Proposal relating to the listing of ethinyloestradiol 20 mcg with levonorgestrel 100 mcg and ethinyloestradiol 30 mcg with levonorgestrel 150 mcg tablets

Medicines Consultation Closed

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on 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.  

In summary, this proposal would 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.

Feedback sought

PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by Tuesday, 22 October 2013 to:

Christine Chapman
Therapeutic Group Manager
PHARMAC
PO Box 10 254
Wellington 6143

Email: Christine.Chapman@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

The price and subsidy for Ava 20 ED and Ava 30 ED supplied by Actavis would be reduced from 1 January 2014 as follows:

Chemical and presentation Brand Pack size Current price and subsidy Proposed price and subsidy
Ethinyloestradiol with levonorgestrel tab 20 mcg with levonorgestrel 100 mcg and 7 inert tablets Ava 20 ED 84 $2.95 $2.65
Ethinyloestradiol with levonorgestrel tab 20 mcg with levonorgestrel 100 mcg and 7 inert tablets Ava 30 ED 84 $2.45 $2.30

Background

In response to PHARMAC’s consultation on the 2013/2014 Invitation to Tender product list, Actavis New Zealand Ltd submitted an alternative commercial proposal (ACP) involving the two strengths of oral contraceptives ethinyloestradiol with levonorgestrel tablets currently supplied by Actavis.  This ACP forms the basis of PHARMAC’s provisional agreement with Actavis and would result in Ava 20 and Ava 30 remaining fully funded, subject to the provisional agreement’s terms, until at least 1 July 2017.