Is Ibrutunib available in Canada?

[Nour80Leen2011]

Dear all as a permanent resident in Canada is Ibriutunib available in Canada and is it given by Government hospitals and clinics?

Is the medicine covered by insurance?

Thanks a lot

[Benlewis]

It depends on which province you are in, whether or not you have been treated previously and your genetic markers.

[Rosiehiker in reply to Benlewis]

anyone from Ontario? I am still on WW but try to keep up to date.

Also for those in Ontario on WW how often are you seen by a doctor or specialist and what tests do they do on an annual basis?

Is FISH and FLOW usually done during the initial diagnosis? Think I just had FLOW

[Carl123 in reply to Rosiehiker]

I’m from Ontario

[Rosiehiker in reply to Carl123]

Are you WW? Wondering if you are what your initial workup was and if you see a cancer specialist or your family doctor for those.

[Carl123 in reply to Rosiehiker]

Just started treatment at credit valley and see a hematologist those tests are usually done just before treatment I believe, what hospital you go too?

[Rosiehiker in reply to Carl123]

I am just in WW( 6 years now, currently 59 yrs old). It was found during routine blood test. I originally saw a hematologist at Grand River Cancer center. I was then referred back to my family dr (thank goodness is really good) . Every 6 months I get bloodwork and get an ultrasound of my abdomen once a year.

I make sure I see a dermatologist every 2nd year and get mammogram every couple as well.

I am retired now with no decent prescription benefits so get concerned of what future holds

[Carl123 in reply to Rosiehiker]

well many of these drugs can be covered under the Trillum health plan you just need to make quarterly payments based off your household income I believe 4 percent or so, which is really good as these drugs would be very expensive.

[Rosiehiker in reply to Carl123]

Ok thanks. And Trillium doesnt depend on your age. Before going into treatment did you see a hematologist and does my WW protocol sound similar to what you were in the WW phase.

Also , hope your treatment is going well!

[Carl123 in reply to Rosiehiker]

Yeh doesn’t matter age just based off income and if your benefits you have from

Work cover and if not then they help you pay it, my treatment so far is going ok just started a few days ago on Acalabrutinib, was on WW for 3 years

[Rosiehiker in reply to Carl123]

I hope you are feeling ok and that it goes well !

[Hidden in reply to Rosiehiker]

Hi I’m from Ontario started Ibrutinib 3 months ago and thankfully it’s covered under my work benefits. It’s given me my life back

[Rosiehiker in reply to Hidden]

Hi. Glad to hear things are going well. I dont have any work benefits but glad to hear how Trillium works tho still in WW.

How long were you in WW and when you were were you followed by a cancer specialist or family doctor?

[Hidden in reply to Rosiehiker]

I have bpll which is a high risk cll. I was initially treated with chemo 4 years ago was in remission for 2 yrs and just recently started the Ibrutinib. I go to my oncologist monthly but eventually will go every 4 to 6 months once my blood tests improve.

[Rosiehiker in reply to Hidden]

Hope your treatment goes well for you !

[Hidden in reply to Rosiehiker]

Thank you! I hope you never need treatment and remain in ww.

[Carl123 in reply to Hidden]

you located in Canada as well

[Hidden in reply to Carl123]

Yes in Toronto!

[Carl123 in reply to Hidden]

I’m in the GTA as well and just started a Acalabrutinib

[Hidden in reply to Carl123]

I heard that works really well. There seems to be be many options. My doc wants me to consider stem cell but with all these amazing drugs I’m not sure if that’s the best route

[Carl123 in reply to Hidden]

Why do that if Ibrutinib is working? Is this a cll doctor?

[Hidden in reply to Carl123]

Princess Margaret hospital. Ibrutinib is working great and I agree that I rather stay on it for as long as it works.

[Carl123 in reply to Hidden]

Yeh hopefully

All is well maybe u can switch to Acalabrutinib in the future

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

Nour, here is a site that shows Province access to different meds for CLL

cllpag.ca/treatment-access-...

[Nour80Leen2011 in reply to cllady01]

Thanks a lot dear

[Miller1960]

I'm in British Columbia and my Ibrutinib is 100% covered on medical insurance. Feel very blessed.

Miller1960