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Ontario coverage, price, criteria word for word, Health Canada status and shortages for one product

Patient plan: look up a medication list

ETANERCEPT

All injection strengths: Limited Use (codes 512, 513, 514, 563, 591)

Other products in the same Health Canada class (L04A, L04AB) — coverage varies; not interchangeable

  • Adalimumab (Hyrimoz): limited Use 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 609, 611, Limited Use 600, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 609, 633, 634
  • Infliximab (Remdantry): limited Use 468, 469, 470, 471, 477, 478, 479, Limited Use 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547, Limited Use 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, Limited Use 715, 716, 718
  • Tocilizumab (Tyenne): limited Use 697, 698, 720, Limited Use 697, 698, 720, 721
  • Tofacitinib (Xeljanz): limited Use 480, 589, 743, Limited Use 589
  • Tofacitinib (Xeljanz XR): limited Use 565
  • Upadacitinib (Rinvoq): limited Use 637, 684, Limited Use 684

1 more in the class list below

Erelzi · DIN 02462869 · 50mg/mL · injection solution-1mL pre-filled syringe Pk

Limited Use — Reason for Use code 512, 513, 514, 563, 591 requiredMarketed · checked 2026-09-19
StatusLimited Use — Reason for Use code 512, 513, 514, 563, 591 required
Write on scriptLU code 512, 513, 514, 563, 591 (patient must meet the criteria below)
Patient paysPatient pays: program not supplied; amount cannot be determined.
Private plan unknown: ask. If yes, check its coverage and payer coordination; if no, see the public routes below.

Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. Current criteria in SADIE

Ontario Limited Use criteria — code 512, 513, 514, 563, 591
Reason for Use code 512 For the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in patients who have severe active disease (greater than or equal to 5 swollen joints and rheumatoid factor positive and/or, anti-CCP positive, and/or radiographic evidence of rheumatoid arthritis) and have experienced failure, intolerance, or have a contraindication to adequate trials of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) treatment regimens, such as one of the following combinations of treatments: A. i) Methotrexate (20mg/week) for at least 3 months, AND ii) leflunomide (20mg/day) for at least 3 months, in addition to iii) an adequate trial of at least one combination of DMARDs for 3 months; OR B. i) Methotrexate (20mg/week) for at least 3 months, AND ii) leflunomide in combination with methotrexate for at least 3 months; OR C. i) Methotrexate (20mg/week), sulfasalazine (2g/day) and hydroxychloroquine(400mg/day) for at least 3 months. (Hydroxychloroquine is based by weight up to 400mg per day.) Maintenance/Renewal: After 12 months of treatment, maintenance therapy is funded for patients with objective evidence of at least a 20 percent reduction in swollen joint count and a minimum of improvement in 2 swollen joints over the previous year. For renewals beyond the second year, the patient must demonstrate objective evidence of preservation of treatment effect. Therapy must be prescribed by a rheumatologist or a physician with expertise in rheumatology. The recommended dosing regimen is 50mg per week or 25mg twice weekly. Coverage limit: LU Authorization Period: 1 year Reason for Use code 513 For the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in patients who have severe active disease confirmed by radiographic evidence (see note below) with: - Age of disease onset equal to or younger than 50; AND - Low back pain and stiffness for greater than 3 months that improves with exercise and not relieved by rest; AND - Failure to respond to or documented intolerance to adequate trials of 2 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for at least 4 weeks each; AND - Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) score of greater than or equal to 4 for at least 4 weeks while on standard therapy. NOTE: Radiographic evidence demonstrating the presence of "SI joint fusion" or "SI joint erosion" on x-ray or CT scan, or MRI demonstrating the presence of "inflammation" or "edema" of the SI joint. Maintenance/Renewal: After 12 months of treatment, maintenance therapy is funded for patients with objective evidence of at least a 50 percent reduction in BASDAI score or greater than or equal to 2 absolute point reduction in BASDAI score. For funding beyond the second year, the patient must demonstrate objective evidence of preservation of treatment effect. Therapy must be prescribed by a rheumatologist or a physician with expertise in rheumatology. The recommended dosing regimen is 50mg per week or 25mg twice weekly. Coverage limit: LU Authorization Period: 1 year Reason for Use code 514 For the treatment of polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (pJIA) in patients who have active disease (greater than or equal to 3 swollen joints and greater than or equal to 5 active joints) despite a trial of optimal doses of subcutaneously administered methotrexate (i.e. 15mg/m2 per week) for at least 3 months. If the patient is unable to tolerate or has a contraindication to subcutaneous methotrexate, the nature of the intolerance or contraindication should be documented. Maintenance/Renewal: After 12 months of treatment, maintenance therapy is funded for patients with objective evidence of at least a 20 percent reduction in swollen joint count and a minimum of improvement in 2 swollen joints over the previous year. For funding beyond the second year, the patient must demonstrate objective evidence of preservation of treatment effect. Therapy must be prescribed by a rheumatologist or a prescriber with expertise in rheumatology. The recommended dosing regimen for pediatric patients ages 4 to 17 years with active pJIA is 0.8mg/kg per week (up to a maximum of 50mg per week). Prescribers should be informed and stay current with a drug's official Health Canada product monograph including available dosage formats. Coverage limit: LU Authorization Period: 1 year Reason for Use code 563 For the treatment of psoriatic arthritis in patients who have severe active disease (greater than or equal to 5 swollen joints and radiographic evidence of psoriatic arthritis) despite treatment with methotrexate (20mg/week) for at least 3 months and one of leflunomide (20mg/day) or sulfasalazine (1g twice daily) for at least 3 months. Maintenance/Renewal: After 12 months of treatment, maintenance therapy is funded for patients with objective evidence of at least a 20% reduction in swollen joint count and a minimum of improvement in 2 swollen joints over the previous year. For renewals beyond the second year, the patient must demonstrate objective evidence of preservation of treatment effect. Therapy must be prescribed by a rheumatologist or a physician with expertise in rheumatology. The recommended dosing regimen is 50mg per week or 25mg twice weekly. Prescribers should be informed and stay current with a drug's official Health Canada approved product monograph including available dosage formats. Coverage limit: LU Authorization Period: 1 year Reason for Use code 591 For the treatment of severe* plaque psoriasis in patients who have experienced failure, intolerance, or have a contraindication to adequate trials of several standard therapies**. Claims for the first 6 months must be written by a dermatologist. Monitoring of patients is required to determine if continuation of therapy beyond 12 weeks is required. Patients not responding adequately at 12 weeks should have treatment discontinued. * Definition of severe plaque psoriasis: Body Surface Area (BSA) involvement of at least 10%, or involvement of the face, hands, feet or genital regions, AND Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score of at least 10 (not required if there is involvement of the face, hands, feet or genital regions), AND Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) score of at least 10. ** Definition of failure, intolerance or contraindication to adequate trials of standard therapies: 6 month trial of at least 3 topical agents including vitamin D analogues and steroids, AND 12 week trial of phototherapy (unless not accessible), AND 6 month trial of at least 2 systemic, oral agents used alone or in combination -Methotrexate 15-30mg per week -Acitretin (could have been used with phototherapy) -Cyclosporine Maintenance/Renewal: After 3 months of therapy, patients who respond to therapy should have: -At least a 50% reduction in PASI, AND -at least a 50% reduction in BSA involvement, AND -at least a 5 point reduction in DLQI score Approvals will only allow for standard dosing for etanercept: The recommended dose is 50mg subcutaneous twice weekly