Proposal for sole subsidised supply of a contraceptive implant

Medicines Consultation Closed

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal to fund a contraceptive implant in Section B and in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 October 2014.

PHARMAC has reached a provisional agreement with Bayer New Zealand Limited for the listing of levonorgestrel 75 mg (Jadelle), a subdermal implant hormonal long acting reversible contraceptive (LARC).  

In summary, if this proposal is approved:

  • Jadelle would continue to be listed in the Pharmaceutical Schedule at the current price and subsidy;
  • Confidential rebates would apply; and
  • Jadelle would be the sole subsidised LARC implant until 31 December 2017.

Further details of the proposal can be found below and on the following page.

Feedback sought

PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by Friday, 12 September 2014 to:

Bronwyn Hale
Therapeutic Group Manager
PHARMAC
PO Box 10 254
Wellington 6143

Email: bronwyn.hale@pharmac.govt.nz
Fax:     04 460 4995

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. 

Details of the proposal

Jadelle sole subsidised supply

This proposal would result in:

  • Bayer’s levonorgestrel 75 mg implant (Jadelle) continuing to be listed in Section B and Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 October 2014 at the following price and subsidy (ex-manufacturer and ex-GST):
Chemical Presentation Brand Pack size Price and subsidy
Levonorgestrel Subdermal implant
(2 x 75 mg rods)
Jadelle 1 $133.65
  • Jadelle would be awarded Sole Subsidised Supply Status (the only brand funded in the community) and Hospital Supply Status (the only available brand in DHB hospitals, subject to a 5% discretionary variance limit) for the supply of contraceptive implants from 1 October 2014 until 31 December 2017.
  • Jadelle would be subject to confidential rebates.
  • Bayer New Zealand Limited would provide full training or refresher workshops and insertion tools for all clinicians wishing to prescribe and insert Jadelle.

The ongoing listing of a LARC implant for contraception would not affect the current listings for non-hormonal Intra-Uterine Devices, medroxyprogesterone acetate injection or the levonogestrel intrauterine system.

Background

Jadelle is a hormonal LARC registered for use for up to 5 years following insertion.  It is a subdermal implant which, after insertion, releases the hormone levonorgestrel (a synthetic progesterone). 

Jadelle was funded on the Pharmaceutical Schedule for contraception following a successful competitive process in April 2010.  Approximately 12,000 women, annually, accessed funding for a contraceptive implant in the three years from 2010 when this form of contraception was listed fully funded.

Competitive processes

On 24 March 2014 PHARMAC issued a Request for Proposals (RFP), for the sole supply of a contraceptive implant to be listed in Section B and Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.  The Sole Subsidised Supply period for Jadelle ended on 31 December 2013.  As a result of the RFP, PHARMAC and Bayer New Zealand Limited have entered into a provisional agreement relating to the continued sole supply of the levonorgestrel implant, Jadelle.