Leah Brennan, a woman from New Brunswick with cystic fibrosis, is advocating for changes to the way her medication, Trikafta, is provided. Trikafta has significantly improved her symptoms and life expectancy, allowing her to pursue her dream of becoming a physiotherapist. However, as she prepares to move to Ireland for a program, she is facing challenges getting an extended supply of the medication. Brennan requested a three-month supply to cover her until she returns home for Christmas, but has been informed that she can only receive the medication in 28-day allotments, each costing nearly $30,000.
Brennan’s family has been told they can purchase a three-month supply out of pocket or ship the medication to Ireland, with the latter option presenting its own difficulties. The NB Drug Plan only allows the next month’s allotment to be picked up four days in advance, creating additional stress for the family. Cystic Fibrosis Canada has been advocating for a change in New Brunswick’s extended supply policy, pointing to Nova Scotia’s model where pharmacists have the discretion to provide extended supplies of the medication. Since the approval of Trikafta in 2021, there has been a significant decrease in hospital stays, at-home IV days, and organ transplants related to cystic fibrosis in Canada.
Kim Steele, the director of government and community relations for CF Canada, emphasizes the importance of not limiting access to life-saving medication like Trikafta. CF Canada is pushing for New Brunswick to eliminate deductibles for the medication, which are currently among the highest in the country. They also want coverage to be extended to more people with rarer forms of cystic fibrosis. The province cites the cost of Trikafta as a reason for the limited supply policy, citing risks of theft, loss, or wastage. Despite the challenges faced by the Brennan family in accessing the medication, they remain hopeful that their advocacy efforts will lead to positive changes that benefit others in similar situations.
Leah Brennan’s mother, Katherine, expresses frustration and disappointment at the obstacles they have encountered in getting an extended supply of Trikafta for her daughter. The family has found a company to ship the medication to Ireland, but the process is not ideal, with limited insurance coverage and potential delays in reaching Leah. As a relatively new drug with significant benefits for those living with cystic fibrosis, the Brennans’ struggle may be one of the first of its kind. However, they are hopeful that their advocacy will pave the way for smoother access to Trikafta for others in the future.
In the face of challenges accessing Trikafta, Leah Brennan remains determined to pursue her dream of becoming a physiotherapist and helping others. Her experience highlights the importance of ensuring that life-changing medications like Trikafta are readily available to those who need them. Cystic Fibrosis Canada continues to push for policy changes in New Brunswick to improve access to Trikafta and other medications for cystic fibrosis. The organization also aims to reduce deductibles and expand coverage to include more individuals with different forms of the disease. The Brennan family’s advocacy efforts serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by individuals living with cystic fibrosis and the need for improved support and resources for those affected by the condition.
