There are many different treatments available for psoriasis patients.  What works for one patient, may not work for the other, even if there symptoms are very similar. 

The three main classes of treatment are called:

topicals,

systemics, and

biologics.

Each province or territory covers medication differently. The following table details which medications are covered and the qualifications for public coverage. Access to standard care drugs depends on where patients live.You'll see that some are considered "Special Access" or "Restricted Access" which means they usually require you to have tried ( and 'failed' ) other therapies first and require your doctor to send some forms in to the Ministry of Health or to the Health Authority for approval. In this case, your dermatologist may require access to your medical records.

Table: Funding status by province of medications to treat psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Abbreviations: SA = Special Authorization (aka "limited use" or "exceptional drug status")
NIHB = Non-Insured Health Benefits. Covers registered First Nations and Inuit. Used by NT and NU.

Psoriasis 

Psoriatic Arthritis

Special Authorization Chart per province

Each province and territory has a different hurdle that patients must reach in order to qualify to receive a biological medication. Depending on where an individual lives, he or she may or may not be eligible to receive newer treatments. View the details for each province:

If a treatment has been decided but you have a prerequisite and no contraindications to this prerequisite- and your dermatologist (or rheumatologist) and you prefer to move ahead without having to try the prerequisite medication.  In some provinces a special fund exists that may cover the cost for your preferred medication. Contact your provincial or territorial health department websites as outlined in this table, where you can also obtain more information and up to date status on public coverage. You can also obtain more information and up to date status on public coverageat these government websites (provincial and territories).

Below you will find a listing of all Patient Support Programs for all the biologics and biosimilars currently being used to treat psoriatic disease. The information outlines the drug, how it is administered, who is the associated pharmaceutical company along with details on the Patient Support Program associated with that medication. The information outlines the support that is offered for patients currently taking that medication.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Patient Support Programs Contact Information 

Patient Support Preferences

CAPP asked patients who are using or have used a Patient Support Program what aspects of the program they valued the most. These programs offer different services (see the tables above), including help getting insurance coverage, financial assistance and support in using the drug. Overall, the services provided by PSPs that help patients access the biologic / biosimilar that they have been prescribed were the most highly valued by patients.

Do you have an experience you’d like to share? Let us know at info@canadianpsoriasis.ca.

Click the image to read the report:

1. Psoriasis patients should have access to dermatological care within an acceptable wait time regardless of where they live in Canada. We believe that Canadians seeking treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis should not have to wait longer than 5 weeks to see a dermatologist―the national median wait time reported in 2001.

2. While we recognize that it is not possible for all dermatology services to be available within commuting distance of all Canadians, we believe that phototherapy―a mainstay of treatment for psoriasis―should be available to every Canadian, either in a clinic or as an insured service at home for those who cannot access a clinic.

3. All drugs that are considered the standard of care should be funded without restrictions. Dermatologists need access to the broadest range of medication options. A drug treatment that works for one patient may not work for another. In many chronic skin diseases, the body can build up a tolerance to a ‘tried and true’ medication over time and thus new ones need to be available. Also, some psoriasis patients are particularly susceptible to side effects of drugs and to drug-drug interactions. Since psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are chronic conditions, a patient’s quality of life can be dramatically affected by drugs that are poorly tolerated, less effective or that require them to go to unreasonable lengths to administer.