Earlier this month, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada launched a public action campaign around patient choice. While they celebrate the introduction of biosimilars as a treatment choice for people living with Crohn’s or colitis, they also want to ensure that the medication decisions remain between the doctor and his/her patient.
As you may know, some provincial drug plans are considering forcing stable patients to switch their biologic medication to a biosimilar for cost reasons alone. A forced government switch raises concern for our community as it ultimately reduces a patient’s and his/her prescribing physician’s choice around what medical treatment is in their best interest.
Chron's and Colitis Canada iscalling on patients, caregivers, friends, families and organizations who are concerned about this issue to send a letter to their local official. Early results have been exceptional with over 1,500 letters issued since Oct 4.
If you would like to join their outreach efforts, please encourage your community to support this initiative by visiting choicematters.ca or demandezlechoix.ca and taking action.
If you are interested in becoming a campaign partner, please contact Aida Fernandes at afernandes@crohnsandcolitis.ca to discuss co-branding opportunities.
Their campaign continues through October and November with promotion through a variety of media. They hope you can join us.