Information for Patients about the Nova Scotia Biosimilar Initiative
Nova Scotia Pharmacare
Information for Patients about the Nova Scotia Biosimilar Initiative
The Government of Nova Scotia is expanding the use of biosimilar medications in Nova Scotia Pharmacare programs. As of 3 February 2023, some original biologic medications won't be covered by Pharmacare if a biosimilar version is approved and available, unless an exemption is granted.
Switching to biosimilars
To switch to a biosimilar medication, you need to:
- check the list of medications that require switching to biosimilars
- contact your prescriber (doctor, nurse or healthcare provider) if your prescribed medication is on the list of medications that require switching
- get a new prescription for the biosimilar medication from your prescriber
- enroll in financial or clinical biosimilar patient assistance programs if necessary (your prescriber can direct you to these programs)
Exemptions
Your prescriber can apply for an exemption for clinical reasons. If this exemption is not approved or if you don’t qualify for an exemption, coverage of the original biologic medication will end.
Pharmacare coverage
Your prescriber doesn’t need to apply for Pharmacare coverage for a biosimilar medication. If an original biologic medication is already prescribed, coverage for the biosimilar medication is approved. Coverage doesn’t require annual exception status renewal.
If you have another insurer and Pharmacare only pays for a portion of your prescription, you still need to switch to a biosimilar to retain Pharmacare coverage.
Contact your insurer for details about your coverage.
What are biosimilars?
Biosimilars are very similar, less expensive versions of original biologic medications. Biosimilars aren’t an exact copy of the original biologic medication, but they are as safe and effective. Any differences between biosimilars and original medications are not significant.
Biosimilars are less expensive than original biologic medications because market competition grows as more companies manufacture the medication, which helps to reduce its cost.
Health Canada has very strict requirements for the approval of biosimilars.
Medications that require switching to biosimilars
| Drug | Originator (switch from) | Biosimilar (switch to) | Conditions (if applicable) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adalimumab | Humira® | Abrilada® |
ankylosing spondylitis plaque psoriasis psoriatic arthritis rheumatoid arthritis Crohn's disease adult ulcerative colitis polyarticular juvenile Idiopathic arthritis hidradenitis suppurativa non-infectious uveitis |
| Etanercept | Enbrel® | Brenzys® Erelzi® |
ankylosing spondylitis plaque psoriasis psoriatic arthritis polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis rheumatoid arthritis |
| Infliximab | Remicade® | Avsola™ Inflectra® Renflexis™ |
ankylosing spondylitis plaque psoriasis psoriatic arthritis rheumatoid arthritis Crohn's disease ulcerative colitis |
| Insulin glargine | Lantus® | Basaglar™ Semglee® |
diabetes |
| Insulin lispro | Humalog® | Admelog® | diabetes |
| Insulin aspart | NovoRapid® | Trurapi® Kirsty® |
diabetes |
| Rituximab | Rituxan® | Riximyo® Ruxience™ Truxima™ |
rheumatoid arthritis vasculitis auto-immune diseases |
NovoRapid vials will be covered for those using insulin pumps, until compatibilities are established.
Lantus® cartridges will be covered for those 17 or younger who require ½ unit dosing.
The policy will apply to other medications on the Nova Scotia Formulary as new biosimilar medications are approved.
Resources
Patient support groups and health care agencies provide information for patients who are switching to biosimilar medications. To learn more about these groups, contact your prescriber.
- Health Canada fact sheet on biosimilars
- Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health
- Switching from a Biologic to a Biosimilar (video) (Canadian Digestive Health Foundation)
Contact information
Pharmacare office
Toll-free: 1-800-563-8880
Phone: 902-496-7008
msi@medavie.ca
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm