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.