for 12 weeks followed by maintenance therapy at 25-50mg subcutaneous once weekly as approved by Health Canada. If the patient has not responded adequately after 12 weeks of treatment at the Health Canada approved dose, higher doses are not recommended and the physician should consider switching to an alternative biologic agent. Prescribers should be informed and stay current with a drug's official Health Canada approved product monograph including available dosage formats. Coverage limit: LU Authorization Period: 1 year Exceptional Access criteria on record are for Brand(s): Enbrel and formulary listed biosimilars; DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 25mg/vial and 50mg prefilled syringe for — not this product; no criteria on record for this product in this block. Exceptional Access Program criteria on record (ministry list dated 2025-01-01, not exhaustive): Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. https://www.ontario.ca/page/sadie-special-authorization-digital-information-exchange Adalimumab – See Formulary for funded biosimilars Brand(s): Humira and formulary listed biosimilars DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 40mg/0.8mL prefilled syringe, 40mg/0.8mL and 20 mg/0.2 mL prefilled pens for subcutaneous injection Certolizumab Brand(s): Cimzia DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 200 mg/mL prefilled syringe and autoinjector Etanercept – See Formulary for funded biosimilars Brand(s): Enbrel and formulary listed biosimilars DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 25mg/vial and 50mg prefilled syringe for subcutaneous injection Golimumab Brand(s): Simponi DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 50 mg/0.5 ml prefilled syringe and autoinjector Infliximab- See Formulary for funded biosimilars Brand(s): Remicade and formulary listed biosimilars DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 100mg/10mL intravenous infusion Secukinumab Brand(s): Cosentyx DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 150 mg/mL prefilled syringe and 150 mg/mL prefilled pen Refer to the Executive Officer Communications on the Ministry website for the Ministry’s Biosimilar Policy including frequently asked questions and updates for the biosimilar policy updates. http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/opdp_eo/eo_communiq.aspx Effective March 31, 2023, the ODB program will start transitioning coverage for Copaxone®, Enbrel®, Humalog®, Humira®, Lantus®, NovoRapid®, Remicade®, and Rituxan® to their biosimilar versions. Effective December 29, 2023, coverage for these originator biologic drugs through the ODB program will not be available for patients and the ODB program will only provide coverage for the biosimilar version of these drugs for all ODB program recipients, with limited exemptions. In general, for ODB program recipients who are already on these biologic drugs, there is up to a 9-month transition period (see the biosimilar switch policy described on page 6 to 8 of this document). 54 It should be noted that after the date when a biosimilar becomes publicly funded for an approved indication, patients initiated on an originator biologic for this same provincially funded indication through support from a manufacturer’s patient support program, will be expected to be provided ongoing access of the originator biologic through the patient’s original payer mechanism (e.g. manufacturer’s patient support program) or to switch to an ODB funded biosimilar version upon meeting specified criteria. The Ministry will no longer consider funding of originator biologics that are part of the biosimilar policy with limited exemptions on or after December 29, 2023. For the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) OR psoriatic spondylitis (PS) in patients who have severe active disease with: • Age of disease onset 50 years of age or younger; AND • Low back pain and stiffness for greater than 3 months that improves with exercise and not relieved by rest; AND • Failure to respond to or documented intolerance to adequate trials of 2 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for at least 4 weeks each; AND • BASDAI score of ≥ 4 for at least 4 weeks while on standard therapy; AND • A list of current concomitant medications related to the AS/PS, including pain medications (if relevant) with dosing regimens provided. *NSAIDs include coxibs; use of DMARDS instead of NSAIDs not acceptable The information submitted with the request must include the following: • A list of current concomitant medications related to the AS/PS, including pain medications (if relevant). Please include dosing regimens. • Details of review of radiographic reports for severe active disease. o X-ray or CT scan report stating the presence of “SI joint fusion” or “SI joint erosion” OR o MRI report stating the presence of “inflammation” or “edema” of the SI joint o Actual radiographic reports must be submitted with the request. If the radiographic reports do not specify the above, the request will be reviewed by external medical experts. Additional information that should be provided if applicable: • Schober measurement and chest expansion measurement • Evidence of restricted spinal mobility 55 • If the patient has AS/PS with predominantly peripheral joint involvement, additional information pertaining to trials of DMARDs must be provided, and these requests will be reviewed by external medical experts. Duration of Approval: 1 year Renewal will be considered for patients with objective evidence of at least a 50% reduction in BASDAI score or ≥ 2 absolute point reduction in BASDAI score. Please provide an update on concomitant medications for AS/PS and whether there has been a reduction in pain medication for AS/PS since initiating the biologic (if applicable). For renewals beyond the second year, objective evidence of preservation of treatment effect must be provided. The planned dosing regimen for the requested biologic should be provided. The recommended doses for the treatment of AS/PS are: • Adalimumab 40 mg every two weeks • Certolizumab 400mg at 0, 2, and 4 weeks followed by maintenance therapy of 200 mg every 2 weeks or 400 mg every 4 weeks. • Etanercept 25 mg twice weekly or 50 mg once weekly • Golimumab 50mg once a month • Infliximab 3-5mg/kg/dose at 0, 2 and 6 weeks followed by maintenance therapy of up to 5mg/kg/dose every 6 to 8 weeks • Secukinumab 150 mg sc at weeks 0, 1, 2, and 3 followed by monthly maintenance dosing starting at week 4. Duration of Approval: First renewal: 1 year, Second and subsequent renewals: 5 years 56 EAP source: eap-frequently-requested-drugs-2025-01-01.txt, page 54, record 34, corpus 2025-01-01; name match only, not an eligibility decision
No interchangeable product listed in the Ontario extract
Erelzi · DIN 02462869 Manufacturer: Sandoz Canada Inc.; listing date 2017-12-21 Health Canada: Marketed since 2017-08-04 · brand ERELZI · ATC L04AB01 ETANERCEPT · form Solution · route Subcutaneous · ingredients ETANERCEPT 50 MG/ML · company Sandoz canada incorporated · schedule Schedule d, Prescription
Check this DIN again · Health Canada product record

