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.

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. INTERPRETATION:This study suggests that Ontario's catastrophic drug insurance plan leaves some patients with significant gaps in drug coverage.