductible, DIN, GLP-1, eGFR and more.
A1C (Hemoglobin A1C)
A blood test showing your average blood sugar over about 3 months.
Biosimilar
A highly similar version of an approved biologic drug.
Blood pressure (systolic/diastolic)
The force of blood on artery walls, written as two numbers.
BMI (Body Mass Index)
Weight in kg divided by height in metres squared.
Co-payment
Your share of each prescription after the plan pays.
Deductible
The amount you pay before a drug plan starts paying.
DIN (Drug Identification Number)
The 8-digit number Health Canada assigns to every approved drug product.
Dispensing fee
The pharmacy's charge for filling a prescription.
Drug interaction
When one substance changes how another drug works.
eGFR
An estimate of how well your kidneys filter blood.
Formulary
The list of drugs a plan will pay for.
Generic drug
A copy of a brand-name medication with the same active ingredient.
GLP-1 medication
A drug class that lowers blood sugar and appetite.
LDL cholesterol
The "bad" cholesterol linked to artery plaque.
Minor ailment prescribing
Pharmacists assessing and prescribing for common conditions.
NSAID
Anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
OTC (over-the-counter)
Medicines you can buy without a prescription.
Special authorization
Approval a plan requires before covering certain drugs.
Statin
A medicine that lowers LDL cholesterol.
TSH
A blood test used to check thyroid function.