title: Use of Compassionate Supply of Antiretroviral Drugs to Avoid Treatment Interruptions or Delayed Treatment Initiation among HIV-Positive Patients Living in Ontario: A Retrospective Review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Without a national pharmacare plan in Canada, HIV-infected patients across the nation differ in their ability to obtain essential HIV therapy. Despite the fact there are public insurance programs in Ontario, patients are unable to access medication. The authors described how frequently patients in their urban clinic could not access medications and why they required a compassionate supply of HIV drugs, with the goals of minimizing treatment delays and avoiding interruptions.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors conducted a retrospective review and collected information about demographic characteristics, current drug insurance and the challenges encountered.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over one year, the authors provided 2,886 days of free HIV drugs to 42 patients who were predominantly citizens or permanent residents of Canada (88%). The most common obstacles were associated with the Trillium Drug Program and the total value of all drugs supplied was $134,860.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that Ontario's catastrophic drug insurance plan leaves some patients with significant gaps in drug coverage.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Pharmacy Practitioner, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Yoong
authors.affiliation: Clinical Pharmacist, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON.
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Naccarato
authors.affiliation: Head, Division of Infectious Diseases, Medical Director, HIV Service, St. Michael's Hospital/University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gough
authors.affiliation: Social Worker, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON.
authors.forename: Jordan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Medicine and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON.
authors.forename: Ahmed M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Bayoumi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D057176:Compassionate Use Trials / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D019458:Insurance Coverage / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007356:Insurance, Pharmaceutical Services; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents