News release

New Diabetes Treatment Added to Pharmacare

Health and Wellness

Nova Scotians with diabetes will have access to another type of insulin under the provincial Pharmacare program.

Effective Aug. 1, Lantus, a long-acting insulin, will be added as a benefit on Pharmacare for eligible patients who need an alternative to NPH or other pre-mix insulin.

"There are Nova Scotians who, after trying NPH insulin, may need an alternative treatment," said David Wilson, Minister of Health and Wellness. "I am pleased that Lantus will be available to these patients to help them control their diabetes."

Lantus will be available for insulin-dependent diabetics taking NPH and/or a daily pre-mix insulin for at least three months, and have experienced unexplained nighttime hypoglycemia at least once a month. It will also be available for diabetics who have severe or continuing allergic reactions to their current insulin.

"This treatment provides long-acting, controlled release of insulin over 24 hours without a pronounced peak," said Mr. Wilson. "Therefore, Lantus will offer many patients the benefit of doses once a day, potentially fewer hypoglycemic episodes, and better blood glucose control."

An estimated 1,300 patients are expected to benefit from Lantus in the first year.

"This is a positive step to ensure that people living with diabetes in Nova Scotia have access to medication that helps them manage their disease," said Lisa Matte, regional director for the Canadian Diabetes Association. "We are pleased that Nova Scotia is leading the way as the first province in Atlantic Canada to provide coverage for alternative insulin therapy options. This is an important government commitment that will help improve the lives of people living with diabetes."

The province has worked to get better pricing for prescription drugs through a number of initiatives, including its Fair Drug Prices Plan. This year, government is on track to spend $7 million less on drugs because of the plan. This and other initiatives make it possible to add drugs like Lantus onto Pharmacare.

"As a diabetic who is currently taking Lantus, I am thrilled that the province is adding this drug to its Pharmacare program," said Gerald Ball, in insulin-dependent Type II diabetic from Liverpool. "I was having persistent reactions to my other insulin prescription and therefore needed to use Lantus. I am very happy that I will now be paying less for this important drug."

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 .