BioScript - Newfoundland and Labrador Non-Medical Switch Announcement

Home > Newfoundland and Labrador Non-Medical Switch Announcement - Public Coverage

Dear Patient,

Please note that the province of Newfoundland and Labrador has decided to move forward with a non-medical switch strategy. A non-medical switch is a provincial initiative that transitions Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP) coverage from the brand name to the biosimilar version of the drug.

As a result, provincial public coverage of Humira, Enbrel, Rituxan, Remicade, and Copaxone is changing and will no longer be covered under the NLPDP as of April 1, 2024. Affected patients will need to be switched to a biosimilar to continue therapy.

As a patient who is publicly insured, there is no action required from you at this time. BioScript Pharmacy will work with your patient support program and doctor to ensure a seamless transition so that your therapy is not affected. Biosimilars have been rigorously tested by Health Canada, and there are no expected differences in efficacy and safety from this change.

All patients can remain with BioScript Pharmacy and Coverdale Clinics with no changes in their access to care, as BioScript Pharmacy services all biosimilars. Transferring to another pharmacy is not required and may result in changes to delivery arrangements, clinic access, and pharmacy care.

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your medical treatment, and we look forward to continuing as your pharmacy provider of choice.

For any questions, please contact us at 709-579-0528 or nl@bioscript.ca.

Your BioScript Pharmacy Team