Posted by Michael Wonder on 30 May 2019
Proposals for funding in the neurology, immunosuppressants, diabetes and anti-thrombotic therapy areas
30 May 2019 - PHARMAC is seeking feedback on proposals for funding in the neurology, immunosuppressant, diabetes and anti-thrombotic therapy areas.
In summary, the proposals would result in the following changes from 1 August 2019:
- Rituximab (Mabthera) access would be widened to include treatment of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and severe refractory myasthenia gravis.
- Bevacizumab and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (Gardasil 9) would be funded in DHB hospitals for treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.
- Adalimumab (Humira) access would be widened to include treatment of Behçet's disease.
- The quantity of funded insulin needles permitted per prescription would be increased.
- Intravenous aspirin (lysine acetyl salicylate) would be funded in DHB hospitals for use during acute interventional cardiology and neuro-radiology procedures.
