Access
Access to Treatments
NOTE: This page was updated on April 29, 2020
The Canada Health Act ensures that all Canadians have access to all insured health services such as medically necessary hospital services, inpatient pharmaceuticals (medicines used while ou are hospitalized), and all medically required physician services. Prescription drugs used by individuals as outpatients such as with CML patients treatments with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI’s) are not paid for by the system.
All drugs marketed and sold in Canada must be reviewed and approved for sale by the Federal Government through Health Canada. Although it is the federal government that approves medicines, it is the responsibility of each of the provinces to review and approve the use and reimbursement of all medicines. Depending on the Province you live in you may or may not have access to a certain drug based on how the province independently decides to provide access to it. One example would be with the newer TKI’s such as Sprycel and Tasigna. Although these drugs have been approved federally through Health Canada for use as first line therapy for Chronic Phase (CP) CML not all Provinces may provide funding for their use in this indication. By clicking on the map of Canada below you will find information regarding the coverage to TKI’s for your Province as well as the current situation regarding the availability of generic imatinib mesylate.
Importantly, generic formulations of imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®, Novartis) are now available in Canada and are being marketed by two different manufacturers, TEVA and Apotex. Please make sure you familiarize yourself with The CML Society of Canada suggested guidelines for patients switching to generic imatinib mesylate, by clicking on this link: Generics Arrive in Canada.
provincial coverage
Click on the map below for information regarding government reimbursement in your province.
Other coverage
- Private Insurance
- Special Access Programs
- Clinical trial
- For information on accessing Gleevec & Tasigna
- If you have been prescribed Gleevec or Tasigna and have questions on insurance coverage or how to pay for your treatment, you or your physician can contact CML Alliance through the toll free number:1- 855-489-4362 8am- 8pm EST Mon-Fri
For information on accessing Sprycel:
Information on CML & Sprycel
· A full service telephone support line
· Reimbursement navigation
· Financial assistance for qualifying patients
· Home delivery of Sprycel (if desired)
And more…
To find out more, please contact the program at 1-877-967-6626.
Alberta
Gleevec (imatinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Outpatient Cancer Drug Benefit Program
Sprycel (Dasatinib)
- Company:
- Bristol Myers Squibb Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- For the treatment of adults with chronic, accelerated or blast phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with resistance or intolerance to prior therapy including imatinib.
- Outpatient Cancer Drug Benefit Program
Tasigna (Nilotinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- May 22nd, 2012 (updated)Coverage Through Alberta Health Services:Alberta Health Services provides coverage for TASIGNA*, as specified in the Outpatient Cancer Drug Benefit Program, to eligible Alberta residents according to the following criteria:As second line alternative for Imatinib resistant or intolerant, or Dasatinib intolerant CML patients.
Prescribing limited to authorized physicians, group 2 drug listing.
Cancer Drugs in group 2 of the Schedule may be dispensed by a Cancer Pharmacy only if the initial prescription is written by a Cancer Centre Medical Staff member, but a subsequent prescription for the same patient may be written by a person authorized by Alberta Health Services to prescribe Cancer Drugs and who is a physician, a regulated member under the Health Professions Act authorized to prescribe drugs, or a person authorized to prescribe drugs pursuant to another enactment.
Tasigna 1st line (new patient) is available through a special authorization form until official listing is announced.
Outpatient Cancer Drug Benefit Program
Intron A (interferon)
- Company:
- Merck Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Outpatient Cancer Drug Benefit Program
- For more information:
- Drug Coverage List for Alberta
- Alberta Cancer Board
- Provincial Office
- Suite 1220
- 10405 Jasper Avenue
- Edmonton , Alberta
- T5J 3N4
- Tel: (780) 412 6300
- Fax: (780) 412 6326
- info@cancerboard.ab.ca
British Columbia
generic imatinib mesylate – TEVA formulation
Gleevec (imatinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- BC Cancer Agency coverage
Sprycel (Dasatinib)
- Company:
- Bristol Myers Squibb
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- BC Cancer Agency coverage
- Sprycel is accessible for patients of CML on a case-by-case basis via the Compassionate Access Program (CAP) and according to the following criteria:
- Patients with CML who are resitant or intolerant to imatinib (Gleevec)
- Patients with Accelerated phase of CML, who are resistant or intoleratant to imatinib
- patients with Intolerance to imatinib and nilotinib (grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic toxicity) for chronic/accelerated phase CML treatment
- Note: sequential use between dasatinib and nilotinib for disease progression is not allowed.
