5 July 2006


Thalidomide access process -pdf file 

For the past few years the BC Cancer Agency has provided funding for the use of thalidomide for myeloma. Such funding has not been available in any other Canadian province nor has thalidomide been approved for use in myeloma in Canada by Health Canada. Over time the budget for thalidomide has grown to exceed two million dollars per year. It is no longer tenable for the BC Cancer Agency to be the exception in Canada and provide direct funding. We need to align our funding mechanism with that of the other provinces.

Beginning as soon as the proper paperwork can be prepared and the processes set up, the BC Cancer Agency will not cover the cost of thalidomide for patients starting treatment with this agent. BCCA will continue to provide thalidomide for patients already taking it; however, new patients starting thalidomide will need to assume responsibility for the cost themselves. In practical terms this will mean that they need to apply to the Celgene Company, who markets thalidomide in Canada, for help with the cost of the thalidomide through their financial assistance Program called the Canadian Thalomid Access Program (CANTAP). Celgene will determine if the patient qualifies for financial assistance and if so will provide the thalidomide. If patients do not qualify they will be expected to pay for the thalidomide themselves.

This change in the financial support mechanism for thalidomide will not alter how you use thalidomide. In particular, if you wish to prescribe thalidomide you will still need to apply through the Special Access Program of Health Canada and you will still need to submit a Compassionate Access Program request to the BC Cancer Agency (formerly called the Undesignated Drug Request process). Thus, the paperwork that surrounds applying for dispensing of the thalidomide through the BC Cancer Agency will remain the same. The only difference now will be that your patients will expect you to complete the appropriate section of the CANTAP request that goes to Celgene to help them with their application for financial assistance.

This new process of providing thalidomide will align the procedures here in British Columbia with those throughout the rest of Canada. The availability of the Celgene financial assistance program should permit provision of this medication to all patients who require it.

An explanation of this process for patients has been prepared and will be distributed to you directly from the Pharmacy at BCCA. If you have specific questions about how to process the paperwork associated with prescribing thalidomide please contact the pharmacy at your nearest BC Cancer Agency centre or the Compassionate Access Program at (604) 877-6277. If you have questions about the medical aspects of this change please direct them to Joseph M. Connors, MD, Chairman, Lymphoma Tumour Group (604.877.6098 extension 2746).