9 September 2015 - The PHARMAC Board has approved the proposal relating to the funding of the TNF-inhibitor medicines adalimumab (Humira) and etanercept (Enbrel), both used to treat people with various autoimmune and immune-mediated conditions, and gabapentin (Neurontin).

This was the subject of a consultation letter dated 14 July 2015.

In summary, the effect of the decision is that:

• From 1 October 2015 the prices and subsidies of all presentations of etanercept (Enbrel) listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule will be reduced.
• From 1 November 2015, the Neurontin brand of gabapentin capsules (100 mg, 300 mg and 400 mg) will be fully funded under the same Special Authority/Hospital restriction criteria that currently apply to other brands of gabapentin (Arrow-Gabapentin and Nupentin).
• From 1 November 2015, the 600 mg Neurontin tablets will no longer be funded and current patients being treated with this strength will need to switch to an alternative funded strength of gabapentin, such as 2 x 300 mg capsules.
• From 1 January 2016, etanercept will be the first-line funded TNF inhibitor medicine for new rheumatology and dermatology patients.
  • Funding for adalimumab will be limited to patients who are intolerant of, or whose disease has not responded to, etanercept.
• There would be no change to the funding of adalimumab for any:
  • current patients using it (for any indication), or
  • new patients who have Crohn’s disease or fistulising Crohn’s disease, or
  • patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with pre-existing uveitis.

All of these patients will continue to have funded access to adalimumab as a first-line TNF inhibitor treatment option.

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmac.health.nz/news/notification-tnf-inhibitors/