What’s the problem? 

Crohn’s and colitis patients have had patience on their healthcare journey. There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all" approach for their health and wellbeing.  

For patients with Crohn’s or colitis, it can be incredibly difficult to find a medication that works. When found, it’s life-changing. 

Now, hundreds of New Brunswickers will be forced to change the medication that works for them due to a planned “switch” by the government. 

This doesn’t sound right. Tell me more.

A biosimilar is a medication that is similar but not identical to a biologic drug. But that doesn’t mean bodies will react to it the same way. 

New Brunswick’s policy forces patients off a medication that is working to manage their painful condition and require them to try alternatives that may not be as effective.

While biosimilars can offer safe and effective treatment for people with Crohn’s or colitis, switching medication can also disrupt a patient’s health.

A recent survey indicates that a non-medical switch can disrupt the health of 1 in 2 patients.

So, what can be done? 

Your voice is powerful. Politicians pay close attention to what happens online. Even as we exit the pandemic, representatives and their staff remain connected at almost every hour of the day.
 
We need to do two things:

1. Build a critical mass of support for continued access to biologic drugs to treat Crohn’s or colitis.
2. Bring the government back to the table for discussion. 

The more people that act right now, the stronger our chances of ensuring that New Brunswickers aren’t forced to rush through a switch to their critical medications. 

“Thousands of New Brunswickers rely on medication every day to manage their Crohn’s or colitis. Switching their treatment could disrupt their health. The government must be patient and do their due diligence to ensure that the non-medical switch policy takes into account the lived reality of New Brunswickers living with Crohn’s or colitis.”