Postby triciah » Sun Jan 29, 2012 9:24 pm
Further to the drug information as to what is covered: this is from the Colorectal Cancer Association of Canada:
Access to cancer drugs in Canada varies significantly among provinces, resulting in inequities across the country. Some provinces have cancer agencies that fund cancer treatments. In others, cancer treatment is funded on a hospital by hospital basis. Many provinces fund IV medications, but only four provinces fund oral medications. As a result, oral drugs are more typically paid for by private drug plans or cash. Certain new IV oncology drugs have been approved by Health Canada, but not approved for provincial funding, which leaves many patients in limbo. The necessary drug is available — sometimes even in a hospital — but there is no one to cover the cost.
In other words, Xeloda, because it is not an IV drug, is not paid for by 6 provinces! I know it's paid for in Alberta and not in Ontario but I don't know about the rest.
I know many oncs think Xeloda is just 5FU but I, for one, had to switch to Xeloda (although for only 1 round) when I developed a blood clot behind my central line. I was told I couldn't have any more lines put in. We are still looking at Xeloda as an option for me.
Tricia
Dx Stage IV 12/09
Ileostomy 1/10
Rad 2/10
Surgery 5/10
FOLFOX + Avastin 8/10-11/10
Iri 4/11 and 6/11
Vect 8/11-9/11
Multiple lung mets
03/12: swollen lymph nodes, possible liver met, 3 bone mets
"I am His and He is mine"