PharmaCare Newsletter
Last updated on January 8, 2025
January 2025 PharmaCare Newsletter
On this page:
Find past issues on the newsletter search page.
Q: How does the weight loss effect of oral semaglutide (Rybelsus®) compare to subcutaneous semaglutide (Ozempic®, Wegovy®)?
A: The answer is in the current edition of PAD Refills. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss out on news and updates!
BC PharmaCare wishes you a Happy New Year
Start the year off right!
For your staff:
Display these PharmaCare information posters:
For your clients:
Print a stack of PharmaCare information sheets, available in 15 languages, for when clients have questions.
Post the PharmaCare information sheet QR matrix (PDF, 72.6KB) so clients can view info sheets on their mobile phones.
For clients concerned about paying their Fair PharmaCare deductible, let them know that they may be eligible for PharmaCare's monthly deductible payment option program (MDPO). The Fair PharmaCare information sheet and brochure have details about how to enrol in MDPO.
Encourage Fair PharmaCare registration for everyone. Share HIBC's PharmaCare brochure with clients. Download the brochure online or request an order from HIBC by emailing HIBCFormRequests@hibc.gov.bc.ca.
Display the PharmaCare registration poster in an area where the public will see it.
Temporary benefit status for Cyprus-labelled amoxicillin
PharmaCare is temporarily reinstating coverage for Cyprus-labelled 250 mg/5 mL amoxicillin oral suspension (PIN 09858237), until March 18, 2025, after learning that some B.C. pharmacies still have stock of the medication.
Cyprus-labelled 250 mg/5 mL amoxicillin oral suspension is now a regular benefit from December 18, 2024, to March 18, 2025, under PharmaCare plans F, B, P, C, I and W.
Amoxicillin oral suspension was designated a Tier-3 shortage in late 2022, and PharmaCare began covering the Cyprus-labelled product imported by Juno Pharmaceuticals on January 17, 2023. Coverage of the foreign-labelled medication ended in September. As of December 18, 2024, PharmaCare is temporarily reinstating coverage to allow pharmacies to dispense their remaining stock to patients.
Resources
Doxepin 10 mg shortage
Doxepin 10 mg capsules, marketed in Canada by AA Pharma, are in shortage until late January or early February 2025 due to manufacturing disruptions. During this shortage, BC PharmaCare is covering doxepin (Silenor®) 3 mg tablets, marketed by Paladin Pharma Inc., as a regular benefit (Silenor 6 mg tablets remain a non-benefit).
Resources
Remittance payments by cheque
The Ministry is aware that a small number of pharmacies may be receiving payments by cheque instead of electronic file transfer (EFT), as requested. This may be a result of a recent HIBC software upgrade.
After December 9, if a pharmacy that previously requested payment by EFT receives a payment by cheque, they should contact HIBC to:
- Confirm (and, if needed, correct) their payment method, and
- Confirm that their EFT banking information is up to date
Pharmacies that wish to switch from cheque to EFT for future payments should contact HIBC to update the payment method.
Resources
Update: Vaccination remittance payments
Some vaccination claims from the fall that were not processed because of a records transfer issue will be reimbursed by the end of February. You can read about the October and November claims in the December 2024 PharmaCare Newsletter.
Thank you to pharmacists for their dedication to patient care.
Resources
- December 2024 PharmaCare Newsletter
- Publicly funded vaccines – this season's vaccines, PharmaNet entry instructions, and more
Prolastin-C transitional coverage ending
The six-month transitional coverage period for patients switching from alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor Prolastin-C to alpha-1 proteinase inhibitor Glassia is ending on January 14, 2025. As of January 15, 2025, Prolastin-C is no longer covered by PharmaCare for any B.C. patient.
Canadian Blood Services (CBS) added Glassia to their formulary in July 2024 and provides Glassia at no cost to patients.
Prescribers are encouraged to meet with their patients as soon as possible to help them transition from Prolastin-C to Glassia. The web page Prolastin-C and Glassia has details for prescribers.
Pharmacists can help identify patients who may be affected by the switch and let them know they need to meet with their prescriber to maintain coverage. PharmaCare appreciates pharmacists' support.
Resources
Brand and generic price changes
The December 31, 2024 submission deadline for annual price increase requests on brand and generic products has passed, and no price increase submissions will be accepted or implemented for the remainder of the 2025/26 financial year.
Approved price changes will come into effect on April 1, 2025. Manufacturers will be notified by email if their request is denied.
Resources
PINs for discontinued insulin pump supplies, infusion kits, to be delisted
As of Friday, February 7, 2025, PharmaCare PINs assigned to insulin pump supplies and infusion sets that have been discontinued by Animas Canada and Medtronic Canada will be delisted in PharmaNet. PINs for these items should not be used to submit claims.
For patients to receive the correct level of coverage, providers should ensure they use the correct PIN for each diabetes supply they dispense.
