NEW DRUGS ADDED

The Saskatchewan Prescription Drug Plan has added 37 new drug products to the list of those eligible for coverage.

The additions include new drugs for use in the treatment of migraine headaches and for the management of HIV. The drugs almotriptan (Axert) and atazanavir (Reyataz) are covered under Exception Drug Status. EDS is designed to identify those patients who will benefit from the drug based on the scientific evidence. This ensures those most likely to benefit from the drugs have access to them.

Most of the new products added to the Formulary are new strengths of generic versions of drugs that are already covered.

The Drug Plan is continuously updating treatment options to improve the health of Saskatchewan residents.

"We continue to add new therapies based on the advice of the government's expert committees. Evidence-based decisions demonstrating medical effectiveness and affordability guide our decisions," Health Minister John Nilson said. "The Saskatchewan Formulary Committee reviews the benefits of new drugs to patients and their value to the health care system."

The Saskatchewan Prescription Drug Plan currently covers about 3,500 products and assists about 114,000 families each year. In 2003-04, the Drug Plan paid $149.2 million in benefits.

The benefits under Saskatchewan's Drug Plan are targeted to people who need help the most.

New drug products are added quarterly to the Saskatchewan Drug Plan Formulary.

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For More Information, Contact:

Lindy McIntyre Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-8214