Released on October 18, 2001
The Saskatchewan Drug Plan has expanded coverage adding 39 new products,including drugs to treat Hepatitis C, HIV and transplant patients.
In addition to the coverage of Enbrel announced in September, five other
drugs have been approved for coverage under Exception Drug Status (EDS).
EDS drugs are targeted to patients who are most likely to benefit based on
medical criteria. The new EDS drugs are:
Gatifloxacin (Tequin), a new antibiotic, approved as a second line
agent for the treatment of infections in patients who are
intolerant or have not responded to other antibiotics;
Aprenavir (Agenerase) is a new antiviral agent for the management
of HIV;
Peginterferon alfa-2b (PEG-Intron) is a new formulation of a drug
currently listed for the treatment of chronic active Hepatitis C.
Coverage will be provided for an initial six month period with
potential renewal for two additional six month periods;
Estradiol & norethindrone acetate/estradiol, a skin patch, is
another variation of medication for patients who are unable to
tolerate estrogen or progesterone oral hormonal replacement
therapy; and
Sirolimus (Rapamune), a new drug for the prevention of graft
rejection in transplant patients.
Most of the drugs added as full benefits under the program are new
strengths or generic versions of drugs already listed.
"The independent drug review committees determine the benefits of new drugs
to patients and their value to the health care system and they ensure the
Saskatchewan Drug Plan is continuously updating treatment options to
improve the health of Saskatchewan residents," Health Minister John Nilson
said.
Metadol, a pre-packaged form of methadone HCl, used to treat opiate
addiction, was reviewed but was not approved for coverage. Methadone will
continue to be covered as a compounded preparation mixed by pharmacists.
This method allows the drug dosage to more accurately meet patient needs.
The Saskatchewan Prescription Drug Plan currently covers about 3,500
products and assists approximately 111,500 families, representing 184,500
residents each year. The Drug Plan paid out approximately $99 million in
benefits in 2000/2001.
The plan assists with drug costs for families with low income, families
with high drug costs or those with a combination of the two. The
Saskatchewan Government will invest $115 million for Saskatchewan Drug Plan
expenditures in 2001/2002, a 16 percent increase from the previous year.
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For more information, contact:
Myrna Stark Leader
Communications Branch
Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4083