The Ontario Drug Benefit has added a medication to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorders to its list of covered drugs, a move that will improve access to treatment for those living with mental illness, says an industry organization.
The Mood Disorders Association of Ontario says the government’s decision to add ZELDOX (ziprasidone hydrochloride) to the list of medications covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit Program is an important step as some newer medications may have fewer side effects and may allow people to stay on the medications longer.
“It is vital for patients and physicians to have a variety of treatment options for illnesses, especially mental illness,” says Karen Liberman, executive director of the Mood Disorders Association of Ontario. “Medications work differently for every person and in order to maximize a person’s quality of life they must be able to access the medication that works best for them.”
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