Gets commitment that Remicade will not be switched for a biosimilar medication in NS
HALIFAX, NS – Progressive Conservative MLA, Tim Houston, says he will be holding the Minister of Health and Wellness to his commitment that the province will not force Crohn’s and Colitis patients to switch from Remicade to a biosimilar medication.
“The Minister has given his word and on behalf of those patients and families dealing with this disease, I expect the Liberals to follow through,” says Houston.
It was recently made public that Health Canada had agreed to force a switch of this prescription to a biosimilar form.
Houston pressed the McNeil government in Question Period in the legislature to ensure that this switch does not happen in Nova Scotia. The Minister committed that there would be a no forced-switch policy for patients already on Remicade. Houston says he will continue to follow this to make sure that there is proper implementation without delay.
“People suffering with Crohn’s and Colitis often go through countless bouts of trial and error before they find something that works,” said Houston. “We want to see that the no forced-switch policy for Remicade is put in place and followed.”