EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement of Axcan Pharma Inc. on Form S-8 of our report dated November 21, 2001 to the shareholders of Axcan Pharma Inc., incorporated by reference in the Annual Report on Form 40-F for the year ended September 30, 2001, on the following financial statements: >> Consolidated balance sheets as at September 30, 2001 and 2000; >> Consolidated statements of earnings, retained earnings and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2001. /s/ Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton General Partnership Chartered Accountants Montreal, Province of Quebec, Canada August 9, 2002