Limited coverage drugs – cladribine

Last updated on August 20, 2024

Generic name

cladribine

Strength

10 mg

Form

tablet

Special Authority criteria

Approval period

As second-line monotherapy for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) which is diagnosed according to the current clinical criteria and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evidence

This drug is for the treatment of patients 18 years of age and older who meet ALL of the following criteria:

Initial treatment course (1.75 mg/kg per year)

  • For use in patients who have had an inadequate response to, or are unable to tolerate, one previous therapy for RRMS
    AND
  • Who have had at least one relapse within the previous 12 months
    AND
  • Drug is prescribed by a neurologist from a designated MS clinic3

1 treatment course1,2

Second treatment course (1.75 mg/kg per year)

  • Patient has received the initial treatment course
    AND
  • Drug is prescribed by a neurologist from a designated MS clinic3

1 treatment course1,2

Practitioner exemptions

  • None

Special notes

  1. Treatment course of 1.75 mg/kg body weight per year taken over 2 weeks, for two years (cumulative dose of 3.5 mg/kg body weight over 2 years)
  2. PharmaCare coverage is limited to two courses of treatment per lifetime
  3. The patient is under the care of a specialist who has experience in the diagnosis and management of RRMS

Special Authority request form(s)