Discussions

Anyone else been diagnosed with UC? Have been on 5-Aminosalicylic acid and unfortunately they are not working for me. Just went to my doctor and was recommend to change things to an injectable and was wondering if its covered by pharma-care? I was recommend Humira.  
 
Edited by BlueJeans, 2019-03-20 21:26:34

I have been on Humera for close to 10 years and it has been fabulous for me. Highly recommend it.  
Pm me if you have any questions.

Is Humira something that private drug plan covers? And what we're you symptoms of UC?  
 
Edited by Iceman14, 2019-03-21 05:47:53

Your Gastroenterologist can apply for EDS coverage for Humira.  
 
If you don’t have a Gastroenterologist I highly suggest Dr Mackalski

Dr Macalski did my first gastroscopy and I was in absolute agony! And she was mean!  
Dr Goosin is gentle kind and pain free!

This is the information I needed! I currently have a specialist in Winnipeg that has diagnosed me in 2018. Just when I went yesterday we only touched base on this as we were all walking out and rescheduling my next appointment. I will definitely ask for EDS coverage. Seeing my family doctor today and will see if she can make that request for my Winnipeg doctor to do so!  
 
Edited by BlueJeans, 2019-03-21 11:54:52

As stated, the request has to be sent by the gastroenterologist.  
From the MB Health formulary, Part 3 (EDS):  
 
Ulcerative Colitis:  
For the treatment of patients over 18 years of age with moderate to severely active ulcerative colitis who have had inadequate response, intolerance or contraindications to conventional  
therapy including 5-aminosalicylate compounds AND corticosteroids.  
Request for coverage must be made by a specialist in gastroenterology.

I went through Abiecare, but had to do it on my own. If you qualify they will pay it up until your pharmacare kicks in

Good to know, just waiting for my call from Abiecare, my gastroenterologist made a request yesterday! Supposed to get a call within a week.

I work in healthcare that’s why I know about it..... you can ask your GP but sometimes there are pres:criptions only specialists are able to prescribe therefore the dr will have to write to Manitoba EDS

I believe these are two different programs. Both are financial benefiting to the user. As I use both of them

Pharamacare and EDS are two different programs yes.  
 
EDS Coverage: When an EDS drug is approved as a benefit, the cost will be covered through the Pharmacare Program during the time period authorized by the EDS Program and after the clients Pharmacare deductible has been met.  
 
Pharmacare: Pharmacare is a drug benefit program for eligible Manitobans, regardless of disease or age, whose income is seriously affected by high pres:cription drug costs. Pharmacare coverage is based on both your total family income and the amount you pay for eligible pres:cription drugs.

Yes I am aware that my family doctor is not able to fill out the form but was more than informative and was going to give my specialist a call to make sure the paperwork is filled saving me another trip to Winnipeg.

Abiecare is a complete different program that you are talking about. EDS as you call it has nothing to do with how my Humeria is covered.  
I only go through Pharmicare and Abiecare. I guess I have never tried or heard of EDS. But maybe it was something I may have looked into but this other was just works out very well for me. I

BLUEJEANS. please message me as then I can talk to you as I have been on this drug for a very long time and can answer your questions properly.  
Thank you

Hi there,  
I was diagnosed with Ulcerative colitis about 20 years ago. For the first 15 years or so, I was prescribed ASA in ever-increasing doses along with a few other things here and there, and it never quite did the trick.  
Then along came Mezavant! I have been doing very well on Mezavant, even through times of high stress, pregnancy, and other illnesses. I highly recommend it.  
It's only available under the brand name, and it is fairly expensive... however, if you sign up for Pharmacare, it is 100% covered once your premium is paid. Also, if you tell your doctor that you can't afford it right now they will often give you a starting pack of samples so that at least you can give it a try.

I will keep that in mind if I have any questions, thank you!

Very good information to know, my doctor did also mention to my doctor I could not afford it. Currently in the process. Just waiting on paper work and things should be covered! Unfortunately I will have a little bit of a wait as my doctor went on holidays...

Yeah, I am already approved! My meds will be covered by pharmacare. Thank you everyone for helping me get directed!