Erelzi: Formulary list price $241.0000/unit (unit not stated in source; not the patient's cost)

Ministry pays: $241.0000 per source unit.

Source explanation: The formulary price is what ODB pays; the cash price at the counter is set by the pharmacy.

Formulary data: Ontario extract of Aug 26, 2026 · Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=95073 · Verify on the e-Formulary ↗ (DIN 02462869)

Source record
DIN 02462869: Erelzi Raw flags: sec12=Y, sec3=Y Item: 923600007; group id 1021; item number 2367; lccId 00291; manufacturer id SDZ Source form: Inj Sol-1mL Pref Syr Pk; strength: 50mg/mL Recorded listing: Limited Use: paid only with a Reason for Use code and the criteria below Source prices (unrounded): $241.0000; ministry $241.0000 Source: ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26 DIN=02462869 Health Canada DPD extract of Sep 2, 2026 (Open Government Licence – Canada) · https://health-products.canada.ca/dpd-bdpp/info?lang=eng&code=95073
Shortage status: not checked (no credentials)
Other drugs in the same formulary class (92:36 Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Agents) and how they are covered

Matched class: 92:36 Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Agents

Drug-class inventory only. Lists recorded Ontario formulary products, not every Canadian medication; does not recommend treatment. No displayed product is listed as a general benefit in this extract. Check its listing requirements below. 92:36 Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Agents

ADALIMUMAB

· 30 products · Limited Use, codes 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 609, 611 (23), Limited Use, codes 600, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 609, 633, 634 (7) · strengths: 20mg/0.2mL, 40mg/0.4mL, 20mg/0.4mL, 40mg/0.8mL, 80mg/0.8mL · Inj Sol-0.2mL Pref Syr (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-0.4mL Autoinj (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-0.4mL Pref Autoinj Pen (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-0.4mL Pref Autoinj Syr (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-0.4mL Pref Pen (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-0.4mL Pref Syr (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-0.8mL Pref Autoinj (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-0.8mL Pref Pen (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-0.8mL Pref Syr (Preservative-Free)

INFLIXIMAB

· 6 products · Limited Use, codes 468, 469, 470, 471, 477, 478, 479 (2), Limited Use, codes 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547 (1), Limited Use, codes 715, 716, 718 (2), Limited Use, codes 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598 (1) · strengths: 100mg/Vial, 120mg/mL · Inj Pd-Vial Pk, Inj Sol-1mL Pref Pen Pk (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-1mL Pref Syr Pk (Preservative-Free), Pd for Sol-Vial Pk

TOCILIZUMAB

· 10 products · Limited Use, codes 697, 698, 720 (6), Limited Use, codes 697, 698, 720, 721 (4) · strengths: 200mg/10mL, 400mg/20mL, 80mg/4mL, 162mg/0.9mL · Inj Sol-10mL Vial Pk, Inj Sol-10mL Vial Pk (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-20mL Vial Pk, Inj Sol-20mL Vial Pk (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-4mL Vial Pk, Inj Sol-4mL Vial Pk (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-Pref Autoinj, Inj Sol-Pref Autoinj (Preservative-Free), Inj Sol-Pref Syr, Inj Sol-Pref Syr (Preservative-Free)

TOFACITINIB

· 10 products · Limited Use, codes 480, 589, 743 (6), Limited Use, codes 589 (4) · strengths: 5mg, 10mg · Tab

