Proposal to list the Midazolam-Claris brand of midazolam injection in the community

The proposal is as follows:

• Midazolam-Claris would be listed, fully funded, in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 December 2016 at the following prices and subsidies (ex-manufacturer and excluding GST):

• Midazolam-Claris would have subsidy and delisting protection until 30 June 2018. It is supplied in a glass ampoule.

Feedback sought

PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by Tuesday, 20 September 2016 to:

Chloë Dimock
Procurement Manager
PHARMAC

Email: procurement@pharmac.govt.nz
Fax:     04 460 4995
Post:     PO Box 10 254, Wellington 6143

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. 

Background

Midazolam is a benzodiazepine used to reduce anxiety, produce drowsiness or anaesthesia before certain medical procedures or surgery. It may also be given continuously to maintain sedation or anaesthesia in certain patients. We understand that it is also used off-label in patients with epilepsy and is used in palliative care.

Midazolam-Claris was recently awarded the 2014/15 Hospital Supply Status tender. From 1 December 2016 Midazolam-Claris will have Hospital Supply Status with a 5% DV limit, which means that 95% of midazolam inj 1 mg per ml, 5 ml ampoule and inj 5 mg per ml, 3 ml ampoule purchased and used in DHB hospitals will be the Midazolam-Claris brand.

This proposal would see Midazolam-Claris listed in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule for use in the community at the same price and subsidy as the hospital pricing.

This proposal would not result in any changes to the listings of the Hypnovel or Pfizer midazolam brands of midazolam injection in Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.