Gettng Ibrutinib in Canada

[pollyg2016]

Hello, I hope somebody in Canada can help me. Myself and my partner are UK nationals, but my partner also has dual nationality and a Canadian passport. He has Mantel Cell Lymphoma and has been on Ibrutinib from the NHS for the past 3 years. He is doing and looking very well on it. We have been thinking of moving back to Canada, but he is worried about being able to get his drug in Canada. Would he be able to just transfer his treatment to Canada? would he have to pay for his medication in Canada, as he gets his medication free in UK?

[Jemorgen]

Hi Polly - glad to hear your part is doing well. The short answer to your question is: it depends. Each province has different protocols for treatment that delineate criteria as well. For example, in BC, I can’t get ibrutinib as a first line treatment because I’m too young (55).

I suggest you look up the Ministry of Health chemo protocols for the province where you intend to live. Or, choose your province on the basis of eligibility.

Also, I believe all provinces have a wait period before new residents are eligible for provincial health coverage which includes treatment. Make this part of your considerations.

Heather 🇨🇦 BC

[pollyg2016 in reply to Jemorgen]

Thanks for the information, this will give us food for thought. We were thinking of relocating to Halifax.

[Jemorgen in reply to pollyg2016]

Halifax is beautiful although the west coast is warmer lol. Good luck with your decision-making.

Heather

[Patrick1960]

Hello Polly,

I live in Vancouver BC and have been on Ibrutinib since last Aug, 1 year now. I had a stem cell transplant in 2014 and had a relapse in 2018 and that was the only reason I was able to start treatment with Ibrutinib. So yes it is available in Canada but I am not sure if it would be covered by our health care system in your case. It is very expensive $110,000 per year if not covered. I wish you the best of luck.