PharmaCare Newsletter
Last updated on July 3, 2026
July 2026 PharmaCare Newsletter
- BC PharmaCare launches Plan B Geographic Modifier program
- Prescribed alternative witnessing fees update
- Mifepristone/misoprostol coverage, supply, and correct quantities for claims
- Take Home Naloxone program begins distributing intranasal naloxone for select community pharmacies
- TI Letter: Drug-induced peripheral edema
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July 2026 PharmaCare Newsletter (PDF)
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Q: Does vaginal prasterone offer an additional advantage on measures of sexual dysfunction compared to vaginal estrogen products accessible in the National Pharmacare formulary (Plan NP)?
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BC PharmaCare launches Plan B Geographic Modifier program
Effective July 1, 2026, BC PharmaCare launched the Plan B Geographic Modifier (GeoMod) program to support pharmacies serving PharmaCare Plan B long-term care (LTC) facilities in B.C.
Under the GeoMod program, PharmaCare pays pharmacies a $15 monthly capitation fee per occupied bed for eligible LTC beds in areas of low population density in B.C. The GeoMod fee supplements the $65 monthly PharmaCare Plan B capitation fee
LTC beds in areas designated "Remote" to "Medium Urban" as defined by the BC Community Health Service Areas (CHSAs) are eligible for the GeoMod fee.
Pharmacies can begin submitting GeoMod claims for eligible LTC beds serviced from July 2026 onwards.
PharmaCare will also pay pharmacies retroactively for eligible Plan B LTC beds serviced from April 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026. Instructions for how to claim retroactive GeoMod fees will be communicated in a future edition of the PharmaCare Newsletter.
For more information on eligibility and instructions on how to submit claims, visit Plan B Geographic Modifier program
Resources
Prescribed alternative witnessing fees update
PharmaCare payments for claims for witnessing doses of prescribed alternatives (PAs) in May will be delayed due to a technical issue that first must be resolved. Retroactive payments for witnessed doses of PAs recorded in PharmaNet from June 18, 2025, to March 31, 2026, may also be delayed.
Resources
Mifepristone/misoprostol coverage, supply, and correct quantities for claims
As of May 7, 2026, Femyso (mifepristone/misoprostol) is covered under Plan Z (Assurance) at no cost to B.C. residents with active MSP coverage. Mifegymiso (mifepristone/misoprostol) remains covered by Plan Z and is a fully covered Lost Cost Alternative (LCA) drug as of June 6, 2026.
Stocking mifepristone/misoprostol
Pharmacies are encouraged to support client access across B.C. to this time-sensitive medication. Please ensure you always have adequate stock to avoid treatment delays. If you are out of stock, help clients find supply (i.e., at a neighbouring pharmacy). Supply can be ordered through wholesalers.
Mifepristone availability at B.C. community pharmacies
A recent study, funded in part by UBC's Faculty of Medicine, found that 34% of surveyed B.C. community pharmacies could not dispense mifepristone within 3 days of receiving a prescription.
Mifepristone Access Through Community Pharmacies When Regulated as a Routine Prescription Medication explores mifepristone availability in B.C.
Among 1460 pharmacies:
- 66% were able to dispense mifepristone within 3 days
- 12% referred the caller to a dispensing pharmacy
- 23% of pharmacies neither dispensed nor provided a referral
Pharmacies in urban areas were more likely to be non-dispensing and non-referring.
Entering claims in PharmaNet
When dispensing mifepristone/misoprostol, enter the following in PharmaNet:
- Quantity: 1 kit
- Day Supply: 1 day
- DIN for Mifegymiso: 02444038
- DIN for Femyso: 02560569
Did you know? You can now apply for exceptional coverage of mifepristone/misoprostol and contraceptives on the same form, using Exceptional Coverage: National Pharmacare and Mifepristone/Misoprostol (PDF, 649KB)
Resources
- Guide for Dispensing Mifegymiso for Medical Abortion (PDF, 483KB) – Contraception and Abortion Research Team (CART)
- Plan Z (Assurance)
- Lost Cost Alternative (LCA)
- PharmaCare Policy Manual, Section 5.11: Low Cost Alternative Program
- Mifepristone Access Through Community Pharmacies When Regulated as a Routine Prescription Medication – JAMA Network Open
- Mifegymiso, 200mcg+200mg, Tablet – HealthLinkBC
Take Home Naloxone program begins distributing nasal naloxone for select community pharmacies
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) Take Home Naloxone (THN) program is expanding to include distribution of nasal THN kits across B.C., including community pharmacies.
