Alberta delays Biosimilars forced switching until January 2021 because of COVID-19. Never would be better but at least takes stress off patients and clinicians during this really challenging time.

On December 12, 2019, the Alberta government introduced the Alberta Biosimilar Initiative. This communication is to inform you the switching requirement of the Biosimilar Initiative is postponed from
July 1, 2020 to January 15, 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Adult patients currently on an originator biologic drug for which there is a biosimilar version for their medical condition must switch to the biosimilar before January 15, 2021 to maintain coverage for that drug through an Alberta government sponsored drug plan. The Alberta Biosimilar Initiative does not apply to other coverage such as employer group coverage.

At this time:

• If you have begun taking a biosimilar medication, please continue taking the biosimilar. Do not stop taking the biosimilar drug or switch back to your biologic drug.

• If you have a new prescription for a biosimilar but have not yet started the new medication, please continue working with the patient support program or your pharmacy to start your biosimilar.

• If you have a new prescription for a biosimilar administered intravenously (IV), please contact the patient support program to arrange your infusion. If you have an appointment scheduled with an infusion clinic, please attend your appointment as scheduled or as otherwise instructed by the clinic.

• If you have not yet switched to a biosimilar medication, but have scheduled an appointment with your physician, please continue taking your biologic medication until meeting with your physician. Please attend your appointment as scheduled or as otherwise instructed by your physician.

Updated patient information can be found at:
https://www.ab.bluecross.ca/pdfs/Patient-Info-Biosimilars.pdf