Islanders at risk for stroke or those who require treatment for osteoporosis will have better access to medications with the addition of two new drugs to the provincial formulary, says Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie.
“The addition of these two new drugs builds upon the ongoing commitment of our government to improve the quality of health care in Prince Edward Island,” said the minister. “For many Islanders, their quality of life is tied to their medications, and the provision of these drugs will provide more options for Islanders.”
Effective February 17, 2014, the following two medications will be added to the Prince Edward Island Pharmacare Program:
• Apixaban (more commonly known as Eliquis) for the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation, in whom anticoagulation therapy is appropriate
• Denosumab (more commonly known as Prolia) for the treatment of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women
Both drugs will be added to the following drug programs: Children-In-Care Drug Program, Family Health Benefit Drug Program, Financial Assistance Drug Program, Nursing Home Drug Program, Seniors Drug Program and Catastrophic Drug Program. Patients must meet both the clinical and program criteria to be eligible for coverage.
“Since 2007, the Province of Prince Edward Island has increased spending on drug programs by more than 40 per cent and has added or expanded coverage of 195 medications to the provincial formulary, including Suboxone this past winter. We were also pleased to bring in generic drug regulations and implement a Catastrophic Drug Program for Islanders,” said Minister Currie. “We know that there is still more work to be done and our department will continue working to provide Islanders quality, accessible health care services.”