Tasigna (nilotinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- BC Cancer Agency coverage
- May 22nd, 2012 (updated)Coverage Through The BC Cancer Agency:TASIGNA* is accessible to patients for the treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Ph+ Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ULKCMLN) according to the following criteria:Patients with chronic phase CML, who are resistant or intolerant to imatinib (GLEEVEC*):No complete hematologic response (CHR) after 3 months of imatinib*Lack of any cytogenetic response after 6 months of imatinib*Lack of major cytogenetic response (MCR/1 log reduction bcr-abl) after 12 months of imatinib*Lack of complete cytogenetic response (CCR/2 log reduction bcr-abl) after 18 months of imatinib*Cytogenetic relapse on imatinib (loss of CCR/less than 2 log or MCR/less than 1 log or any Ph+ increase greater than or equal to 30%)Loss of CHRProgression to accelerated phase CMLPatients with accelerated phase CML, who are resistant to imatinib (GLEEVEC*):No hematologic response (HR) after a minimum of 4 weeks of imatinib*Lack of any cytogenetic response after 6 months of imatinib*Progression with greater than 50% increase in WBC, blast count, platelets or basophils during imatinib therapyProgression from chronic phase to accelerated phase during imatinib therapyPatients with accelerated phase CML, who are intolerant to imatinib, including patients with: greater than or equal to Grade 3 non-hematologic toxicity, not responding to symptomatic treatment or temporary dose reductionGrade 4 hematologic toxicity lasting greater than 7 daysSustained, highly symptomatic Grade 2 non-hematologic toxicity
Patients with intolerance to dasatinib (grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic toxicity)
Note: sequential use between dasatinib and nilotinib for disease progression is not allowed.
The BC Cancer Agency provides coverage for TASIGNA* as per the above protocol via the Compassionate Access Program (CAP). A Compassionate Access Program (CAP) approval is required prior to the initiation of treatment. Please refer to BCCA Compassionate Access Program website
The CAP system is maintained and updated by the CAP Office who can be contacted at 604.877.6000 x 6277.
No First line coverage of TASIGNA* yet – as of May 22,2012
Intron A (interferon)
- Company:
- Merck Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- BC Cancer Agency coverage
- For more information:
- British Columbia Cancer Agency
- Regional Centres:
- Frazer Valley
- Tel: (604) 930 2098
- Toll free: 1 800 523 2885
- Southern Interior
- Tel: (250) 712 3900
- Toll free: 1 888 563 7773
- Vancouver
- Tel: (604) 877 6000
- Toll free: 1 800 663 3333
- Vancouver Island
- Tel: (250) 519 5500
- Toll free: 1 800 670 3322
Manitoba
generic imatinib mesylate – Apotex formulation
Gleevec (imatinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception Drug Status (EDS)
Sprycel (dasatinib)
- Company:
- Bristol Myers Squibb
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Manitoba Pharmacare
- Program
- Pharmacare
- Tel: (204) 786 7141
- Toll-free: 1 800 297 8099
- or
- Provincial Drug Programs
- Manitoba Health
- 300 Carlton Street
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- R3B 3M9
- Tel: (204) 786 7318
Tasigna (nilotinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- No – Tasigna coverage is currently under review
- Type of coverage:
- No
Intron A (interferon)
- Company:
- Merck Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception Drug Status (EDS)
- For more information :
- Manitoba Pharmacare Program
- Pharmacare
- Tel: (204) 786 7141
- Toll-free: 1 800 297 8099
- or
- Provincial Drug Programs
- Manitoba Health
- 300 Carlton Street
- Winnipeg, Manitoba
- R3B 3M9
- Tel: (204) 786 7318
New Brunswick
Gleevec (imatinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Special Authorization
- Special Authorization information:
- Special Authorization Unit
- New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program
- P.O. Box 690
- 644 Main Street
- Moncton, New Brunswick
- E1C 8M7
- Local Fax: (506) 867 4872
- Toll Free Fax: 1 888 455 8322
- Toll Free Inquiry Line: 1 800 332 3691
- Tel: (506) 444 5295
- Fax: (506) 444 4207
Sprycel (Dasatinib)
- Company:
- Bristol Myers Squibb
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Special Authorization
- Special Authorization information:
- Special Authorization Unit
- New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program
- P.O. Box 690
- 644 Main Street
- Moncton, New Brunswick
- E1C 8M7
- Local Fax: (506) 867 4872
- Toll Free Fax: 1 888 455 8322
- Toll Free Inquiry Line: 1 800 332 3691
- Tel: (506) 444 5295
- Fax: (506) 444 4207
Tasigna (Nilotinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- May 22nd, 2012 (updated):Coverage Through The New Brunswick Prescription Drug ProgramTASIGNA* is covered by the New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program according to the following special authorization criteria:For the treatment of chronic phase (CP) and accelerated phase (AP) Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in adult patients who:are resistant or intolerant to imatinib, or intolerant to dasatinib
Intron A(interferon)
- Company:
- Merck Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- New Brunswick Prescription
Drug Program – Plan AEFGVW
- For more information:
- New Brunswick health program
- New Brunswick Prescription Drug Program
- Tel: (506) 867 4515
- Toll free: 1 800 332 3692
Newfoundland & Labrador
Gleevec (imatinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Special Authorization Drug
- Special Authorization Request Form
Sprycel (Dasatinib)
- Company:
- Bristol Myers Squibb
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Special Authorization
CRITERIA
- Dasatimib monohydrate (Sprycel 20mg, 50mg and 70mg tablet) –
- For adult patients with chronic phase CML with primary or acquired resistance to imatinib (600mg/day) at doses of 100mg per day or 70mg two times daily.
