Proposed access widening for ursodeoxycholic acid

Medicines Consultation Closed

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to:

  • widen access to ursodeoxycholic acid to include four additional indications in both community and DHB hospitals from 1 July 2013; and
  • amend the existing criteria by separating the criteria for patients with cholestasis associated with pregnancy and cirrhosis and reducing the bilirubin level relating to decompensated cirrhosis from 170 µmol/L to 100 µmol/L.

In summary, if this proposal were to be implemented in full, the existing access criteria would be widened to also include funded access to ursodeoxycholic acid for patients with:

  • Alagille syndrome;
  • Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC);
  • Chronic severe drug induced cholestatic liver injury; and
  • Total parenteral nutrition induced cholestasis (TPN-IC) in paediatric patients.

In addition, if this proposal were to be implemented in full, it would result in amendments to the existing criteria by separating the criteria for patients with cholestasis associated with pregnancy and cirrhosis and reducing the bilirubin level relating to decompensated cirrhosis from 170 µmol/L to 100 µmol/L.

Feedback sought

PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by Friday, 17 May 2013 to:

Natalie Davis
Therapeutic Group Manager
PHARMAC

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