Public Insurance
Psoriasis Treatments
Topicals for Psoriasis
| Generic Name (Brand Name) | Generic Available? | AB | BC | MB | NB | NL | NIHB | NWT | NS | NU | ON | PE | QC | SK | YT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Betamethasone/Calcipotriol (Dovobet Oint) | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | SA | Yes | Yes | SA | Yes | Yes (in specific clinical situations) | Yes | SA | Yes | Yes | |
| Betamethasone/Calcipotriol (Dovobet Gel) | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes (in specific clinical situations) | Yes | SA | Yes | Yes | |
| Betamethasone/Calcipotriol (Enstilar Foam) | No | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | SA | Yes | Yes (in specific clinical situations) | Yes | SA | Yes | Yes | |
| Betamethasone/Calcipotriol (Wynzora Cream) | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | |
| Calcipotriol (Dovonex) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | SA | Yes | SA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Calcitriol (Silkis) | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes - GENERICS ONLY | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | |
| Roflumilast (Zoryve) | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | |
| Tapinarof (Ndurva®) | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | |
| Tazarotene (Arazlo) | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | SA | Yes | No | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | |
| Tazarotene (Tazorac) | No | Yes | Yes | NA | No | SA | SA | SA | SA | No | NA | NA | No | Yes | Yes | |
Abbreviations:
SA – Special Authorization
NIHB – Non-Insured Health Benefits. Covers registered First Nations and Inuit. Used by NT and NU.
Yes – Public health coverage is available for this medication. If you are not currently registered for public health coverage in your province or if you have questions about your eligibility, please talk to your pharmacist.
No – Public health coverage is not available for this medication; however, it may be covered by some private health plans.
SA – (aka “Special Authorization”, “Limited Use”, “Exceptional Medication or Exceptional Drug Status”) This medication requires patients to meet specific criteria to be eligible for coverage. Your doctor may need to complete certain forms or documentation to apply for coverage.
NA – This medication is not on the provincial formulary or information is not available
Systemics for Psoriasis
| Generic Name | Generic or Biosimilar Available? | AB | BC | MB | NB | NL | NHIB | NWT | NS | NU | ON | PE | QC | SK | YT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Methotrexate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Cyclosporine (Neoral) | Yes | SA | SA | SA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | SA | Yes | |
| Acitretin (Soriatane) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | SA | SA | |
| Apremilast (Otezla) | pms-APREMILAST Jamp Apremilast Sandoz Apremilast Mint-Apremilast Apo-Apremilast Auro-Apremilast GLN-Apremilast | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | SA | No | No |
Abbreviations:
SA – Special Authorization
NIHB – Non-Insured Health Benefits. Covers registered First Nations and Inuit. Used by NT and NU.
Yes – Public health coverage is available for this medication. If you are not currently registered for public health coverage in your province or if you have questions about your eligibility, please talk to your pharmacist.
No – Public health coverage is not available for this medication; however, it may be covered by some private health plans.
SA – (aka “Special Authorization”, “Limited Use”, “Exceptional Medication or Exceptional Drug Status”) This medication requires patients to meet specific criteria to be eligible for coverage. Your doctor may need to complete certain forms or documentation to apply for coverage.