- For adult patients with chronic phase CML who progress to accelerated phase on imatinib 800mg per day. Dosing recommendation: 140mg per day
- For adult patients with chronic phase CML who has blast crisis while on imatinib 800mg per day. Dosing recommendation: 140mg per day
- For adult patients with CML have intolerance to imatinib or have experienced grade 3 or higher toxicities to imatinib
- Renewal criteria: Request for renewal must specify how the patient has benefited from therapy and is expected to continue to do so.
- Duration of initial approval: 1 year
- Duration of renewal: 1 year
Tasigna (nilotinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- May 22nd, 2012 (updated)Newfoundland has listed Tasigna 150 mg for the treatment of 1st line Philadelphia Chromosome positive myeloid leukemia under the Newfoundland Labrador Prescription Drug ProgramEffective date March 21, 2012Tasigna is listed as a special authorization with the following criteria:“for the first line treatment of adult patients with Philadelphia Chromosome positive myeloid leukemia in chronic phase”Intron A (interferon)
- Company:
- Merck Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Special Authorization Drug
- Special Authorization Request Form
- Newfoundland & Labrador Prescription Drug Program
- For more information:
- Newfoundland & Labrador Health Information Centre
- Tel: (709) 757 2409
Northwest Territories
Gleevec (imatinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Limited use benefit administer by Alberta Blue Cross
Intron A (interferon)
- Company:
- Merck Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Alberta Blue Cross coverage
- For more information :
- www.hlthss.gov.nt.ca
- Government of the Northwest Territory
- Health Care Coverage
- Toll free: 1 800 661 0830
Nova Scotia
Gleevec (imatinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception Status for Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients
- Exception Status Drug form
Sprycel (Dasatinib)
- Company:
- Bristol Myers Squibb
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception Status for Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients Exception Status Drug Form
Tasigna (nilotinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Coverage Through Nova Scotia Pharmacare:TASIGNA* is covered by Nova Scotia Pharmacare through the Exception Drug Status (EDS) process according to the following criteria:As a single line agent for the treatment of adults with chronic or accelerated phase CML with resistance or intolerance to prior therapy.This would include:Patients with CML in chronic phase who are intolerant to imatinib or dasatinib or bothPatients with CML in chronic phase who are resistant to imatinib 600mg/dayPatients with CML that have progressed to accelerated phase while on imatinibSequential use of dasatinib and nilotinib is not permitted except in the circumstance described above (i.e. intolerance)
Intron A (interferon)
- Company:
- Merck Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception Status for Drug Assistance for Cancer Patients
- Exception Status Drug form
- For information:
- Nova Scotia Pharmacare Programs
- PO Box 500
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- B3J 2S1
- Toll free: 1 800 544 6191
- Tel: (902) 429 6565
- Fax: (902) 468 9402
Nunavut
Gleevec (imatinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- NIHB or Extended Health Benefit program #1
Intron A (interferon)
- Company:
- Merck Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- NIHB or Extended Health Benefit program #1
- For more information :
- Health and Social Services Website
- Government of Nunavut
- Health Insurance Program
- Toll free: 1 800 661 0833
Ontario
Important – please note the following:
Note: The CML Society of Canada continues to advocate for all patients in Canada and recently has been advised in writing by letter and email from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Ontario Public Drug Programs Office of the Executive Officer and Assistant Deputy Minister, Diane McArthur, that CML patients in Ontario will be able to access a third funded oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) if they experience serious side effects after the third month on a 2nd TKI therapy and as long as their disease has not progressed.
