Ever since getting COVID-19 in 2022, I have been getting severe, chronic migraines that are completely disabling. At one point I had a migraine every day for four months - I wasn't able to work, or study, or really do much of anything.

After seeing many doctors, I finally started on a treatment last year that worked: Emgality. Emgality is a monoclonal antibody that targets CGRP molecules, which are thought to contribute to migraine pathology. This medication is given as a subcutaneous injection, and is supposed to be dosed once per month. However, just like any other medication, Emgality is not one-dose-fits all. Some people need more frequent dosing due to differences in immune systems, differences in migraine activity, and many other reasons. BC Pharmacare has failed to recognize this, despite the fact that Emgality has been shown to be safe at higher doses - they will only cover the lowest dose possible. I need four doses per month, as prescribed by my neurologist - and yet BC Pharmacare is refusing to cover this, saying that I only need one dose per month, and ignoring the expertise of my neurologist.

Each dose is $700, and since MSP is only covering one per month, I need to pay $700 x 3 = $2100 per month. I have no extended health insurance to cover this, and as a student with close to no income, this is an infeasible amount to pay. But if I don't take it, the migraines are so severe I can't study - so I'm in an impossible situation.

Any help would be much appreciated - and I'm also hoping to raise awareness about the huge gaps in Pharmacare coverage.