Patients can now have their voices heard on specific drug reviews, thanks to a website launched by the Ministry of Health Services.
The collection of information and personal input is a vital portion of the review process. The website gives eligible patients, caregivers and patient advocacy groups the opportunity to provide their input into the PharmaCare review of several selected drugs.
Drugs currently up for review include:
• Oxybutynin (brand name Uromax), which is used in the treatment of symptoms of overactive bladder.
• Calcitriol (brand name Silkis), which is used in the treatment of mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.
When other drugs come up for review, those who have signed up for the online subscription service will be notified.
All information collected is reviewed by the Drug Benefit Council, an independent advisory body made up of 12 members. They give their recommendations on whether a drug should be covered by PharmaCare or not and how it should be covered. PharmaCare then makes its decision based on recommendations, policy and plans already in place and resources available.
The Province is committed to a transparent and sustainable PharmaCare program, which is why all the recommendations made by the Pharmaceutical Task Force in 2008 have been accepted. PharmaCare is committed to a fair and unbiased drug review process. This website is another tool to help strengthen our PharmaCare program for all British Columbians.
Information on the PharmaCare coverage of many drugs can be found using the new online PharmaCare Formulary Search.
Your Voice can be found online at: www.health.gov.bc.ca/pharmacare/yourvoice