Removal of desmopressin acetate access restrictions and listing of desmopressin wafers
We have made the decision to fund desmopressin wafers to ensure people using desmopressin have a suitable, ongoing treatment option. We have also made the decision to remove all restrictions for desmopressin.
Pharmaco, the supplier of Minirin desmopressin acetate nasal drops, advised PHARMAC in December 2020 that it has an ongoing out of stock caused by manufacturing issues. This out of stock is expected to last until 2022.
Desmopressin nasal drops are used primarily in central diabetes insipidus and nocturnal enuresis.
What we’re doing
Following consultation with our clinical advisors, we have taken two key steps to address this supply shortage.
- We have secured supply of desmopressin wafers 120 mcg (brand name Minirin Melt). This product will provide a suitable funded alternative for people who were using desmopressin nasal drops and who have no other alternatives. Minirin Melt will be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 January 2021.
- We have decided to remove the Special Authority criteria and Hospital Indication Restrictions for desmopressin acetate tablets and injections. This will mean that from 1 January 2021, there will be no access restrictions for any forms of desmopressin.
We believe these two changes will ensure people using desmopressin have a suitable, ongoing treatment option. People using desmopressin should talk with their doctor or specialist to determine the best option for them.
Who we think will be most interested
- People who usually use desmopressin and their family, whānau or caregivers
- Prescribers
- Hospital and community pharmacists, DHBs, suppliers and wholesalers
Detail about this decision
The following changes will occur in Section B and Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
Section B and Section H (Hospital Medicines List) changes
Special Authority criteria for desmopressin acetate tablets (100 mcg and 200 mcg) and injection will be removed from 1 January 2021. Hospital Indication Restrictions for desmopressin acetate tablets (100 mcg and 200 mcg) will be removed from 1 January 2021.
Desmopressin wafers 120 mcg will be listed in Section B and in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 January 2021 at the following prices and subsidies (ex-manufacturer, excluding GST):
|
Chemical |
Formulation |
Brand |
Pack size |
Price and subsidy |
|
Desmopressin |
Wafer 120 mcg |
Minirin Melt |
30 |
$47.00 |
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.
If you have any questions regarding the desmopressin wafer product, please contact the supplier, Pharmaco:
Pharmaco Customer Services:
0800 80 4079
Pharmaco Regulatory/Medical Information team:
0800 80 4079