July 17, 2020
Province Eases Burden of Drug Costs for Patients and Families
– – –Adding 137 Medications to Pharmacare Program Coverage: Minister
The Manitoba government has added 137 drugs to the provincial formulary, including 109 generic medications, Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen announced today.
“Manitobans dealing with a number of conditions and disorders will now have help in paying for their prescription medications,” said Friesen. “Medications can be costly and by adding these drugs to the formulary, we are providing better access and lessening the financial burden so patients can focus on being well.”
Drugs added to the formulary include:
• Akynzeo – for the prevention of acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with some forms of chemotherapy;
• Enstilar – for the treatment of psoriasis;
• Mezera – for the treatment of ulcerative colitis;
• Prevymis – for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection;
• Radicava – for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS);
• Sublocade – for the treatment of opioid use disorder;
• Truxima – for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; and
• Velphoro – for the control of serum phosphorus levels in patients with end-stage renal disease.
Friesen noted that 1,211 drugs have been added to the provincial formulary since April 1, 2016.
Coverage for the new drugs will be effective July 16. Medications being added to the formulary require patients to meet pharmacare criteria to be eligible for coverage.
For more information about the Manitoba Pharmacare Program, visit:
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