TOFACITINIB CITRATE

· 2 products · Limited Use, codes 565 · strengths: 11mg · ER Tab

UPADACITINIB

· 3 products · Limited Use, codes 637, 684 (1), Limited Use, codes 684 (2) · strengths: 15mg, 30mg, 45mg · ER Tab

APREMILAST

· 12 products · Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit · strengths: 30mg, 10mg & 20mg & 30mg · Tab, Tab-27 Blister Starter Pk Source: formulary-ed43-front-matter.txt Part V; ODB odb-formulary-ed43-extract-2026-08-26.xml extract_date=2026-08-26; class 92:36
Full class listing Related classes: 92:20 Biologic Response Modifiers, 92:44 Immunosuppressive Agents, 92:92 Other Miscellaneous Therapeutic Agents Same formulary class, not same indication: class membership alone does not establish equivalent uses.
Other drugs whose Health Canada label lists a similar indication: psoriasis
From Health Canada product monographs; label wording only, not a treatment recommendation. Matching is lexical and uses one held product label per generic; formulations and qualifying criteria may differ. Covered without a code on the Ontario formulary: ACITRETIN ACITRETIN · General benefit 1 INDICATIONS SORIATANE (acitretin) is indicated for: • Severe psoriasis (includes erythrodermic and pustular types) • Other disorders of keratinization Severe psoriasis is a condition that involves more than 10% of body surface area or is physically, occupationally or psychologically disabling. PM: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00080165.PDF; date APR 04, 2025; DIN 02070847; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph APREMILAST · Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit Indications • Plaque Psoriasis OTEZLA (apremilast) is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. PM: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00084256.PDF; date 2026-04-10; DIN 02434318; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph BIMEKIZUMAB · Limited Use, codes 641 Indications Bimzelx (bimekizumab injection) is indicated for: • Psoriasis (PsO) The treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. PM: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00082779.PDF; date 2025-12-12; DIN 02525267; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph • Psoriasis (PsO) The treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. PM: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00082779.PDF; date 2025-12-12; DIN 02525267; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph CYCLOSPORINE · Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit (2), General benefit (8) Psoriasis NEORAL capsules and oral solution (cyclosporine) are indicated for the treatment of severe psoriasis in patients for whom conventional therapy is ineffective or inappropriate. PM: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00085584.PDF; date 2026-07-30; DIN 02150662; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph INFLIXIMAB · Limited Use, codes 468, 469, 470, 471, 477, 478, 479 (2), Limited Use, codes 541, 542, 543, 544, 545, 546, 547 (1), Limited Use, codes 715, 716, 718 (2), Limited Use, codes 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598 (1) • treatment of adult patients with chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy. For patients with chronic moderate plaque psoriasis, RemdantryTM should be used after phototherapy has been shown to be ineffective or inappropriate. When assessing the severity of psoriasis, the health professional should consider the extent of involvement, location of lesions, response to previous treatments, and impact of disease on the patient’s PM: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00081840.PDF; date September 2, 2025; DIN 02419475; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph METHOTREXATE · General benefit (29), Listed, not a benefit (1), Off-Formulary Interchangeable, not an ODB benefit (4) • Severe disabling psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis PM: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00078227.PDF; date JAN 08, 2025; DIN 02170698; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph RISANKIZUMAB · Limited Use, codes 574 Indications SKYRIZI (risankizumab injection) is indicated for: • the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. PM: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00085642.PDF; date 2026-07-08; DIN 02519283; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph SECUKINUMAB · Limited Use, codes 476 Indications COSENTYX® (secukinumab injection/secukinumab for injection) is indicated for: Adult patients Plaque psoriasis COSENTYX is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. PM: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00080972.PDF; date not captured; DIN 02529653; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph Hidradenitis Suppurativa COSENTYX is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe hidradenitis suppurativa (acne inversa) who have responded inadequately to conventional systemic hidradenitis suppurativa therapy (see 14.1.5 Hidradenitis suppurativa). 1.1 Pediatrics Plaque psoriasis COSENTYX (secukinumab injection/secukinumab for injection) is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in patients 6 year and older who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. PM: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00080972.PDF; date not captured; DIN 02529653; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph USTEKINUMAB · Limited Use, codes 669, 670, 671, 672 (5), Limited Use, codes 668, 669, 671, 672 (6), Limited Use, codes 669, 671, 672, 733 (3), Limited Use, codes 669, 671, 672, 742 (2), Limited Use, codes 671, 672 (4) Plaque Psoriasis JAMTEKI (ustekinumab) is indicated for: • the treatment of chronic moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for phototherapy or systemic therapy. PM: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00077781.PDF; date November 9, 2023; DIN 02543036; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph Coverage source: ON formulary extract 2026-08-26
What the Health Canada label says it is for
1 INDICATIONS Indications have been granted on the basis of similarity between BRENZYS and the reference biologic drug, Enbrel®. BRENZYS (etanercept) is indicated for: • treatment of moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adults. Treatment is effective in reducing the signs and symptoms of RA, inducing major clinical response, inhibiting the progression of structural damage, and improving physical function. BRENZYS can be initiated in combination with methotrexate (MTX) in adult patients or used alone. • reducing signs and symptoms of moderately to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in patients aged 4 to 17 years who have had an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Efficacy and safety have not been established in children less than 4 years of age. • reducing signs and symptoms, inhibiting the progression of structural damage of active arthritis, and improving physical function in adult patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). BRENZYS can be used in combination with … https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00083562.PDF PM date: August 31, 2016 Source product: BRENZYS; DIN 02455323; fetched 2026-09-10 Product monograph posted by Health Canada; excerpt for lookup only.