NA – This medication is not on the provincial formulary or information is not available
Biologics for Psoriasis
| Chemical Name (Originator) | Biosimilar | AB | BC | MB | NB | NL | NIHB | NWT | NS | NU | ON | PE | QC | SK | YT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adalimumab (Humira) | Amgevita, Hadlima, Hulio, Hurimoz, Idacio, Abrilada, Simlandi, Yuflyma | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humiara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions. | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humiara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions. | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humiara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions. | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humiara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions. | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humiara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions. | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humiara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions. | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humiara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions. | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humiara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions. | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humiara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions. | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humiara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions. | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humiara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions. | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humiara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions. | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humiara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions. | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humiara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions. | |
| Bimekizumab, (Bimzelex) | No | Yes - EDS | Yes -EDS | Yes -EDS | SA | SA | No | No | Yes -EDS | No | Yes -L/U | SA | SA | No | ||
| Certolizumab (Cimzia) | No | SA | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | |
| Etanercept (Enbrel) | Brenzys, Erelzi, Rymti | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | |
| Infliximab (Remicade) | Avsola Renflexis Remsima Ixifi Remdantry | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | |
| Brodalumab (Siliq) | No | Yes-EDS | Yes -EDS | Yes -EDS | SA | SA | Yes -L/U | Yes - L/U | Yes -EDS | Yes - L/U | Yes L/U | SA | SA | SA | No | |
| Golimumab (Simponi) | No | SA | SA | NA | SA | NA | NA | NA | SA | NA | NA | No | NA | No | NA | |
| Guselkumab (Tremfya) | No | Yes-EDS | Yes-EDS | Yes -EDS | SA | SA | Yes -L/U | Yes L/U | Yes -EDS | Yes L/U | Yes -L/U | SA | SA | Yes -EDS | No | |
| Ixekizumab (Taltz) | No | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | |
| Risankizumab (Skyrizi) | No | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | |
| Secukinumab (Cosentyx) | No | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | |
| Spesolimab (Spevigo) - For Generalized Pustular Psoriasis - GPP | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | |
| Tildrakizumab (Ilumya) | No | SA | No | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | No | |
| Ustekinumab (Stelara) | amteki, Otulfi, Wezlana, Steqeyma | SA-Biosimilar. A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA-Biosimilar. A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA-Biosimilar. A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA-Biosimilar. A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA-Biosimilar. A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA-Biosimilar. A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA-Biosimilar. A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA-Biosimilar. A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA-Biosimilar. A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA-Biosimilar. A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA-Biosimilar. A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA-Biosimilar. A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA-Biosimilar. A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA-Biosimilar. A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | |
Abbreviations:
SA – Special Authorization
NIHB – Non-Insured Health Benefits. Covers registered First Nations and Inuit. Used by NT and NU.
Yes – Public health coverage is available for this medication. If you are not currently registered for public health coverage in your province or if you have questions about your eligibility, please talk to your pharmacist.
No – Public health coverage is not available for this medication; however, it may be covered by some private health plans.
SA – (aka “Special Authorization”, “Limited Use”, “Exceptional Medication or Exceptional Drug Status”) This medication requires patients to meet specific criteria to be eligible for coverage. Your doctor may need to complete certain forms or documentation to apply for coverage.
NA – This medication is not on the provincial formulary or information is not available
Each public drug plan provided by the federal, provincial, or territorial governments covers medication differently. Access to standard care drugs depends on where patients live.
You’ll see that some are considered “Special Access” or “Restricted Access” which means they usually require you to have tried (and ‘failed’) other therapies first and require your doctor to send some forms in to the Ministry of Health or to the Health Authority for approval. In this case, your dermatologist or rheumatologist may require access to your medical records.
The following tables detail which medications are covered and what criteria have to be met for people covered by public drug plans.
Psoriatic Arthritis Treatments
Systemics for Psoriatic Arthritis
| Generic Name (Brand Name) | Generic / Biosimilar Available? | AB | BC | MB | NB | NL | NHIB | NWT | NS | NU | ON | PE | QC | SK | YT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apremilast (Otelza) | No | No | No | No | No | No | NA | NA | Yes | NA | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Cyclosporine (Neoral) | Yes | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Methotrexate | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | NA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sulfasalazine (Salazopyrin) | pms-SULFASALAZINE | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tofacitinib (Xeljanz) | Yes | No | SA | SA | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Abbreviations:
SA – Special Authorization
NIHB – Non-Insured Health Benefits. Covers registered First Nations and Inuit. Used by NT and NU.
Yes – Public health coverage is available for this medication. If you are not currently registered for public health coverage in your province or if you have questions about your eligibility, please talk to your pharmacist.
No – Public health coverage is not available for this medication; however, it may be covered by some private health plans.
SA – (aka “Special Authorization”, “Limited Use”, “Exceptional Medication or Exceptional Drug Status”) This medication requires patients to meet specific criteria to be eligible for coverage. Your doctor may need to complete certain forms or documentation to apply for coverage.
