Eight drugs used to treat diseases such as multiple sclerosis, migraine and heart failure are now covered or partially covered by BC PharmaCare.
The province made the announcement on Monday (May 2nd), but is releasing extended coverage in December.
It started with Etonogestrel, a three-year-old contraceptive that is implanted in the upper arm of the patient. As of December 7, the drug meets the conditions for full coverage.
In January, BC added additional coverage for people with multiple sclerosis. Cladribine and siponimod are now partially covered and are expected to benefit 130 people each in the first year. The province is also updating the eligibility criteria for drugs used to treat relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, making more people eligible earlier and more often.
In the same month, the drug dapagliphosine was added in partial coverage. It is used to treat heart failure and has been shown to reduce mortality and hospitalizations. The province says 10,000 people will benefit from increased coverage in the first year.
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In March, partial coating for biosimilar filgrastim was added to treat low white blood cell levels.
Later in the month, the migraine drug fremanezumab was also added as a benefit of limited coverage. The province says it will probably benefit 10,000 people each year.
Glucagon intranasal spray, used to treat severe hypoglycaemic reactions, qualifies for full coverage on April 5. It helps to reduce the symptoms of hypoglycaemia such as tremors, sweating, anxiety, nausea, changes in vision and difficulty speaking.
Finally, a new method of vedolizumab for the treatment of severe ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease has been covered since 12 April. It can now be taken at home instead of in a clinic.
More information on medicines, devices and consumables covered by PharmaCare can be found at gov.bc.ca
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British Columbia Health and Medicine Plan
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