Proposal involving hospital use of methoxyflurane, COX-2 inhibitors and gabapentin

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on the following proposals for listings in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule, to take effect from 1 July 2013:

• List methoxyflurane for use in painful procedures;
• List etoricoxib and celecoxib for perioperative use;
• Widen access to meloxicam to include perioperative use; and
• Widen access to gabapentin to include preoperative use.

The proposals in this consultation document relate to the proposed inclusion of pharmaceuticals and/or indications (as applicable) in the Hospitals Medicines List (HML) (Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule) from 1 July 2013. They do not relate to any existing or potential funding of any of these pharmaceuticals in the community (Section B of the Pharmaceutical Schedule).

Details of the proposals are provided on the following pages.

Feedback sought

PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by 5:00 pm on Friday 3 May 2013 to: