1 May 2014 - PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to fund melatonin 2 mg modified-release tablets (Circadin) from 1 July 2014 for secondary insomnia in children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders, through a provisional agreement with Aspen. In summary:

• Melatonin 2 mg modified-release tablets (Circadin) would be funded in the community from 1 July 2014 subject to Special Authority restrictions for the treatment of secondary insomnia in children and adolescents up to the age of 18 years with neurodevelopmental disorders (an off-label indication);
• The Circadin brand of melatonin 2 mg modified-release tablets would be listed on the Hospital Medicines List (HML) from 1 July 2014;
• The HML restrictions for melatonin would be widened to include the treatment of secondary insomnia in children and adolescents up to the age of 18 years with neurodevelopmental disorders; and
• All the unregistered presentations of melatonin currently listed on the HML (tab 1 mg, 2 mg and 3 mg and cap 2 mg and 3 mg) would be delisted from the HML on 1 October 2014.

PHARMAC is also seeking feedback on a proposal to apply the stat exemption (section F: Part I of the Pharmaceutical Schedule) to buspirone, which would mean that prescriptions would only be subsidised if they are dispensed all at once (up to three months’ treatment).

For more details, go to: http://www.pharmac.health.nz/news/consultation-2014-05-01-melatonin/