Three drugs to support people living with hepatitis C are among 69 new drugs now covered under Manitoba’s pharmacare program. This announcement was made by Health Minister Sharon Blady.
“Manitobans need access to the latest treatments to manage their illnesses effectively,” said Minister Blady. “Adding Sovaldi, Harvoni and Ibavyr to the provincial formulary will help hepatitis C patients get the coverage they need.”
Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by a virus spread through blood-to-blood contact.
Some of the other new drugs added to the formulary include:
- Adempas for inoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, when blood vessels are blocked or narrowed with recurring blood clots;
- Breo, Ellipta and Combivent Respimat for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, when there is poor airflow in the lungs;
- three new strengths of Innohep for thromboembolism disorders, which involve blood clots;
- Dovobet Gel for psoriasis, a skin condition;
- Jetrea for symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion, a disease that affects the eye and vision; and
- Pomalyst for multiple myeloma, a type of cancer.
The minister noted the addition of Adempas, Breo Ellipta, Harvoni, Ibavyr, Jetrea, Pomalyst and Sovaldi to the formulary is a direct result of Manitoba’s participation in the Pan-Canadian Pricing Alliance.
“This initiative brings provincial governments together to negotiate better prices on both brand name and generic prescription drugs, making them more affordable in the long term,” said Minister Blady. “This helps us better support Manitoba families and ensure equal access to new and much-needed treatments.”
Of the 69 drugs added, 49 are generic medications. The minister noted these additions are expected to save Manitoba families $4.5 million a year. Coverage for the new drugs came into effect on Apr. 20.
Pharmacare is a universal, comprehensive prescription drug program for any Manitoban with benefits, which is 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.
Over the last 16 years, approximately 4,400 new drugs, including those that treat diabetes, cancer, schizophrenia and arthritis, have been added to Manitoba’s Pharmacare Program.
For more information on pharmacare, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare.
