Pharmacare News Bulletins

Nova Scotia Pharmacare

Pharmacare News Bulletins

The Pharmacare News Bulletins, which are mailed to pharmacies and prescribers, are listed below. They are an important source of information as they provide timely information on recent changes to the Pharmacare Programs.

Please continue to refer to the Pharmacare News Bulletins to stay current with Formulary and Pharmacare Program updates.

Pharmacy edition

Latest Issues

May Bulletin Vol 23-06 (PDF)
New Exception Status Benefits: Brukinsa (zanubrutinib), Increlex (mecasermin); Change in Benefit Status

April Bulletin Vol 23-05 (PDF)
New Exception Status Benefits: Bimzelx (bimekizumab), Reblozyl (luspatercept), Ruzurgi (amifampridine); New Benefits

March Bulletin Vol 23-04 (PDF)
New Exception Status Benefits: Emgality (galcanezumab), Tukysa (tucatinib); Criteria Updates: Levemir (insulin detemir), Lenalidomide; New Benefit; Change in Benefit Status; Update to CPAMS Criteria; Updates to the Nova Scotia Pharmacy Guide

February Bulletin Vol 23-03 (PDF)
Pharmacists Completing and Submitting Exception Status Drug (ESD) Forms; Pharmacy Services in Nursing Homes; Change in Benefit Status; New Exception Status Benefits: Rinvoq (upadacitinib); Criteria Updates: Tagrisso (osimertinib), Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis, Ajovy (fremanezumab); New Benefit; Non Insured Product

January Bulletin Vol 23-02 (PDF)
New Exception Status Benefits: Onureg (azacitidine), Arazlo (tazarotene), Enspryng (satralizumab); New Benefits; Temporary Benefit: Moxilen Forte 250mg/mL (amoxicillin) Oral Susp

January Bulletin Vol 23-01 (PDF)
Nova Scotia Biosimilar Initiative: End of Biosimilar Transition Period, Biosimilar Insulins – Info for Pharmacists, Therapeutic Substitution Service – Biosimilar Insulins, Use of Criteria Codes for One-Time Extension of Originator Insulin; Therapeutic Substitution Service – Paediatric Antibiotics

Prescriber edition

Latest Issues

May Bulletin Vol 23-05 (PDF)
New Exception Status Benefits: Brukinsa (zanubrutinib), Increlex (mecasermin); Change in Benefit Status

April Bulletin Vol 23-04 (PDF)
New Exception Status Benefits: Bimzelx (bimekizumab), Reblozyl (luspatercept), Ruzurgi (amifampridine); New Benefits

March Bulletin Vol 23-03 (PDF)
New Exception Status Benefit: Emgality (galcanezumab), Tukysa (tucatinib); Criteria Updates: Levemir (insulin detemir), Lenalidomide; New Benefit; Change in Benefit Status

February Bulletin Vol 23-02 (PDF)
New Exception Status Benefit: Rinvoq (upadacitinib); Criteria Updates: Biologics for Ankylosing Spondylitis, Tagrisso (osimertinib); Change in Benefit Status; New Benefit; Non Insured Product

January Bulletin Vol 23-01 (PDF)
End of Biosimilar Transition Period, New Exception Status Benefits: Arazlo (tazarotene), Onureg (azacitidine), Enspryng (satralizumab); Criteria Update: Ajovy (fremanezumab); New Benefits; Temporary Benefit: Moxilen Forte 250mg/mL (Amoxicillin) Oral Susp