Proposal to list Multichem cholecalciferol (Vit.D3)
PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a provisional agreement with Multichem NZ Limited, for cholecalciferol (Vit D3) 1.25 mg capsule from 1 March 2016.
In summary, this proposal would result in:
- cholecalciferol capsule being listed at a price and subsidy of $3.85 per 12 pack of 1.25 mg (50.000 iu) capsules; and
- subsidy and delisting protection until 30 June 2017.
Feedback sought
PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by Wednesday, 10 February 2016 to:
Trish Mahoney
Contract Manager
PHARMAC
PO Box 10 254
Wellington 6143
Email: trish.mahoney@pharmac.govt.nz
Fax: 04 460 4995
All feedback received before the closing date will be considered by PHARMAC’s Board (or its delegate) prior to making a decision on this proposal.
Feedback we receive is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA) and we will consider any request to have information withheld in accordance with our obligations under the OIA. Anyone providing feedback, whether on their own account or on behalf of an organisation, and whether in a personal or professional capacity, should be aware that the content of their feedback and their identity may need to be disclosed in response to an OIA request.
We are not able to treat any part of your feedback as confidential unless you specifically request that we do, and then only to the extent permissible under the OIA and other relevant laws and requirements. If you would like us to withhold any commercially sensitive, confidential proprietary, or personal information included in your submission, please clearly state this in your submission and identify the relevant sections of your submission that you would like it withheld. PHARMAC will give due consideration to any such request
Details of the proposal
- From 1 March 2016 Vit.D3 capsules would be listed in Section B and Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule at the following subsidy and price (ex-manufacturer and excluding GST):
| Chemical | Presentation | Brand | Pack size | Price and subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| cholecalciferol | Cap 1.25 mg (50,000 iu) | Vit.D3 | 12 | $3.85 |
- Multichem’s Vit.D3 would have subsidy and delisting protection until 30 June 2017.
- Prescriptions for Multichem’s Vit.D3 capsules would be limited to subsidy of a maximum of 12 capsules per prescription.
Background
Cholecalciferol is a form of vitamin D indicated for the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency.
Cholecalciferol 1.25mg (50,000 iu) tablets (Cal-d-Forte, PSM) are currently listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule in the Alimentary Tract and Metabolism therapeutic group. Medsafe provisional consent for this product is due to expire in February 2016. We understand that the supplier of Cal-d-Forte has notified all pharmacies regarding this.
Approximately 230,000 patients access funded cholecalciferol tablets per year. This proposal would ensure a high strength cholecalciferol preparation would continue to be supplied and funded for people requiring vitamin D supplementation. The Multichem Vit.D3 capsule is an oval shaped soft gelatin capsule containing pale yellow colored oil. The capsule fill contains refined soya oil. Further details are provided in the Medsafe datasheet: http://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/datasheet/v/VitD3cap.pdf(external link).