The following PINs will no longer adjudicate as PharmaCare benefits as of February 7, 2025:
| PIN | Discontinued product description |
|---|---|
| 47450004 | ANIMAS 2 ml OR 3 ml insulin pump cartridge |
| 46340007 | ANIMAS COMFORT infusion set or combo |
| 46340009 | ANIMAS INSET II OR 30 infusion set |
| 46340019 | MEDTRONIC Quickset™ Luer Lock infusion set |
| 46340020 | MEDTRONIC Silhouette™ Luer Lock infusion set or combo |
| 46340022 | MEDTRONIC Silhouette™ Cannula Only infusion set |
| 46340023 | MEDTRONIC Paradigm® Mio™ infusion set |
Continue to use these PINs for reservoirs/cartridges and infusion sets/kits for Medtronic Paradigm® (500 series) and MiniMed™ (600/700 series) insulin pumps:
| PIN | Product description | Manufacturer model # |
|---|---|---|
| 47450007 | MEDTRONIC Paradigm®/MiniMed™ reservoir | MMT-332A MMT-326A |
| 46340014 | Paradigm®/MiniMed™ Quick-Set™ infusion set | MMT-386A600 MMT-387A600 MMT-394A600 MMT-396A600 MMT-397A600 MMT-398A600 MMT-399A600 |
| 46340015 | Paradigm®/MiniMed™ Silhouette™ infusion set | MMT-368A600 MMT-369600 MMT-377A600 MMT-378A600 MMT-381A600 MMT-382A600 MMT-383A600 MMT-384A600 |
| 46340017 | Paradigm®/MiniMed™ Sure-T™ infusion set | MMT-862A MMT-864A MMT-866A MMT-874A |
| 46340033 | Paradigm®/MiniMed™ Mio™ 30 infusion set | MMT-905A600 MMT-906A600 |
| 46340039 | MiniMed™ Mio™ Advance (90°) infusion set | MMT-386A600 MMT-387A600 MMT-394A600 MMT-396A600 MMT-397A600 MMT-398A600 MMT-399A600 |
RAT kit payment update
Since the last newsletter, PharmaCare has paid pharmacies for COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT) kit distribution as follows:
| Payment month | Payment date |
|---|---|
| October 2024 | January 2, 2025 |
Pharmacies are paid $75 for each case of RAT kits distributed, and pharmacists are reminded to enter the correct PIN for each case of RAT kits distributed.
- BTNX: 66128325
- Artron: 66128338
Resources
Exchange rate update for prosthetic and orthotic components
As of December 17, 2024, PharmaCare's exchange rate has increased from $1.3764 to $1.4305. PharmaCare's price list for P&O components is adjusted periodically, based on changes to the U.S. exchange rate posted by the Bank of Canada. When the rate changes by at least 5 cents over at least 5 consecutive business days, PharmaCare's exchange rate is adjusted to reflect the new rate.
Resources
2025 New Year reminders
2025 provider payment schedule
The weekly and monthly provider payment schedule for 2025 is available on our Information for pharmacies web page.
Blood glucose test strip annual quantity limits
As of January 1, 2025, clients were assigned their annual limit of blood glucose test strips (BGTS). Beginning January 1, please ensure you use regular BGTS PINs for claims until clients exceed their annual limit.
The list of BGTS eligible for PharmaCare coverage changes on a regular basis. Please consult the list of eligible blood glucose test strips before submitting claims.
All strips purchased by a patient, regardless of the payer, count toward the client’s annual limit.
BGTS information for patients
Patient information is available online about PharmaCare quantity limits for BGTS and in the printable information sheet, Blood glucose test strips – annual limits (PDF, 167KB), available in 15 languages on our Patient information sheets web page.
Fair PharmaCare annual deductibles reset in the new year
As of January 1, 2025, PharmaNet was updated with 2025 annual deductible and family maximum amounts. Deductible accumulations were reset to zero.
Fair PharmaCare coverage levels for 2025 are based on a family’s 2023 net income. Income from Universal Child Care Benefits and Registered Disability Savings Plans and some BC Housing subsidies are not included when determining coverage levels.
Deductible information for patients
This can be a stressful time for Fair PharmaCare beneficiaries as many are paying the full cost of their drugs. Please let them know that they may be eligible for PharmaCare’s monthly deductible payment option program (MDPO). Once they register, PharmaCare immediately pays for 70% of their eligible drug costs. Fair PharmaCare registrants can get information about their deductible and family maximum by:
- Requesting a confirmation of Fair PharmaCare coverage letter or
- Calling us Monday to Friday, 8 am to 8 pm and Saturdays 8 am to 4 pm from the Lower Mainland at 604-683-7151 or from the rest of B.C., toll-free, at 1-800-663-7100
Formulary and listing updates
Non-benefits: roflumilast cream (Zoryve®), somapacitan (Sogroya®), tralokinumab (Adtralza®)
PharmaCare has decided not to cover the following drugs for the noted indications.
