Supporting your patients switching to a biosimilar

The Yukon Biosimilar Initiative was launched on April 3rd, 2023. The Initiative has already successfully transitioned two reference biologics to biosimilar versions.

Effective October 30th, 2023, the Yukon Biosimilar Initiative introduced six drugs listed on the Yukon Drug Plan Formulary as part of phase 2 of the Yukon Biosimilar Initiative.

What is a biosimilar?

Biosimilars are highly similar, safe and effective versions of the originator biologic drug, but are much less expensive.

Why are we switching to biosimilars?

By using biosimilars we'll reduce costs. This will improve the sustainability of our public drug plan. 

Do you need to switch your patients?

Some people enrolled in the Pharmacare or Chronic Disease and Disability Benefits programs may need to switch to a biosimilar medication.

To start switching patients to biosimilars:

1. Submit a form to the programs to receive a list of patients who may need to switch.
2. Discuss the switch with your patients.
3. Write a new prescription for a biosimilar.

Learn which drugs need to be switched to a biosimilar. We'll update the list as we add new biosimilars. 

Learn which drugs need to be switched to a biosimilar. We'll update the list as we add new biosimilars. 

List of drugs included in the Yukon Biosimilars Initiative

Are there any exceptions?

Medical exemptions

You can submit an exemption request for medical reasons to the programs.

Exemptions for specific circumstances

Patient is under 18 years of age

• They'll receive coverage for originator biologics until they turn 18.
• Once they turn 18, they'll have 6 months to transition to a biosimilar to maintain coverage.

Patient is pregnant

• They'll receive coverage for originator biologics until they are no longer pregnant.
• Once their pregnancy ends, they'll have 6 months to transition to a biosimilar to maintain coverage.

Patient is new to the Yukon

• They'll receive coverage for the originator biologics for their first 6 months after moving here.
• After 6 months, they'll have to transition to a biosimilar to maintain coverage.

Talking with patients about biosimilars

Your patients may come to you as a trusted source for more information about biosimilars. The most important information your patients need to know is that biosimilars are:

• safe and effective;
• work similarly to their current medications;
• have no increased risk;
• are used across Canada and around the world; and
• do not involve major changes to their routine.

Resources

• Biosimilars policy
• Biosimilar drugs in Canada: fact sheet
• Handbook for healthcare professionals on biosimilar biologic drugs

Literature reviews

• Cohen HP, Drugs, 2018: switching reference medicines to biosimilars: a systemic literature review of clinical outcomes
• Edwards CJ et al. Switching to biosimilars: current perspectives in immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Expert opinion on biological therapy (2019)
• Moots et al. Switching between reference biologics and biosimilars for the treatment of rheumatology, gastroenterology, and dermatology inflammatory conditions: considerations for the clinician.

Arthritis consumer experts

• Biosim Exchange
• Facts about biosimilars
• Biosimilars in Canada – what inflammatory arthritis patients need to know

Arthritis Research Canada

• Biosimilars – what you need to know
• Biosimilars webinar – what you need to know

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation: Crohn’s disease

• Video on switching from a biologic to a biosimilar
• Infographic on what’s Health Canada saying about biosimilars?
• Video on what's Health Canada saying about biosimilars?

Canadian Digestive Health Foundation: ulcerative colitis

• Video on switching from a biologic to a biosimilar
• Infographic on what’s Health Canada saying about biosimilars?
• Video on what's Health Canada saying about biosimilars?

Other Canadian jurisdictions

• Biosimilars in New Brunswick
• Biosimilars in Alberta
• Biosimilars in the Northwest Territories
• Biosimilars in British Columbia