Eight drugs have been added to the provincial formulary, making it easier for Islanders to access the medications they need, says Health and Wellness Minister Doug Currie.
“Making medications more affordable and accessible is a priority for our government,” said the minister. “Since 2006-2007, spending on Pharmacare programs has increased by more than 40 per cent and government has added or expanded coverage of 203 medications to the list of drugs available through provincial drug programs.”
The most recent additions to the formulary include:
• Entecavir (Baraclude) – for treatment of Hepatitis B
• Adefovir Dipivoxil (Hepsera) – for treatment of Hepatitis B
• Darunavir (Prezista) – for treatment of HIV/AIDS
• Pazopanib (Votrient) – for treatment of metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma
• Ticagrelor (Brilinta) – for treatment of acute coronary syndrome
• Epoprostenol Sodium (Caripul) – for treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
• Boceprevir (Victrelis) – for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C infection (genotype 1)
• Telaprevir (Incivek) – for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis C infection (genotype 1)
“By reducing the price of generic drugs and introducing a Catastrophic Drug Program, Islanders now have better access to fair drug prices,” said the minister. “The department will also continue to review additional medications that can be added to the list of publicly funded drugs based on the advice of expert reviews.”