(* TKIs: Imatinib, Nilotinib, or Dasatinib) The CML Society of Canada has clarified with the Executive Drug Director that patients being switched from branded Gleevec to generic imatinib mesylate will still be considered as their first drug if in fact branded Gleevec was the patients first drug. A switch to a generic formulation does not count or mean that a patient will not be able to access other TKI’s.
Gleevec (imatinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Limited use product
Sprycel (Dasatinib)
- Company:
- Bristol Myers Squibb
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Sprycel is covered for CML by the Ontario Drug Benefit/Trillium Drug Program through Exceptional Access Program according to the folowing criteria:
- For adult patients with chronic phase CML- recommended dosage is 100mg/day
- Tablet sizes approved: 20mg, 50mg, 70mg and 100mg
- For CML accelerated or blast phase with demonstrated intolerance or resistance to Imatinib
Tasigna (nilotinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- May 22nd, 2012 (updated)Reimbursement of Tasigna ® under the Exceptional Access Program (EAP):a) Chronic Phase CML:For the treatment of patients with chronic phase Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). For any such patient, the dosage for which approval is requested is:300 mg twice daily but not exceeding 800 mg/day (this cover both 1st and 2nd Line CML)Initial approval period: 1 yearRenewal criteria: Confirmation from the clinician that the patient has experienced hematologic and/or cytogenic response and is expected to continue to do soRenewal period: 1 yearNote: Ministry will only fund any TWO of the oral Tyrosine Kinase inhibitors (TKIs) * used for chronic phase CML per patient in a lifetime. (* TKIs: imatinib, nilotinib, or dasatinib)Exception: If the patient develops grade 3 or 4 toxicity on one of the above TKI’s within 3 months of initiating therapy, access to a 3rd oral TKI will be allowed for that patientORb) Accelerated Phase CML:For the treatment of patients with accelerated phase Philadelphia chromosome positive (Ph+) chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) with documented resistance1 or intolerance2 to imatinib therapy. For any such patient, the dosage for which approval is requested is:May not exceed 800 mg/dayDefinitions of resistance and intolerance:1Imatinib resistance is defined as primary or acquired resistance to imatinib at doses of at least 600 mg/day or via mutational analysis report2Intolerance to imatinib (at any dose) is defined as persistent grade 3 or grade 4 toxicity requiring discontinuation of therapyInitial approval period: 1 yearRenewal criteria: Confirmation from the clinician that the patient has experienced hematologic and/or cytogenic response and is expected to continue to do so
Renewal period: 1 year
Exclusion criteria for Tasigna®:
o Nilotinib is not funded for blast phase CML
o Nilotinib is not funded for Ph+ acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL)
o Combination treatment with any 2 or more of the oral TKIs ( imatinib, nilotinib or dasatinib) will not be funded
o Nilotinib is not funded as a sequential third line therapy in patients who experience primary or acquired resistance (not including mutational resistance) to dasatinib.
Intron A (interferon)
- Company:
- Merck Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Limited use product
- For more information :
- Ontario Drug Benefit Program
- Ministry INFOline
- Toll free: 1 866 532 3161 (Ontario only)
- TTY: 1 800 387 5559
- Hours of operation
- 8:30am – 5:00pm
Prince Edward Island
imatinib mesylate – Apotex page 49
imatinib mesylate – TEVA page 49
Gleevec (imatinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception Drug Status (EDS)
- EDS request form
Sprycel (dasatinib)
- Company:
- Bristol Myers Squibb Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception Drug Status (EDS)
- EDS request form
Tasigna (nilotinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Coverage Through The Prince Edward Island Drug Cost Assistance Program:TASIGNA* is currently under review by the PEI Drug Cost Assistance Program. The PEI Drug Cost Assistance Program has an Exceptional Drug Request mechanism where physicians may request coverage of medications not listed on the Formulary. Each request is reviewed on an individual case basis. The Exceptional Drug Request form can be used to make the request.Requests can be made using the Exceptional Drug Request FormSubmit completed forms by fax to:PEI Drug Cost Assistance ProgramFAX (902) 368-4905
Intron A (interferon)
- Company:
- Merck Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Prince Edward Island Drug Formulary
- For more information:
- Prince Edward Island Health Program
- Cancer Assistance Program
- Health Services
- Tel: (902) 838-0955
Quebec
imatinib mesylate – Apotex – French only, please contact The CML Society of Canada if you need help translating it
imatinib mesylate – TEVA – French only, please contact The CML Society of Canada if you need help translating it
Exception of using the ‘ do not substitute’ by a prescribing physician. Please follow this link and review section 3.2.13
‘do not substitute’ French only
Gleevec (imatinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception drug status
Sprycel (Dasatinib)
- Company:
- Bristol Myers Squibb Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception drug status
