Reactions to the biosimilars initiative that Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro unveiled on Thursday were split.Alberta’s decision to switch thousands of government-insured patients to less-expensive versions of drugs called biologics is being greeted with alarm by some gastroenterologists and patient groups who fear the policy could hurt patients.
Biologic medications – which are complex drugs produced from living organisms – have dramatically improved the treatment options for some chronic illnesses, including rheumatic diseases and inflammatory bowel diseases. John Esdaile, a rheumatologist and the scientific director of Arthritis Research Canada, said that in B.C., where he practises, the transition to biosimilars has been smooth and problem-free.“In changing my own patients to a biosimilar, I was struck by how many said, ‘Well, if it’s really just as safe and just as good, I’m so glad I’m saving the government money,’” Dr. Esdaile said, speaking alongside Mr. Shandro at a news conference.
There are many more biologic drugs available for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis than there are for inflammatory bowel diseases – which is one of the reasons doctors and advocates from each disease group reacted so differently to Alberta’s plan. Most of the Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis patients affected by Alberta’s policy will be switching away from Remicade, an intravenous medication that is delivered primarily in private clinics sponsored by pharmaceutical companies.
But the ministry disputes the association’s numbers, saying there are 39 sites where the biosimilars will be available.
We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Alberta will force patients to switch from biologics to cheaper biosimilar medicationsThe policy change will take effect next summer and is expected to save the province $227-million to $380-million over the next four years Short-sighted on the part of Alberta. Patients need choice in treatment and forcing them to change treatments based on cost puts money before patients' choices and needs.
Source: globeandmail - 🏆 5. / 92 Read more »
Alberta government slams Wattpad for citing Wexit, tech tax policy in decision to forego Calgary for new headquartersAlberta’s government has pointed criticism for a tech company that picked Halifax over Calgary over concerns about provincial tax policy and Wexit. Here’s the problem...Wattpad is right.
Source: nationalpost - 🏆 10. / 80 Read more »
Jumanji: The Next Level adds action and laughs as new players come into the mixChris Knight reviews Jumanji: The Next Level, sequel to the adventure movie in which a group of gamers get transported inside a video game Annnd, the ending leaves room for chapter 3.
Source: nationalpost - 🏆 10. / 80 Read more »
Alberta premier opens war room to promote ‘truth’ about energy industryAlberta Premier Jason Kenney launches the Canadian Energy Centre, a $30-million 'war room' to combat what he calls 'myths and lies' about the oil sector. Heather Yourex-West explains why environmentalists say it's propaganda. READ MORE: And of coarse environmentalist never use propaganda oh my How many public service jobs did he cut and this is what he spends money on People voted for that man why A complete and total embarrassment for Albertans and Canadians....imagine how many nurses, teachers, and social workers could this hire? How many laid off families could be supported over Christmas? Jason Kenney is Shameful
Source: GlobalNational - 🏆 81. / 51 Read more »
Western Canada: Vancouver’s NPA in turmoil over concerns about right-wing shiftWestern Canada: Vancouver’s NPA in turmoil over concerns about right-wing shift GlobeBC GlobeBC The so called 'non partisan party' arguing over left vs right No different than the rest of the idots who think their ideology is the end all be all GlobeBC Right wing for him is anything right of stalinism
Source: globeandmail - 🏆 5. / 92 Read more »