Decision to secure ongoing supply of iloprost ampoules for injection to Te Whatu hospitals
What we’re doing
We are pleased to announce that we have secured an ongoing supply for Te Whatu Ora hospitals of funded iloprost ampoules (50 mcg in 0.5 ml) for injection, through an agreement with Bayer New Zealand Ltd.
This decision is in response to a discontinuation of the currently funded brand (Clinect).
Why we are doing this
Iloprost injections are used to treat severe peripheral ischaemia (lack of blood flow). This includes a variety of individual disease conditions which affect blood flow to the limbs. Severe ischaemia can starve tissues of oxygen, and result in the requirement for limb amputation. Iloprost is used to treat peripheral ischaemia after other treatments have failed to adequately restore blood flow.
We were notified by the current supplier, Clinect, that it was discontinuing its brand of iloprost ampoules. Our clinical advisors told us that there was an ongoing need for funded iloprost for people with severe ischaemia as there are no other suitable funded alternatives. Therefore, we have secured ongoing supply of iloprost through an agreement with Bayer New Zealand Ltd.
We did not publicly consult on this decision as we needed to quickly ensure ongoing supply. Iloprost ampoules are not subject to funding restrictions and will continue to be funded without restrictions. The new brand of iloprost (Ilomedin) has previously been listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. It will likely be familiar to most healthcare professionals who prescribe and administer iloprost.
What does this mean for people and prescribers
From October 2022, the funded brand of iloprost ampoules will change from Clinect to Ilomedin. This ensures that iloprost ampoules can continue to be funded for use by Te Whatu Ora hospitals.
The presentation (inj 50 mcg in 0.5 ml ampoule) of the new brand (Ilomedin) is the same as that of the currently funded brand of ampoules (Clinect). Ilomedin has Medsafe approval for use in New Zealand for a range of peripheral ischaemia conditions.
You can read more about the new funded brand on the Medsafe datasheet(external link)
Who we think will be most interested
- People who receive iloprost for the treatment of peripheral ischaemia and their family, whānau and caregivers
- Healthcare professionals involved in administering and supporting people who receive iloprost
- Hospital and community pharmacists, Te Whatu Ora and wholesalers.
- Suppliers of pharmaceuticals to the New Zealand market
Detail about this decision
Section H (Hospital Medicines List) changes
The Clinect brand of iloprost ampoules will be delisted from Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 December 2022.
The price and subsidy for the new brand of iloprost ampoules (Ilomedin) will be listed in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 October 2022 as follows:
| Chemical | Formulation | Brand | Pack size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iloprost | Inj 50 mcg in 0.5 ml ampoule | Ilomedin | 5 | $380.00 |
If you have any questions about this decision, you can email us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz; or call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 660 050.