All BC residents taking Humalog® or Novorapid® should meet with their practitioners to transition their rapid insulin therapies to the newly listed biosimilars by May 29, 2022:
- From Humalog® to Admelog and,
- From Novorapid® to Trurapi®
Admelog and Trurapi are equally as effective as the original insulins, are safe to use, and work the same way.
Plan W (for wellness) is the drug benefits plan of the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). The plan is available to all FNHA clients and is aligned with BC PharmaCare.
What does this change mean for me?
- If you are covered by Plan W and taking Humalog or Novorapid, contact your doctor or nurse practitioner for a prescription for the biosimilar before May 29, 2022.
- If you do not have a doctor or nurse practitioner, or have lost access to your usual provider, call the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day at 1-855-344-3800 for help with your prescription.
- Please call First Nations Health Benefits (FNHB) at 1-855-550-5454 if you have questions about Plan W coverage.
What are “biologic" and “biosimilar" drugs?
Biologic drugs are made from living organisms. Drug manufacturers usually protect new biologics with patents, meaning that, for a limited time, they can't be copied and sold at a lower price by competitors. Humalog and Novorapid are biologic drugs that were protected by patents.
Biosimilar drugs are highly similar to the original biologics. Biosimilars usually become available when patents on biologics expire. Biosimilars undergo strict testing and are regulated by Health Canada to ensure that they are safe and work the same way as the original drugs.
The change is part of the BC PharmaCare Biosimilars Intitiative to keep plan coverage sustainable. By switching to biosimilars as they become available, Plan W and BC PharmaCare will be able to cover more drug options for members.
Need more information or support to manage diabetes?
- Connect with your care provider or your local pharmacist to discuss your insulin therapy.
- Call First Nations Health Benefits (FNHB) at 1-855-550-5454 for help with a referral to attend a virtual diabetes medication management session or medication review with a clinical pharmacist.
