Posted by Michael Wonder on 11 Jul 2019
Decision for funding in the neurology, immunosuppression, diabetes and anti-thrombotic therapy areas
11 July 2019 - PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of a decision relating to medicines in the neurology, immunosuppression, diabetes and anti-thrombotic areas.
In summary, this will result in the following changes from 1 August 2019:
- Rituximab (Mabthera) access will be widened to include treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and severe refractory myasthenia gravis.
- Bevacizumab and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (Gardasil 9) will be funded in DHB hospitals for treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
- Adalimumab (Humira) access will be widened to include treatment of Behçet's disease.
- The quantity of funded insulin needles permitted per prescription will be increased.
- Intravenous aspirin (lysine acetyl salicylate) will be funded in DHB hospitals for use during acute interventional cardiology and neuro-radiology procedures.
