News release

Final Reduction in Fair Drug Prices Plan In Effect

Health and Wellness

Nova Scotians are now paying less for generic drugs than they did one year ago.

The province has helped to make life more affordable for Nova Scotians, by getting lower, fair prices for generic drugs through the Pharmacare Programs.

"A year ago, Nova Scotians were paying some of the highest prices in the country and the world for generic drugs. We have put a stop to that, and have introduced fair drug prices through our Pharmacare Programs," said David Wilson, Minister of Health and Wellness.

The reductions happened in a phased approach, with the first reduction on July 1, 2011, followed by a second reduction on Jan. 1, 2012. The third and final drop in this series of reductions will take effect Aug. 1, and will move the cap for the cost of most generic drugs to 35 per cent.

"Before bringing in fair drug prices, spending on prescription drugs had almost doubled in the past eight years. We needed to keep this spending in check," said Mr. Wilson. "I am proud to say that all Nova Scotians are paying less now, regardless of whether they are covered by Pharmacare, a private plan or pay cash for their prescriptions. The province will continue to seek ways to control drug costs in the future, when opportunities arise."

Before the fair drug pricing went into effect, a Nova Scotia senior paid $41.35 for three months of simvastatin (80mg), a generic drug used to lower cholesterol. As of Aug. 1, the same senior will now pay $28.54.

"We are happy to know that price reductions for generic drugs is a reality," said Bill VanGorder, chairman of the Group of IX Seniors' Advisory Council of Nova Scotia. "With many seniors depending on daily medication, it is good to know that the cost of many of their medications are staying down."

This year, government is on track to spend $7 million less on drugs because of its fair drug pricing plan.

Nova Scotia's Pharmacare programs include: Seniors' Pharmacare, Family Pharmacare and Department of Community Services Pharmacare.

For more information, visit http://www.gov.ns.ca/health/fairdrugprices .