Cystic fibrosis drug Kalydeco among medications now covered by pharmacare

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This article was published 16/10/2014 (4057 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A drug used to treat cystic fibrosis is one of 127 new medications added to the Manitoba’s pharmacare program.

“Those living with cystic fibrosis and their families have to face many challenges, but one of those should not be worrying about medication costs,” Health Minister Erin Selby said in a press release. “Adding coverage for Kalydeco to the provincial formulary will give those eligible for the drug one less thing to worry about.”

Coverage for Kalydeco and the other new medications begins today.

Ken Chan, vice-president of advocacy, research and health care with Cystic Fibrosis Canada, applauded the decision to to cover the drug.

“Patients will benefit from this new drug that fixes the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis, therefore leading to better health,” he said.

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but local patient Nick Ewasiuk, 26, said Kalydeco is the next best thing.

“Being on Kalydeco means I’ll see an improvement in my health and now I can look forward to spending many more years with my family and friends.”

Other drugs added include those to treat illnesses and chronic conditions such as schizophrenia, lung cancer and diabetes.

Selby said 90 of the new medications are generic drugs used to treat a number of conditions including Parkinson’s disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, depression, migraines and acid reflux. These additions are expected to save Manitoba families $4.4 million over the next year, she said.

Pharmacare is a universal, comprehensive prescription drug program for any Manitoban with benefits based on family income. It covers 100 per cent of eligible drug costs once the income-based deductible is reached, regardless of medical condition or age.

For more information on pharmacare, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/pharmacare/.