The Provincial Government is immediately lifting the maximum dose caps for Lucentis and Eylea under the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP).

Lucentis and Eylea are intravitreal injection drugs used in the treatment of retinal diseases, including neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic macular edema, macular edema and central retinal vein occlusion.

The NLPDP currently has caps on the number of intravitreal injections it covers per beneficiary. Once the maximum dosage is reached, beneficiaries have to pay out-of-pocket if they require further treatment.

With the lifting of the caps, a new, tiered retinal drug program is being implemented using Avastin as a first line of treatment. This drug is widely used by the ophthalmology community, and is similar to Lucentis and Eylea. Coverage of Lucentis and Eylea will continue for beneficiaries who are currently using these treatments under NLPDP, or for patients who are not suitable candidates for Avastin use.

Quotes
“Health and Community Services has heard from many patients and advocacy and physician groups asking for the caps to be lifted on intravitreal therapies, and we have listened. Today’s announcement is a positive one for health care in this province.”
Honourable John Haggie
Minister of Health and Community Services

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Media contacts
Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Health and Community Services
709-729-6986, 699-1982
kathydickspeyton@gov.nl.ca