Approval of oral contraceptives proposal
PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of a proposal relating to a provisional agreement with Actavis New Zealand Ltd for the oral contraceptives ethinyloestradiol 20 mcg with levonorgestrel 100 mcg and ethinyloestradiol 30 mcg with levonorgestrel 150 mcg.
This decision was the subject of a consultation letter dated 8 October 2013.
Approval of oral contraceptives proposal
Details of the decision
The decision will result in:
- A reduction in price and subsidy for ethinyloestradiol 20 mcg with levonorgestrel 100 mcg with 7 inert tabs (Ava 20 ED) from 1 January 2014 with subsidy and delisting protection until 1 July 2017.
- A reduction in price and subsidy for ethinyloestradiol 30 mcg with levonorgestrel 150 mcg with 7 inert tabs (Ava 30 ED) from 1 January 2014 with subsidy and delisting protection until 1 July 2017.
- The products being listed in the Community and Hospital sections of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 January 2014 as follows:
| Chemical and Presentation | Brand | Pack size | Price and subsidy (ex-man., ex. GST) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Ethinyloestradiol with levonorgestrel tab 20 mcg with levonorgestrel 100 mcg and 7 inert tablets |
Ava 20 ED |
84 |
$2.65 |
|
Ethinyloestradiol with levonorgestrel tab 30 mcg with levonorgestrel 150 mcg and 7 inert tablets |
Ava 30 ED |
84 |
$2.30 |
Feedback received
We appreciate all of the feedback that we received and acknowledge the time people took to respond. All consultation responses received by 22 October 2013 were considered in their entirety in making a decision on the proposed changes. Most responses were supportive of the proposal, and the following issues were raised in relation to specific aspects of the proposal:
| Theme | Comment |
|---|---|
|
Clinicians who responded to the consultation supported the proposal noting there was no change to the subsidised products. |
Noted |
|
One supplier responded that it was planning to offer significantly lower prices. |
This proposal does not offer sole supply. Other suppliers of oral contraceptive combination pills are welcome to seek a listing. |
More information
If you have any questions about this decision, you can call our toll free number (9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday) on 0800 66 00 50.