As of April 13 (Lantus and Humalog) and July 6, 2022 (Novorapid), the Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) will stop covering these insulins. The corresponding biosimilar insulins will now be reimbursed.
What is a biosimilar?
A biosimilar is a very similar copy of a biologic drug. A biologic drug is produced from living cells, as in the case of insulin. Biosimilars are used to treat diseases such as arthritis, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, cancer, psoriasis and diabetes. Biosimilars are safe and effective. They are approved by Health Canada and evaluated by the Institut national d’excellence en santé et en services sociaux (INESSS) before being registered on the list of medications of the Régie d’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ).
To learn more about biosimilars, click HERE.
To learn all about the transition from biologics to biosimilars, read the article (in French only) by our pharmacist colleague Alexandre Chadi.
Insuline glargine (Lantus® → Basaglar®)
Since 2017, all patients starting a new insulin glargine treatment are required to use the biosimilar Basaglar®, whose reference drug is Lantus®. For those currently using Lantus®, the deadline to make the change is April 13, 2022, with some exceptions.
Insuline lispro (Humalog® → Admelog®)
Since March 2021, all patients starting a new insulin lispro treatment are required to use the biosimilar Admelog®, whose reference drug is Humalog®. For people currently using Humalog®, the deadline to make the change is April 13, 2022, with some exceptions.
Insuline asparte (NovoRapidMD → TrurapiMC)
As of February 2, 2022, all patients starting a new insulin aspart treatment must use the biosimilar Trurapi™, whose reference drug is NovoRapid®. For people currently using the NovoRapid®, the deadline to make the change is July 6, 2022, with some exceptions.
What steps do I need to take?
If you have not yet made the transition to a biosimilar, check with your prescriber (doctor, specialized nurse practitioner) or pharmacist as soon as possible to ensure you get a new prescription and the appropriate injector pen before April 13 or July 6, 2022, depending on your situation.
To read the notice (in French only) issued by the RAMQ, click HERE
To learn more about exceptions, click HERE
Research and writing : Diabetes Québec team of health profesionals
© Diabetes Québec – February 2022