#SimilarisNOTthesame
Provinces across the country are beginning to force seriously ill patients to switch from biologic to biosimilar medications, which are not the same, and could cause some patients serious harm.
Biologics are medicines made from living organisms or cells so they cannot be exactly replicated. Unlike generic drugs, biosimilar medications are similar, but NOT the same as biologics. Forcing patients to switch could cause additional side effects, putting their health at risk. And for some patients, if the biosimilars don’t work, there’s no turning back.
This decision should be up to physicians and their patients, NOT the government.
Tens of thousands of patients across Canada use biologics to treat serious, chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s & colitis, diabetes and various forms of cancers. They need your help to stop the switch.
British Columbia has already forced patients to switch. Your province could be next. We need YOU to speak up and tell your local representative you support patient choice.
Our provincial representatives were elected to represent us. Write to your local member and tell them the government should not put patient health at risk by forcing the switch.