About Knowledge is the best medicine

Promoting healthy living and safe medication use

Knowledge is the best medicine made its debut back in 1994 as an innovative way to educate and raise awareness among Canadians about safe and appropriate use of medicines. Since then, more than 3.5 million copies of the brochure and medication record book have been distributed to Canadians free of charge working with 2,500 organizations.

At Canada’s Research Based-Pharmaceutical Companies, we believe the people should be at the centre of our health care decisions. Clearly, patients benefit most when all health partners work together.

In 2008, we are proud to welcome the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) as partners in our program. The participation of these two organizations will increase the effectiveness of Knowledge is the best medicine. Our new partners have also helped us to improve our brochure with an added section on healthy living and medication record book.

Pharmaceutical research and development has produced a steady stream of new and improved medicines that have helped to bring about a substantial increase in life expectancy, improve the quality of life, and to prevent, cure and treat disease.

When used correctly, medicines play a key role in improving the quality of health care in Canada. At the same time they can reduce both the direct and indirect costs associated with illness and disease. When used inappropriately, though, these same medications can be ineffective or can actually lead to other serious problems.

Since January 1994, Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies has invested in the development, production, distribution, implementation and evaluation of the Knowledge is the best medicine program. It is our network across the country that is the key to delivering this program at a community level.

In addition to our partners at the Canadian Medical Association and the Canadian Pharmacists Association, we would like to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of our national and provincial network of organizations, including governments, physicians, pharmacists, nurses, patient groups, private drug plan sponsors, hospitals and many others who believe in our common goal of ensuring the responsible and appropriate use of medication by all Canadians. It is this partnership that gives the program its strength.

About Rx&D