Government of Saskatchewan ministries, Crown corporations and organizations are implementing contingency plans to minimize the impacts of postal service disruption.
Les ministères, sociétés d’État et organismes du gouvernement de la Saskatchewan mettent en œuvre des plans d’urgence visant à réduire les répercussions de l’interruption du service des postes.
A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:
Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.
Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).
Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.
What resources are available to help pharmacists support the transition to biosimilar insulins?
medSask has developed materials to support pharmacists in selling and recommending biosimilar insulin as a Schedule II drug, and for counseling and educating patients. An Administrative Pharmacist Assessment Record (A-PAR) and guide is available to support pharmacists to assess patients, select a biosimilar insulin, educate and counsel patients, notify a primary prescriber, and follow up with the patient.
Pharmacists may be eligible to claim a Biosimilar Insulin Transition Fee (BITF) when supporting the initial transition to a biosimilar insulin. More information can be found in the Resources and Studies section of the Saskatchewan Biosimilars Initiative webpage.
Note: A prescription is required for all drugs dispensed under the Drug Plan with the exception of insulin, blood testing agents, urine-testing agents, syringes, needles, lancets and swabs used by diabetic patients.
For general questions about the Saskatchewan Biosimilars Initiative, pharmacists can contact sk.biosimilars@health.gov.sk.ca.
Do patients who use insulin pumps need to start using a biosimilar to maintain Saskatchewan Drug Plan coverage of their treatment?
Humalog® (insulin lispro):
Starting April 1, 2024, patients using Humalog® need to use a biosimilar to maintain Saskatchewan Drug Plan coverage of their treatment.
The listed biosimilar (Admelog®) is compatible with various insulin pump models from Insulet (Omnipod), Medtronic, Tandem, and Ypsomed.
Health care providers and patients with questions about insulin compatibility with specific insulin pump models are encouraged to contact the insulin pump manufacturer.
NovoRapid® (insulin aspart):
Coverage of NovoRapid® will continue to be available for patients who use insulin pumps while the biosimilar(s) undergo insulin pump certification.
Reminders:
Coverage of Humalog® 200 units/mL will continue to be available for patients who need a higher concentration formula, as there is no equivalent biosimilar format at this time.
Exemptions for a patient to maintain coverage of a reference biologic will be considered for those who cannot use a biosimilar for a medical reason. Prescribers can submit a request and supply clinical rationale for review on a case-by-case basis.
What supports are available to help me transition to a biosimilar insulin?
Contact your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or diabetes care team with questions about your treatment or about biosimilar insulins.
If you receive Saskatchewan Drug Plan coverage of a reference biologic insulin affected by the Saskatchewan Biosimilars Initiative, you need to start using a biosimilar insulin to keep your coverage.
If you have recently received a prescription for an affected reference biologic insulin, you may receive a letter from the Drug Plan with next steps.
You can start using a biosimilar insulin by getting a new prescription for a biosimilar from your physician or nurse practitioner, or by asking your pharmacist to help you transition to a biosimilar.
medSask is a drug information service available to support patients with questions about their biologic drug treatment.
For general questions about the Saskatchewan Biosimilars Initiative, please contact sk.biosimilars@health.gov.sk.ca or call 1-800-667-7581 (306-787-3317 in Regina).
If I use an insulin pump, do I need to start using a biosimilar to maintain Saskatchewan Drug Plan coverage of my treatment?
Humalog® (insulin lispro):
Starting April 1, 2024, patients using Humalog® need to use a biosimilar to maintain Saskatchewan Drug Plan coverage of their treatment.
The listed biosimilar (Admelog®) is compatible with various insulin pump models from Insulet (Omnipod), Medtronic, Tandem, and Ypsomed.
Patients with questions about insulin compatibility with specific insulin pump models are encouraged to contact the insulin pump manufacturer.
Please note that coverage of Humalog® 200 units/mL will continue to be available for patients who need a higher concentration formula, as there is no equivalent biosimilar format at this time.
NovoRapid® (insulin aspart):
Coverage of NovoRapid® will continue to be available for patients who use insulin pumps while the biosimilar(s) undergo insulin pump certification.
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