NA – This medication is not on the provincial formulary or information is not available
Biologics for Psoriatic Arthritis
| Chemical Name (Originator) | Biosimilar | AB | BC | MB | NB | NL | NIHB | NWT | NS | NU | ON | PE | QC | SK | YT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abatacept (Orencia) | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Adalimumab (Humira) | Hadlima® Hyrimoz® Idacio® Amgevita® Hulio® Abrilada Simlandi Yuflyma | SA Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humira (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humira (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humira (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humira (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humira (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humira (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humira (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humira (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humira (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humira (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humira (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humira (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humira (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA Biosimilars. A limited number of previous Humira (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions |
| Bimekizumab (Bimzelx) | No | No | No | No | SA | SA | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) | No | SA | SA | Yes-EDS | SA | SA | Yes L/U | Yes L/U | SA | Yes L/U | YES EAP | SA | SA | NA | Yes EDS |
| Etanercept (Enbrel) | Brenzys, Erelzi,Rymti | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SASA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Enbrel (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions |
| Golimumab (Simponi) | No | SA | SA | Yes-EDS | SA | SA | Yes - L/U | Yes L/U | SA | YES - L/U | YES EAP | SA | SA | YES -EDS | Yes EDS |
| Guselkumab (Tremfya) | No | Yes - EDS | Yes - EDS | Yes -EDS | SA | SA | Yes - L/U | Yes L/U | Yes - EDS | Yes - L/U | Yes -EAP | SA | No | YES -EDS | No |
| Infliximab (Remicade) | Avsola Renflexis Remsima Ixifi Remdantry | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Ixekizumab (Taltz) | No | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | No | SA | SA | SA | SA |
| Risankizumab (Skiryzi) | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Secukinumab (Cosentyx) | No | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA | No | SA | SA | SA | SA | SA |
| Ustekinumab (Stelara) | amteki, Otulfi, Wezlana, Steqeyma | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions | SA - biosimilars A limited number of previous Stelara (brand) patients may continue receiving coverage for this product as exceptions |
Abbreviations:
SA – Special Authorization
NIHB – Non-Insured Health Benefits. Covers registered First Nations and Inuit. Used by NT and NU.
Yes – Public health coverage is available for this medication. If you are not currently registered for public health coverage in your province or if you have questions about your eligibility, please talk to your pharmacist.
No – Public health coverage is not available for this medication; however, it may be covered by some private health plans.
SA – (aka “Special Authorization”, “Limited Use”, “Exceptional Medication or Exceptional Drug Status”) This medication requires patients to meet specific criteria to be eligible for coverage. Your doctor may need to complete certain forms or documentation to apply for coverage.
NA – This medication is not on the provincial formulary or information is not available
Special Authorization Criteria per Province
Each province and territory has different criteria that a patient must meet in order to qualify to receive a biologic medication. The criteria may differ depending on what condition the drug is prescribed for. Some provinces may require patients to be assessed by a certain specialist such as a rheumatologist before they can apply for coverage. For the most comprehensive and up to date information on special authority criteria, please see the following resources and talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Resources:
- Drug formulary: This is a list of drugs that are eligible for coverage under the provincial drug plan
- SA/EDS details: This explains the criteria that needs to be met in order to qualify for drug coverage
- Pso or PsA Form: This is an application form that must be completed by your physician to apply for special authority coverage
British Columbia
Alberta
Saskatchewan
Manitoba
- Formulary https://web22.gov.mb.ca/eFormulary/
- EDS details: https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/mdbif/docs/edsnotice.pdf
Ontario
Quebec
- Drug Formulary and SA details: https://www.ramq.gouv.qc.ca/sites/default/files/documents/liste_med_2022-02-02_en_0.pdf
New Brunswick
Nova Scotia
- Drug Formulary: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/documents/formulary.pdf
- Interchangeable Drug Products: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/new-interchangeable-products/interchangeable-products-2021.pdf
- ESC details: https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/documents/Criteria-for-Exception-Status-Coverage.pdf
Prince Edward Island
Newfoundland and Labrador
- Drug Formulary:https://www.health.gonl.ca/health/prescription/coverage_status_table.pdf
- Interchangeable Drug Products: https://www.gov.nl.ca/hcs/files/nlpdp-formularyvol85.pdf
- Pso Form: https://www.gov.nl.ca/hcs/files/Chronic-Plaque-Psoriasis-Medications.pdf
Yukon
- Drug Formulary: https://ihs.gov.yk.ca/drugs/f?p=161:9000
NIHB (includes NWT and Nunavut)
- Drug Benefit List (PDF): https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/DAM/DAM-ISC-SAC/DAM-HLTH/STAGING/texte-text/nihb_benefits-services_drugs_dbl-index_1573pdf
- Drug Benefit List (Search Engine): https://nihb-ssna.express-scripts.ca/en/0205140506092019/16/160407