Province Adds Two Hepatitis C Drugs to Pharmacare

Nova Scotians living with chronic hepatitis C will have access to better treatments for the disease through the province's Pharmacare program.

Effective Sept. 1, Victrelis and Incivek will be added to Pharmacare. Using one of the drugs with the standard treatment of Peginterferon Alpha and Ribavarin makes these medications more effective. The drugs will be offered to patients who meet criteria set by hepatologists.

"Adding Victrelis and Incivek to Pharmacare is a great leap forward in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C," said David Wilson, Minister of Health and Wellness. "As the effects of hepatitis C can be far-reaching, access to these medications will help Nova Scotians with the disease be healthier."

About 35 patients per year are expected to benefit from Victrelis and Incivek in Nova Scotia.

Chronic hepatitis C is an important public health concern. About 15 to 25 per cent of people with chronic hepatitis C will develop progressive liver disease, end stage liver disease, liver cancer, or will require a liver transplant.

The announcement to add Victrelis and Incivek to Pharmacare comes in time for World Hepatitis Day on July 28. World Hepatitis Day is coordinated by the World Hepatitis Alliance and is recognized by the World Health Organization as a way to raise awareness of viral hepatitis.

Nearly 180,000 Nova Scotians benefit from Nova Scotia's Pharmacare program. More information about Pharmacare is available at www.gov.ns.ca/health/pharmacare .