The THN program provides standardized, pre-assembled BCCDC branded naloxone kits at no cost to any individuals at risk of an opioid poisoning (overdose) or who are likely to witness and respond to an overdose (including people who use substances as well as their family, friends and community members). Access to naloxone and training through the THN program is a critical harm reduction tool for everyone in B.C. to recognize and respond to toxic drug poisonings and save lives.
Existing THN community pharmacy sites can now order nasal THN kits through select pharmacy distributors. Intramuscular (injectable) THN kits remain available for ordering, and BCCDC encourages pharmacies to have both formulations of THN kits available.
Pharmacies that are interested in distributing naloxone but are not currently registered as THN sites should reach out to naloxone@bccdc.ca. Approval is informed by community need, risk and existing access to the program based on current surveillance data, and First Nations Health Authority insights.
To help pharmacists and service providers determine which formulation of THN may be most appropriate for individuals or clients, BCCDC has developed the resource Which Naloxone Should You Distribute? (PDF, 165KB). For additional training resources, including updated materials, toolkits and naloxone counselling guidance, visit Toward the Heart
Resources
TI Letter: Drug-induced peripheral edema
The Therapeutics Initiative published a new Therapeutics Letter about drug-induced peripheral edema, which is common, but often overlooked. Recognizing medication causes can help prevent unnecessary tests and prescribing cascades.
Read the full letter at Therapeutics Initiative | [162] Drug-induced peripheral edema: a common, overlooked, reversible harm
Resources
- Therapeutics Initiative | [162] Drug-induced peripheral edema: a common, overlooked, reversible harm
Website spotlight: Patient care during states of emergency and evacuations
Resources
- Patient care during states of emergency and evacuations
- PharmaCare Policy Manual, Section 11.1: PharmaCare Help Desk and Medical Practitioner Line
- PharmaCare Policy Manual, Section 5.4: Travel Supply Policy
Exchange rate update for prosthetic and orthotic components
As of June 25, 2026, PharmaCare's exchange rate has increased from $1.3659 to $1.4204. PharmaCare's price list for prosthetic and orthotic 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 consecutive business days, PharmaCare's exchange rate is adjusted to reflect the new rate.
Formulary and listing updates
Limited Coverage benefits: sacubitril-valsartan (generics), secukinumab (Cosentyx®)
PharmaCare has added the following limited coverage items to the PharmaCare drug list. Special Authority approval is required for coverage.
| Drug name | sacubitril-valsartan (generics) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | June 4, 2026 | ||
| Indication | For the treatment of heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II or III HF. | ||
| DINs | 02564432 02549018 02564440 02549026 02564459 02549034 |
Strength & form | 24 mg/26 mg tablet 49 mg/51 mg tablet 97 mg/103 mg tablet |
| Special notes | The brand product for sacubitril-valsartan (Entresto®) will become a partial benefit on July 4, 2026. | ||
| Drug name | secukinumab (Cosentyx®) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | June 10, 2026 | ||
| Indication | For the treatment of plaque psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and hidradenitis suppurativa | ||
| DINs | 02529653 02529661 |
Strength & form | 300 mg/2 mL pre-filled syringe 300 mg/2 mL pre-filled pen |
Non-benefits: inclisiran (Leqvio®), olopatadine hydrochloride and mometasone furoate (Ryaltris®), ruxolitinib (Opzelura®)
PharmaCare has decided not to cover the following drugs for the noted indications.
