August 26, 1996

PLEASE CIRCULATE AMONG DISPENSING STAFF

NEORAL:

Sandoz Canada Inc will be discontinuing Sandimmune and this product is to be replaced by Sandimmune Neoral (micronized emulsion form of cyclosporin). Effective August 1, 1996, the following Sandimmune Neoral products, will be included as a restricted benefit under the PharmaCare Program.

CDIC #:

2150689 25mg cap.

2150662 50mg cap.

2150670 100mg cap.

2150697 100mg/ml soln.

VASOTEC:
We have been advised from Apotex that their inventory of some strengths of Vasotec are almost exhausted. Effective June 14, 1996, PharmaCare will provide full coverage for all strengths of Vasotec and Apo-Enalapril, subject to the usual eligibility and deductible criteria.

MS CONTIN SUPPOSITORIES AND HYDROMORPHONE CONTIN CAPSULES:
The review of the above new products has now been completed. MS Contin Suppositories and Hydromorphon Contin Capsules have not been approved as routine benefits under the Program. However, PharmaCare will consider special authorization on a case by case prior approval basis, on receipt of a written request from the prescribing physician. Funding will be restricted for pain management in cancer patients and palliative care patients, who are unable to tolerate the regular dosage forms of morphine and hydromorphone.

CERTIFICATES OF TRAINING:
PharmaCare is now mailing information to diabetics whose Certificates of Training are about to expire. Notification is being mailed out three months in advance of the expiry dates to allow sufficient time for recertification of the diabetic.

We are advised by the chair of the Diabetic Centre Certification Committee that, if a diabetic cannot attend the recertification before the expiration of a certificate, the Centre can issue a temporary certiicate until the individual can be recertified.

LCA/RBP UPDATE:
The following NEW or existing products have been classified with regard to their status on the LCA and RBP programs and are benefits for Plans A, B, C or F unless indicated otherwise. Products with an LCA STATUS of "F" will be considered Full Benefits (this means they qualify for full reimbursement as Low Cost Alternatives). Products with an LCA STATUS of "P" are not full benefits and will be reduced to the price established for the Low Cost Alternatives. Products with RBP in the RBP Status column are subject to Reference Based Pricing.
 

NEW BENEFITS:

The following new drugs have been included as PharmaCare benefits on Plans A, B, C, F and E.
 

CF BENEFITS The following products are benefits for registered cystic fibrosis clients only.

NON-BENEFITS The following products are non-benefits for all PharmaCare Plans.

SPECIAL AUTHORITY:

Effective May 1, 1996, the following drugs are available for coverage on a prior approval SPECIAL AUTHORITY basis only. Coverage will be subject to the same guidelines as omeprazole (Losec). Gastroenterologists and endoscopists will be exempt from the Special Authority process.