Alta. opposition concerned by drug changes

Alberta’s Opposition is urging the province not to force patients on certain drugs for rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and Crohn’s disease to switch medications.

NDP health critic David Shepherd says it’s the best, safest way to make sure they don’t suffer crippling complications or setbacks.

“I understand the fear and uncertainty is real, that’s there a real risk for some of these folks of returning to be sick and incapacitated,” Shepherd told a news conference Wednesday as some patients stood behind him.

“The health minister has botched this process. I think he knows it.”

Health Minister Tyler Shandro announced a month ago that 26,000 patients already getting provincially funded biologic drugs would gradually be switched to biosimilar ones.

Biologics are complex drugs derived from living cells. Biosimilars mimic the original drugs but are based on expired patents and can be delivered at less cost.

The government notes Health Canada has signed off on switching to biosimilars as safe and effective, and that similar policies are in place in the United Kingdom, Poland, Norway and Austria.

Shandro has said Alberta is also following the lead of British Columbia and Manitoba and expects the move to save up to $380 million over the next four years. Added savings are expected as more biosimilar drugs come on the market.

Crohn’s and Colitis Canada has said the switch could lead to adverse reactions in some patients. Some of the people with Shepherd on Wednesday expressed the same worry.

Wilma Ritter, diagnosed at age four with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, said the biologic drug Remicade has allowed her to avoid a life of dependency.

“Now I can walk. I work. I live independently without any supports. Now I pay income tax instead of getting the government to give me money to live,” she said.

“Being forced to stop using Remicade is putting my stability as a person with an autoimmune disorder at risk.

“Switching to a biosimilar will not work for everyone. And there is also no way to predict who it will work for and who it will not.”

Shepherd said the government is wrong to make the change mandatory for existing patients.