| Drug name | inclisiran (Leqvio®) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | June 4, 2026 | ||
| Indication |
For the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia to further reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) for patients with the following conditions who are on maximally tolerated dose of a statin:
|
||
| DIN | 02518376 | Strength & form | 284 mg in 1.5 mL single-dose pre-filled syringe |
| Drug name | olopatadine hydrochloride and mometasone furoate (Ryaltris®) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | June 4, 2026 | ||
| Indication | For the symptomatic treatment of moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and associated ocular symptoms in adults, adolescents, and children aged 6 years and older. | ||
| DIN | 02531186 | Strength & form | 665 mcg olopatadine hydrochloride and 25 mcg mometasone furoate nasal spray |
| Drug name | ruxolitinib (Opzelura®) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | June 17, 2026 | ||
| Indication | Topical treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. | ||
| DIN | 02552434 | Strength & form | 1.5% topical cream |
EDRD benefits: lanadelumab (Takhzyro®), risdiplam (Evrysdi®)
PharmaCare has initiated funding of two new formulations of drugs through the Expensive Drugs for Rare Diseases (EDRD) process.
Clinicians with existing patients approved through the EDRD process do not need to submit a new application. To switch patients with existing EDRD approval to the new formulation, clinicians should write an updated prescription, following all relevant regulations.
| Drug name | lanadelumab (Takhzyro®) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | June 17, 2026 | ||
| Indication | The routine prevention of attacks of hereditary angioedema in adults and pediatric patients aged 2 years and older. | ||
| DIN | 02564483 | Strength & form | 300 mg/2 mL pre-filled pen |
| Drug name | risdiplam (Evrysdi®) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | June 17, 2026 | ||
| Indication | The treatment of spinal muscular atrophy. | ||
| DIN | 02560747 | Strength & form | 5 mg tablet |
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 | ||
| secukinumab (Cosentyx®) | Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), patients 6 years and older | June 24 to July 21 at 11:59 pm | ||
| inebilizumab (Uplizna®) IgG4-RD | Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) in adults | June 24 to July 21 at 11:59 pm | ||
| inebilizumab (Uplizna®) gMG | Generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in adults | June 24 to July 21 at 11:59 pm | ||
June 15 Special Release: Formulary update – Generic semaglutide
Effective June 15, BC PharmaCare has listed two generic semaglutide products for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus after inadequate glycemic control on metformin. They are manufactured by Apotex and Dr. Reddy's.
Apotex and Dr. Reddy's semaglutides are generic copies of the brand-name product Ozempic®. Semaglutide generics are equally safe, effective and have bioequivalence to the brand-name product Ozempic. Also, generic semaglutide has the same active ingredient and dosage forms as Ozempic.
Semaglutide generics are priced at a 65% discount to the brand-name product Ozempic. Prescribing or adapting prescriptions to generics can save B.C. residents and insurers significant costs without compromising quality of care.
The generics have been added to the Low Cost Alternative program with full coverage, which is available through a prescriber Special Authority (SA) request showing the patient meets clinical criteria. If the patient's medications are covered by Fair PharmaCare, they may pay some or all of the cost, depending on if they have met their deductible or family maximum for the year.
To ensure and support supply stability for B.C. residents, the brand-name product Ozempic will remain fully covered through SA request.
| Drug name | semaglutide (generics) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date | June 15, 2026 | |||
| Indication | Type 2 diabetes mellitus | |||
| Apotex | ||||
| DINs |
02568020
|
Strength & form |
Semaglutide injection 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg/dose contains 3 mL solution (0.68 mg/mL) equivalent to 2 mg/pre-filled multi-dose pen for 4 doses (0.25 mg/dose) and 2 doses (0.5 mg/dose)
|
|
| Dr. Reddy's | ||||
| DINs |
02567806
|
Strength & form |
Semaglutide injection 0.25 mg or 0.5 mg/dose contains 1.5 mL solution (1.34 mg/mL) equivalent to 2 mg/pre-filled multi-dose pen for 4 doses (0.25 mg/dose) and 2 doses (0.5 mg/dose)
|
|
Resources
- Limited coverage criteria – semaglutide
- Low Cost Alternative (LCA) and Reference Drug Program (RDP) Data Files
- LCA/RDP Updates Workbook (XLS)
- Low Cost Alternative program
- Canada’s Drug Agency: What are bioavailability and bioequivalence? (PDF, 310KB)
About the PharmaCare Newsletter
The PharmaCare Newsletter is published on the first Wednesday of each month, with occasional mid-month releases. The PharmaCare Newsletter communicates drug listings, PharmaCare policy, PharmaNet procedures, and other pertinent information for PharmaCare providers and health care partners.
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.
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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.
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