Drug changes to stop abuse

The Saskatchewan Drug Plan is making changes to the Saskatchewan Drug Formulary related to oxycodone, a prescription medication used in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. While this medication plays an important role in the management of pain, it can also be the target of misuse and abuse.

This change coincides with the drug manufacturer's plan to discontinue OxyContin at the end of February 2012 and replace it with a new formulation. The replacement, OxyNEO, is designed by the manufacturer to be a difficult-to-crush tablet which will make it harder to abuse. Both drugs are potentially addictive narcotic painkillers.

Saskatchewan's approach to limit access to oxycodone is in line with that of other provinces and territories.

Starting February 29, 2012, the Saskatchewan Drug Plan will list OxyNEO under the Exception Drug Status program. Cancer or palliative pain patients will receive coverage for OxyNEO under this program. New patients who do not meet these criteria would be responsible for the full cost of an OxyNEO prescription.

Existing patients who have received coverage of OxyContin in the three months prior to March 1, 2012, will be eligible for coverage of OxyNEO.

OxyNEO is not interchangeable with OxyContin. Saskatchewan Drug Plan beneficiaries changing to OxyNEO will require a new prescription if their physician considers it appropriate.

OxyNEO is being priced the same as OxyContin. Monthly cost of this drug ranges between $80 and $195.

Patients with questions about their coverage should contact the Drug Plan and Extended Benefits Branch at 1-800-667-7581.