| Drug name | roflumilast cream (Zoryve®) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date effective | December 12, 2024 | ||
| Indication |
For the topical treatment of plaque psoriasis, including treatment of plaque psoriasis in the intertriginous areas, in patients aged 12 years and older. |
||
| DINs | 02537532 | Strength & form | 0.3% roflumalist cream |
| Drug name | somapacitan (Sogroya®) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date effective | December 17, 2024 | ||
| Indication |
For the long-term treatment of pediatric patients who have growth failure due to an inadequate secretion of endogenous growth hormone, also known as Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD). |
||
| DINs | 02539934 02539942 02539950 |
Strength & form | 5 mg/1.5 mL (3.3 mg/mL) pre-filled pen 10 mg/1.5 mL (6.7 mg/mL) pre-filled pen 15 mg/1.5 mL (10 mg/mL) pre-filled pen |
| Drug name | tralokinumab (Adtralza®) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date effective | December 17, 2024 | ||
| Indication |
For the treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis in adult and adolescent patients 12 years and older whose disease is not adequately controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not advisable. |
||
| DINs | 02521288 | Strength & form | 150 mg/mL pre-filled syringe |
Regular benefit: drospirenone (Slynd®)
PharmaCare has added the following contraceptive as a regular coverage item under Plan Z (Assurance) and Plan C (Income Assistance). Slynd® is listed as a full benefit – PharmaCare will cover the full cost of Slynd under Plan Z and Plan C. For a full list of contraceptives covered by PharmaCare, visit Contraceptives – information for health professionals.
| Drug name | drospirenone (Slynd®) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date effective | December 10, 2024 | ||
| Indication | Conception control in adolescent and adult women. | ||
| DINs | 02522802 | Strength & form | 4 mg tablet |
EDRD coverage: vutrisiran (Amvuttra®)
Expensive drugs for rare diseases (EDRDs) are drugs that treat uncommon diseases and have a very high per-patient cost. EDRDs are PharmaCare non-benefits, but some drugs and patients may be eligible for coverage on a last-resort basis through the EDRD process. Visit Exceptional funding for EDRDs for more information.
| Drug name | vutrisiran (Amvuttra®) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date effective | December 19, 2024 | ||
| Drug class | Treatment of stage 1 or stage 2 polyneuropathy in adults with hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR-PN) | ||
| DINs | 02542420 | Strength & form | 25 mg/0.5 mL syringe for subcutaneous injection |
Effective December 19, 2024, the Ministry of Health initiated funding of vutrisiran (Amvuttra®) through PharmaCare’s EDRD process. Clinicians may apply for funding through this process for eligible patients with stage 1 or stage 2 hATTR-PN. Patients who have existing PharmaCare EDRD approval for patisiran (Onpratto®) are not required to re-apply to access coverage for vutrisiran. Vutrisiran will be distributed through Innomar pharmacies.
Initial and renewal applications will be approved for up to nine and six months respectively.
Your Voice: Input needed for drug decisions
The knowledge and experience of patients, caregivers and patient groups is integral to B.C.’s drug review process. If you know someone who is taking one of the drugs below or who has a condition any of the drugs treat, please encourage them to visit www.gov.bc.ca/BCyourvoice.
Your Voice is now accepting input on the following drugs:
| Drug | Indication | Input window | |
| iptacopan (TBC) | Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in adults | December 23 to February 5 at 11:59 pm | |
| rozanolixizumab (TBC) | Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults | December 23 to February 5 at 11:59 pm | |
| donanemab (TBC) | Alzheimer's disease in patients with mild cognitive inpairment or mild dementia stage of disease | December 23 to February 5 at 11:59 pm | |
Your Voice has extended the input window for the following drugs:
| Drug | Indication | Input window | |
| faricimab (Vabysmo™) | Macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) | November 30 to January 17 at 11:59 pm | |
| pegcetacoplan (TBC) | Geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in adults | November 30 to January 17 at 11:59 pm | |
About the PharmaCare Newsletter
PharmaCare newsletters are published on the first Tuesday or Wednesday (if following a long weekend) of each month, with occasional mid-month special releases. Newsletters communicate drug listings, PharmaCare policy, PharmaNet procedures, and other pertinent information for PharmaCare providers.
Information in previous newsletters is accurate as of the date it was published. Newsletters are not retroactively updated when policy, procedures or other information changes. Refer to the most recent mention of a topic for up-to-date information.
Search past newsletters on the Newsletter search page.
Subscribe
Enter your email address to subscribe to updates of this page.
The PharmaCare Newsletter team works from the territory of the Lekwungen People, including the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. Our gratitude extends to them, and all the Indigenous Peoples on whose territories and lands we build relationships.
BC PharmaCare counts on pharmacy and device providers to practise cultural safety and humility.
To learn more, read Coming Together for Wellness, a series of articles by First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) and PharmaCare, and consider taking the online San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety course.
Active advisories:
Calcitriol injection; Abatacept (Orencia®); Cholestyramine and colesevelam; Tamsulosin capsules & tablets; Prazosin tablets, Sabril® tablets; nitroglycerin sprays & tablets; Glucagon for injection.
Visit Drug shortages for full list and details.