Prepare an Exceptional Access request

SADIE has its own form for many drugs; this checklist prepares the answers; the ministry decides. Open SADIE

Use this text in SADIE’s free-text fields or read from it on a Telephone Request Service call. Review marks do not indicate eligibility. Evidence stays in this page until you copy it; nothing entered here is sent or saved. Do not enter patient identifiers.

EAP Telephone Request Service: The TRS can be accessed by calling toll-free at 1-866-811-9893 or 416-327-8109 (Toronto area) between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday (except holidays) and selecting the TRS option. Source; updated September 15, 2026

EAP fax: In Ontario: 1-866-811-9908 or 416-327-7526 (Toronto area). Outside Ontario: 1-833-905-4260. Source; updated September 15, 2026

Posted turnaround and Telephone Request Service scope
Turnaround times The Exceptional Access Program receives between 250 and 500 requests a day. Requests are categorized in order of priority based on how quickly a drug is needed, the type of drug, and the condition for which the drug is being used. Turnaround times begin on the business day on which the EAP receives a complete request from a physician or nurse practitioner. You may have to wait longer if the request is missing information or supporting documents required by the EAP criteria, if a request requires external review, or if documents are sent by fax or mail instead of submitted via SADIE. EAP Weekly Progress Report Date: September 15, 2026 Processing categories and examples | Target | Current | Priority 1 — for drugs such as antibiotics, cancer medications, and initial requests for pain medications | 3 business days | 2 business day | Priority 2 — for antiviral drugs to treat HIV, drugs for multiple sclerosis, and pulmonary hypertension | 5 business days | 3 business days | Biologics — for biologic drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease | 10 business days | 4 business days | Chronic — for drugs used for chronic conditions such as migraines, chronic pain, Ménière's disease and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. | 4 to 6 weeks | 11 business days |
For selected drugs, the Telephone Request Service is available to authorized prescribers or their delegates. In most cases, the funding decision is provided by the end of the call and processed within one business day.
Source; updated September 15, 2026

Etanercept – See Formulary for funded biosimilars (Enbrel and formulary listed biosimilars)

Ministry criteria list dated January 1, 2025; the program's current criteria may differ; SADIE shows the current version. Current criteria in SADIE

Prepare answers: For the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) OR psoriatic spondylitis (PS) in patients who have severe active disease with:

