If you're enrolled in the Pharmacare or Chronic Disease and Disability Benefits programs, you may need to switch from your current drug to a biosimilar.
What is a biosimilar?
Biosimilar drugs are highly similar, safe and effective versions of the originator biologic drug, but are much less expensive.
Why are we switching to biosimilars?
By using biosimilars we'll reduce costs. This will improve the sustainability of our public drug plan.
Do you need to switch?
You may need to switch to maintain coverage if:
- you're enrolled in 1 or both programs; and
- you're taking an originator biologic drug on this list.
We'll update this list as we add new biosimilars.
List of drugs included in the Yukon Biosimilars Initiative
| Drug | Originator (switch from) |
Biosimilar (switch to) |
Conditions | Switching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Insulin glargine |
Lantus®
|
Basaglar®
Semglee®
Lantus® vials will remain covered until biosimilar vial formats are listed on the Yukon Drug Plan Formulary. Individuals who use vial may be transitioned to a biosimilar insulin in a cartridge or prefilled pen to support patient care and preference.
|
|
April 3, 2023, to October 3, 2023 |
| Adalimumab | Humira® |
|
|
April 3, 2023, to October 3, 2023 |
Can you get an exemption?
Medical exception
You can get an exemption for medical reasons. There are also exemptions for specific circumstances. Your prescriber must submit an exemption request.
You're under 18 years of age
- You'll receive coverage for originator biologics until you turn 18.
- Once you turn 18, you'll have 6 months to transition to a biosimilar to keep your coverage.
You're pregnant
- You'll receive coverage for the originator biologics until you are no longer pregnant.
- Once your pregnancy ends, you'll have 6 months to transition to a biosimilar to keep your coverage.
You're new to the Yukon
- You'll receive coverage for the originator biologics for 6 months after moving here.
- After the 6 months, you'll need to transition to a biosimilar to keep your coverage.
Resources
If you have questions:
- email yukondrugplanformulary@yukon.ca;
- call Pharmacare 867-667-5403, or toll free in the Yukon 1-800-661-0408, extension 5403; or
- call the Chronic Disease and Disability Benefits program 867-667-5092, toll free in the Yukon 1-800-661-0408, extension 5092.