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Backgrounders

New additions to PharmaCare formulary

Additional medications have also been made to the PharmaCare formulary under limited coverage. Limited coverage drugs are not generally considered to be first-line therapies or there are more cost-effective alternatives.

To be eligible for coverage of these drugs, the patient must meet criteria pre-defined by PharmaCare. Actual coverage depends on rules of the patient’s PharmaCare plan, including any annual deductible requirement.

These recent additions to the formulary since May 2020 include:

  • Mepolizumab line extension for the treatment of asthma. Asthma is a common long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction and easily triggered breathing spasms. Symptoms include episodes of wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.
  • Glecaprevir+pibrentasvir (Maviret) for the treatment of Hepatitis C. Hepatitis C is a viral infection that causes liver inflammation, sometimes leading to serious liver damage.
  • Sarilumab (Kevzara) for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that primarily impacts a person’s joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.
  • Cladribine (Mavenclad) and Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis is a disease with the potential to permanently disable the brain and spinal cord.
  • Inhaler coverage changes, including addition of Trelegy, for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a type of obstructive lung disease characterized by long-term breathing problems. The main symptoms include shortness of breath and cough. COPD is a progressive disease, meaning it typically worsens over time. Many people have unrecognized COPD and remain undiagnosed.