Province: British Columbia Indication: ankylosing spondylitis Medication: infliximab (Remicade®) Listing Status: Listed—CBC Listing Criteria: Eligible for PharmaCare coverage through our Special Authority Program for treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Patients must meet criteria in A, B, C and D. Medication is prescribed by a rheumatologist or medical specialist in rheumatology Diagnosis of moderate to severe ankylosing arthritis. Extra articular manifestations, Axial Disease Positive imaging finding of ankylosing spondylitis Presence of spinal pain Peripheral Disease Tender joint count Swollen joint count Persistent inflammation Active ankylosing spondylitis with a BASDAI score ≥ 4; specify patient's current value Copy of BASDAID attached Treatment failure of intolerance to: Three NSAIDS for a minimum of 2 weeks each at accepted maximum dosage For Predominant Peripheral disease: Injections with long-acting corticosteroids have been tried Patients is refractory to minimum 3 months trial of each of the following: Methotrexate up to 25 mg parenteral weekly Sulfasalazine up to 3mg daily For coverage beyond one year, a rheumatologist must fill out a PharmaCare coverage annual renewal form. The criteria is the same as that for the initial form, yet asks questions about whether or not problems are resolved and the extent to which they remain a problem (ie. worse, none, mild, moderate, resolved). (https://www.health.gov.bc.ca/exforms/pharmacare/5365fil.pdf) CDR Recommendation: Medication pre-dates CDR, no review has been conducted. ® ACE Planning & Consulting Inc.