January 19, 2016
Manitoba Government Adding 59 New Medications to Pharmacare Program
– – –Treating Uterine Fibroids with New Medication Instead of Surgery: Minister Blady
Patients will have access to an additional 59 new drugs through the Manitoba Pharmacare program, including Fibristal for the treatment of uterine fibroids, Health Minister Sharon Blady announced today.
“Manitoba has one of the most robust pharmacare programs in the country,” said Minister Blady. “With these new additions, Manitobans will be able to save more on the medications they need.”
Some of the other new drugs added to the formulary include:
- Aptiom for the treatment of epilepsy – a neurological disorder;
- Firazyr for the treatment of hereditary angioedema – a rare genetic disorder;
- Imbruvica for the treatment of lymphocytic leukemia;
- Xalkori for the treatment of lung cancer;
- Xtandi for the treatment of prostate cancer; and
- a new strength/formulation of Lodalis for the treatment of high cholesterol.
Of the 59 drugs added, 47 are generic medications. The minister noted the changes reduce the amount that would have otherwise been spent on higher-cost equivalent drugs by $3.8 million. Coverage for the new drugs came into effect yesterday.
The minister said the addition of Aptiom, Firazyr, Imbruvica, and the new indications/strength for Xalkori, Xtandi and Lodalis to the formulary is a direct result of Manitoba’s participation in the Pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance. The alliance brings provincial governments together to negotiate better prices on both brand name and generic prescription drugs, making them more affordable in the long term.
Over the last 16 years, approximately 4,800 new drugs, including those that treat epilepsy, cancer, and now uterine fibroids and hereditary angioedema, have been added to Manitoba’s Pharmacare program.
Pharmacare is a universal, comprehensive prescription drug benefit program for Manitobans based on family income. It covers 100 per cent of eligible drug costs once the income-based deductible is reached, regardless of medical condition or age.
For more information on pharmacare, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare.
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