Ministry criteria corpus 2025-01-01; page 54

Adalimumab – See Formulary for funded biosimilars Brand(s): Humira and formulary listed biosimilars DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 40mg/0.8mL prefilled syringe, 40mg/0.8mL and 20 mg/0.2 mL prefilled pens for subcutaneous injection
Certolizumab Brand(s): Cimzia DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 200 mg/mL prefilled syringe and autoinjector
Etanercept – See Formulary for funded biosimilars Brand(s): Enbrel and formulary listed biosimilars DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 25mg/vial and 50mg prefilled syringe for subcutaneous injection
Golimumab Brand(s): Simponi DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 50 mg/0.5 ml prefilled syringe and autoinjector
Infliximab- See Formulary for funded biosimilars Brand(s): Remicade and formulary listed biosimilars DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 100mg/10mL intravenous infusion
Secukinumab Brand(s): Cosentyx DOSAGE FORM/ STRENGTH: 150 mg/mL prefilled syringe and 150 mg/mL prefilled pen
Refer to the Executive Officer Communications on the Ministry website for the Ministry’s Biosimilar Policy including frequently asked questions and updates for the biosimilar policy updates. http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/drugs/opdp_eo/eo_communiq.aspx
Effective March 31, 2023, the ODB program will start transitioning coverage for Copaxone®, Enbrel®, Humalog®, Humira®, Lantus®, NovoRapid®, Remicade®, and Rituxan® to their biosimilar versions.
Effective December 29, 2023, coverage for these originator biologic drugs through the ODB program will not be available for patients and the ODB program will only provide coverage for the biosimilar version of these drugs for all ODB program recipients, with limited exemptions. In general, for ODB program recipients who are already on these biologic drugs, there is up to a 9-month transition period (see the biosimilar switch policy described on page 6 to 8 of this document).
54 It should be noted that after the date when a biosimilar becomes publicly funded for an approved indication, patients initiated on an originator biologic for this same provincially funded indication through support from a manufacturer’s patient support program, will be expected to be provided ongoing access of the originator biologic through the patient’s original payer mechanism (e.g. manufacturer’s patient support program) or to switch to an ODB funded biosimilar version upon meeting specified criteria. The Ministry will no longer consider funding of originator biologics that are part of the biosimilar policy with limited exemptions on or after December 29, 2023.
For the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) OR psoriatic spondylitis (PS) in patients who have severe active disease with:
• Age of disease onset 50 years of age or younger; AND
• Low back pain and stiffness for greater than 3 months that improves with exercise and not relieved by rest; AND
• Failure to respond to or documented intolerance to adequate trials of 2 non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for at least 4 weeks each; AND
• BASDAI score of ≥ 4 for at least 4 weeks while on standard therapy; AND
• A list of current concomitant medications related to the AS/PS, including pain medications (if relevant) with dosing regimens provided.
*NSAIDs include coxibs; use of DMARDS instead of NSAIDs not acceptable
The information submitted with the request must include the following:
• A list of current concomitant medications related to the AS/PS, including pain medications (if relevant). Please include dosing regimens.
• Details of review of radiographic reports for severe active disease.
o X-ray or CT scan report stating the presence of “SI joint fusion” or “SI joint erosion” OR
o MRI report stating the presence of “inflammation” or “edema” of the SI joint
o Actual radiographic reports must be submitted with the request. If the radiographic reports do not specify the above, the request will be reviewed by external medical experts.
Additional information that should be provided if applicable:
• Schober measurement and chest expansion measurement
• Evidence of restricted spinal mobility
55 • If the patient has AS/PS with predominantly peripheral joint involvement, additional information pertaining to trials of DMARDs must be provided, and these requests will be reviewed by external medical experts. Duration of Approval: 1 year Renewal will be considered for patients with objective evidence of at least a 50% reduction in BASDAI score or ≥ 2 absolute point reduction in BASDAI score. Please provide an update on concomitant medications for AS/PS and whether there has been a reduction in pain medication for AS/PS since initiating the biologic (if applicable). For renewals beyond the second year, objective evidence of preservation of treatment effect must be provided. The planned dosing regimen for the requested biologic should be provided.
The recommended doses for the treatment of AS/PS are:
• Adalimumab 40 mg every two weeks
• Certolizumab 400mg at 0, 2, and 4 weeks followed by maintenance therapy of 200 mg every 2 weeks or 400 mg every 4 weeks.
• Etanercept 25 mg twice weekly or 50 mg once weekly
• Golimumab 50mg once a month
• Infliximab 3-5mg/kg/dose at 0, 2 and 6 weeks followed by maintenance therapy of up to 5mg/kg/dose every 6 to 8 weeks
• Secukinumab 150 mg sc at weeks 0, 1, 2, and 3 followed by monthly maintenance dosing starting at week 4.
Duration of Approval: First renewal: 1 year, Second and subsequent renewals: 5 years
56

Prepared from the ministry's published criteria; eligibility is decided by the Exceptional Access Program.