- Sprycel is listed on RAMQ’s liste de medicaments d’exception. The criteria for coverage are:
- For adults suffering from CML in the chronic or accelerated phase:
- – who have not responded to an imatinib treatment (primary or resistance); or
- -whose illness has evolved after initially responding to imatinib (secondary resistance);
- or
- – who have serious intolerance to imatinib
Tasigna (nilotnib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception drug status
- May 22nd, 2012 (updated)Indications recognized for the reimbursement of Tasigna (nilotinib)RAMQTasigna 1st line CML: (in effect since February 1, 2012)For the first-line treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase.Authorizations will be given for a maximum daily dose of 600 mg for a maximum duration of 6 months.To continue treatment, the physician must provide evidence of the patient’s haematological response.Tasigna 2nd line CML:For the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in chronic phase or accelerated phase in adult patients:• With a failure or sub-optimal response to imatinibOr• With a serious intolerance to imatinibAuthorizations will be given for a maximum daily dose of 1,200 mg for a maximum duration of 6 months.To continue treatment, the doctor will need to provide proof of hematologic response
Intron A (interferon)
- Company:
- Merck Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception drug status
- For more information:
- Quebec health program
- Régie d’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)
- The Health Insurance Infoline
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Quebec: (418) 646 4636
- Montreal: (514) 864 3411
- Toll free: 1 800 561 9749
- Agents are available during the following hours:
-
Monday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 Tuesday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 - By TDD
- (telecommunication device for the deaf)
- Quebec: (418) 682 3939
- Toll free: 1 800 361 3939
Saskatchewan
Gleevec (imatinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception Drug Status
Sprycel (Dasatinib)
- Company:
- Bristol Myers Squibb Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception drug status
- Note Sprycel coverage is for intolerance or resistance to Gleevec at 600 mg dose
Tasigna (nilotinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- May 22nd, 2012 (updated)Coverage Through Saskatchewan Cancer Agency:The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency provides coverage of TASIGNA* for second-line treatment in patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia according to specific eligibility criteria:Approved for the following indications:Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) – Philadephia Chromosome Positive (Ph+)• Second line treatment in patients with chronic phase or accelerated phase Ph+ CML with primary or acquired resistance to first line therapy with Imatinib or who are intolerant to effective doses of Imatinib• Second line alternative in patients previously initiated on second line treatment with Dasatinib, but are experiencing unacceptable toxicity to Dasatinib
- Type of coverage:
- Exception Drug Status
Intron A (interferon)
- Company:
- Merck Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception Drug Status
- For more information:
- Saskatchewan Cancer Agency
- Saskatchewan Health
- Drug Plan (Prescription)
- Tel: (306) 787 3420
- Toll free: 1 800 667 7581
Yukon
Gleevec (imatinib)
- Company:
- Novartis Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception Drug Status
- (under chronic disease program or pharmacare program)
Intron A (interferon)
- Company:
- Merck Canada
- Coverage:
- Yes
- Type of coverage:
- Exception Drug Status
- (under chronic disease program or pharmacare program)
- For more information:
- Yukon Health andSocial Services
- Government of Yukon
- Box 2703
- Whitehorse, Yukon
- Y1A 2C6
- Tel: (867) 667 3673
- Toll free: 1 800-661-0408 local 3673 (Yukon only )
Fax: (867) 667 3096 - hss@gov.yk.ca
Private insurance
For all private insurance go to CHLIA website to find your insurance company. Please note that in the province of Quebec depending on what type of private insurer you have through your employment program, your doctor may not be allowed to override a switch to generic imatinib mesylate. We advise that you review your drug plan policy carefully with regards to the substitution of generic prescription drugs.
Your private insurance will ask for the DIN number of your drug to see if it is covered.
Special Access Program
Health Canada, through its Special Access Programme (SAP), allows doctors to gain access to non-marketed drugs that have not yet been approved for sale in Canada.
The Special Access Programme (SAP) provides access to non-marketed drugs for practitioners treating patients with serious or life-threatening conditions when conventional therapies have failed, are unsuitable, or unavailable. The SAP authorizes a manufacturer to sell a drug that cannot otherwise be sold or distributed in Canada. Drugs considered for release by the SAP include pharmaceutical, biologic, and radio-pharmaceutical products not approved for sale in Canada.
Facts sheets, forms and guidance documents
Clinical trials
If you are interested to participate in a clinical trial, ask your doctor if there is an appropriate clinical trial for your condition in your region.
If you are aware of clinical trial on CML share it with us.