CANADA: CARP voices concern over drug policies for seniors

Speaking on behalf of seniors in Ontario, CARP is very concerned that the Ontario government may be implementing drug pricing policies including Reference-Based Pricing (RBP) or Maximum Allowable Cost (MAC) pricing for Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs), a class of drugs used for the treatment of gastro-intestinal diseases, including severe heartburn and ulcers.

Government imposed drug pricing policies will harm seniors and are an example of further health cuts by the government.

Under these policies, Ontarians who have their drugs paid for by the Ontario Drug benefits (ODB) will have to pay a portion of their drug costs out-of-pocket in order to remain on their current medicines. If the person is unable to afford to pay for a portion of their drug costs, the government will force these people on to the lowest-cost alternatives designated by the Government.

Pricing policies such as RBP will force seniors with financial constraints to switch from using a PPI that is working and that they tolerate, to a drug that may not work and which they may not be able to tolerate. Treatment failure causes serious health effects including recurrence of symptoms or drug side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, fatigue as well as costs to the medical system with increased doctor visits.

Please plan to attend our news conference to learn more about this important issue.

WHO

The meeting is being hosted by CARP – Canada‘s Association for the Fifty-Plus, with the participation of the Canadian Society of Intestinal Research (CSIR) and Best Medicines Coalition (BMC).

WHAT

News conference calling for the Ontario Government’s immediate action to stop implementation of drug pricing policies of PPIs in Ontario.

WHY

Drug pricing policies of PPIs may result in serious health bnimplications for seniors and an attempt by Government to shift drug costs onto seniors.

WHEN

Thursday, March 3, 2005

News Conference with Panel Presentation

10:30 a.m.

WHERE

CARP National Office, 27 Queen Street East, Suite 1304,Toronto, ON

Speakers include: Lillian Morgenthau, President, CARP, Gail Attara, Executive Director, CSIR, Louise Binder, BMC.

For further information: or to arrange media interviews, please contact:

Holly Vengroff, Director of External Relations, CARP, at: (416) 363-8748,

ext:240, or hollyv@50plus.com