Ontario man says medication he's been taking for a decade just quadrupled in price
An Ontario man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy said he was shocked when he got his latest prescription filled for a medication he has been taking for the past ten years.
“I couldn’t believe it. I need to take this medication to help my muscles be able to work a bit better and it has almost quadrupled in price,” said 21-year-old Arun Crishanth of Aurora.
The medication is Deflazacort, a popular drug used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy, however it is not covered under government health plans.
The drug is a steroid taken daily to help keep muscles strong and symptoms of muscular dystrophy in check.
Crishanth said he used to get a four month supply of Deflazacort for $187, but when he got his last prescription filled it jumped to $666.
Crishanth was told by his pharmacy Pharmasave that the price increase was due to it being manufactured by a new drug company.
“This new company decided to turn around and quadruple the price. To me it seems ridiculous that they can increase the price that much," said Crishanth.
CTV News Toronto reached out to Pharmasave and a spokesperson said, “Pharmacy pricing in Canada is linked to the cost to purchase the medication from the manufacturer or distributor. The increased pricing experienced by pharmacies (and thus also to patients) is due to manufacturer and distributor changes.”
Deflazacort, a popular drug used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy, is photographed. CTV News Toronto also reached out to Muscular Dystrophy Canada and its CEO Stacey Lintern said in a statement, “Many individuals and their families have been advised by their doctors that Deflazacort is the most suitable option due to its minimal side effects, with some individuals having been on this treatment for 15 years or more. However, the significant increase in price will have detrimental effects on these individuals and their families.”
CTV News Toronto was unable to reach the new manufacturer of Deflazacourt, however Muscular Dystrophy Canada confirmed the price increase was due to a new manufacturer making the drug in Europe which also means increased shipping costs.
While there are cheaper alternatives, they have side effects and many patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy feel that Deflazacourt is the preferred treatment.
"It’s a drug I’ve been taking for so many years, since I was 10 years old," said Crishanth, who said the drug will now cost him almost $2,000 a year.
"Obviously they should not be able to increase prices like that. It clearly isn't because of inflation, this is just to make some money and I think it's ridiculous that that can happen," said Crishanth.
Muscular Dystrophy Canada said it's important for patients to have equal access to appropriate treatments at a fair cost and that they will continue to try and influence change with regards to the price hike.
If you or your child is experiencing challenges accessing Deflazacort, you can contact Muscular Dystrophy Canada at research@muscle.ca or call 1-800-567-2873 ext. 1114.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Quebec judge orders bus driver to stand trial for 2023 daycare crash deaths
A judge has ordered a Quebec man to stand trial on charges of first-degree murder in the deaths of two children killed when a bus rammed into a Montreal-area daycare last year.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
Calgary officer charged after allegedly assaulting handcuffed man
A Calgary police officer has been charged after allegedly assaulting a handcuffed man two years ago.
Trudeau's latest pre-budget pledge targets millennial moms, vowing $1B in loans for more child-care spaces
The federal government is launching a new loan program to help child-care providers in Canada expand their spaces, and will be extending further student loan forgiveness and training options for early childhood educators, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Thursday.