BIPOLAR DRUG PROVINCIAL COVERAGE

Provincial Formularies across Canada should cover Bipolar Disorder Medication for Patients. We the undersigned feel strongly that Lithmax – an extended release formulation of Lithium that is highly effective in the treatment of Bipolar Disorder- must be covered under the Provincial Drug Benefit Program. Lithmax, formally known as Duralith and Apo-Lithium Carbonate SR is clinically effective as well as cost effective in treating Bipolar Disorder 1 and 2. Two percent of the Canadian population suffers from the symptoms of Bipolar Disorder, a manic-depressive illness that causes people to have extreme mood swings and affect how people think, behave and function. The Lithmax formulation enables patients taking lithium to obtain peak plasma levels at about 50% lower than immediate release and subsequently experience far less side effects. In addition to this, there are far better continuous blood levels, making LITHMAX the drug of choice for Bipolar 1 and 2. The clinical consequence of the unavailability of Lithium extended-release formulation for patients that cannot afford their medication treatment means that many patients will have difficulty in maintaining good health. Published data indicates that slower absorption of lithium carbonate extended-release produces fewer adverse effects than immediate release lithium products. Lithmax is a cost effective treatment with fewer adverse effects, and as a result greater compliance. It is only appropriate that treatment of Bipolar Disorder not be a financial burden for patients to pay. I am signing this petition to tell the Provincial government that Lithmax (Lithium Carbonate sustained-release tablets) must be covered for Bipolar patients, when it is Health Canada approved Lithmax for prescribing across Canada. Many provinces including Nova Scotia and Alberta Blue Cross have already approved Lithmax on their government formularies. We support an amendment to include Lithmax (Lithium Carbonate Sustained-Release/300mg/Oral Tablets) in the Provincial Drug Benefit Formulary/Comparative Drug Index. Please share this with those affected or those who know someone affected by Bipolar Disorder so that they too may have their voices heard.