NEW DRUGS ADDED FOR COVERAGE UNDER THE DRUG PLAN

People suffering from a debilitating form of arthritis known as ankylosing spondylitis (A.S.) will now have two of the medications used to treat the disease covered under the Saskatchewan Drug Plan.

Enbrel and Humira are two of the 12 new drugs added for Exception Drug Status (EDS) coverage as of February 15, under the Saskatchewan Drug Plan. At a cost of $20,000 per treatment, the estimated annual increase in the cost of covering the A.S. drugs is expected to exceed $1 million.

"We are committed to expanding the formulary and increasing access to effective medications for Saskatchewan families who need it," Health Minister Don McMorris said. "This is a another step forward in meeting that commitment."

Several other medications were approved under the Exception Drug Status for use when specific criteria are met. Physicians and pharmacists can apply for coverage of EDS drugs on behalf of their patients.

Other drugs included under EDS coverage under the drug plan are Myozyme to treat a rare metabolic disorder in infants called Pompe disease, and Hepsera/Baraclude for the treatment of hepatitis B, and Ciprodex, a new medication to treat ear infections.

In addition several new strengths or generic versions of drugs already listed in the Formulary have been added as full benefits or Exception Drug Status.

In deciding whether to cover new treatments, the provincial drug review committees look at the medical benefits of each new drug and its value to the health system.

The Drug Plan currently covers about 3,700 drug products. In 2006-07, the Drug Plan paid more than $198.8 million, representing more than 49 per cent of the cost of approximately 9.6 million prescriptions processed through the Drug Plan.

People can contact the Drug Plan toll free at 1-800-667-7581, or in Regina at 306-787-8744.

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For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: adinsmore@health.gov.sk.ca