PHARMAC is proposing the widening of access to tenofovir disoproxil and entecavir, antiviral medicines used for the treatment of hepatitis B and HIV.
These changes would have impacts that they would like your feedback on:
- From 1 June 2018 the Special Authority and Hospital Restrictions for both chemicals would be removed.
- The funded brand of tenofovir disoproxil would change from Viread (supplied by Gilead) to Tenofovir Disoproxil Teva (supplied by Teva). Tenofovir Disoproxil Teva would be the only funded brand of tenofovir disoproxil in both the community and hospital setting. A transition period would start 1 June 2018.
- Teva’s brand of tenofovir disoproxil is a different salt and strength to the currently funded brand of tenofovir disoproxil (Viread). From 1 June 2018 prescriptions should be written for the base chemical tenofovir disoproxil 245 mg. Note, the base chemical (tenofovir disoproxil) of these two brands are the same strength (245 mg) and considered clinically equivalent.
- The funded brand of entecavir would change from Baraclude (supplied by BMS) to Entecavir Sandoz (supplied by Novartis). Entecavir Sandoz would be the only funded brand of entecavir in both the community and hospital setting. A transition period would occur as soon as practical after Entecavir Sandoz is Medsafe registered.
- Transition timeframes and further information is detailed below including sole supply, reference pricing, additional repeat funding and brand switch fees.
Consultation closes at 5 pm on Monday, 26 March 2018 and can be emailed to procurement@pharmac.govt.nz.
SOURCE: Proposal to widen access and change the funded brand of tenofovir disoproxil and entecavir
