Effective June 1, 2016, the Nova Scotia Pharmacare will begin funding INFLECTRA™ (infliximab) as an exception status benefit. For infliximab-naïve patients whose infliximab therapy is initiated after June 1, 2016, Inflectra will be the product approved for the following indications:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Psoriasis
Criteria Updates – Rheumatoid Arthritis
The Atlantic Common Drug Review (ACDR) reviewed the Rheumatoid Arthritis criteria for biologics and based on updated evidence, effective June 1, 2016, will apply the following revised criteria to abatacept Inj, adalimumab Pen and Inj, certolizumab pegol SC Inj, etanercept Inj, golimumab Autoinjector and Syringe, infliximab Pdr for Inj, tocilizumab IV Inj and SC Inj:
For the treatment of severely active rheumatoid arthritis, in combination with methotrexate or other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), in adult patients who are refractory or intolerant to:
- Methotrexate (oral or parenteral) at a dose of > 20 mg weekly (> 15 mg if patient is > 65 years of age), or use in combination with another DMARD, for a minimum of 12 weeks
AND
- Methotrexate in combination with at least two other DMARDs, such as hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine, for a minimum of 12 weeks
For more information, please click on the following link.
For questions, please contact the Nova Scotia Pharmacare at:
Toll Free: 1-800-305-5026
Local Calls: 496-7001
Facsimile: 468-9402