The Provincial Government has added coverage for two IV-infused medications used for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program. The drugs, Tysabri and Lemtrada, are primarily dispensed by community pharmacies for use outside an acute care facility, and will now be available to patients under the program.

Historically, medications requiring IV administration were excluded from the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program benefit list, given administration could only occur in an acute care facility with the medication provided at no cost to the patient. However, in recent years, an increasing number of these IV medications are being delivered through private infusion clinics in the community.

Adding these medications for outpatient use under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program will ensure consistency in coverage, regardless of the setting in which they are administered.

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“Our government is committed to helping residents of the province address their health care needs, including access to prescriptions drugs. It is important that we continuously review our criteria for the funding of drugs under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program to ensure consistency in coverage, regardless of where it is administered.”
Honourable Tom Osborne
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP)

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Media contact
Laura Thomas
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 709-727-0341
laurathomas@gov.nl.ca