Proposal to amend listing of olopatadine eye drops (Patanol)

• A price and subsidy reduction for olopatadine (Patanol) eye drops 0.1% from 1 June 2016, with subsequent price and subsidy changes in 2017 and 2018.
• Subsidy and delisting protection from 1 June 2016 until 30 June 2019.

Feedback sought

PHARMAC welcomes feedback on this proposal. To provide feedback, please submit it in writing by Friday 6 May 2016 to:

An-Ruo Bian
Therapeutic Group Manager
PHARMAC
PO Box 10 254
Wellington 6143

Email: an-ruo.bian@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

From 1 June 2016, the price and subsidy of olopatadine 0.1% eye drops (Patanol) in Section B and Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule would be as follows (ex-manufacturer, exclusive of GST):

• A confidential rebate would apply to Patanol, which would reduce the net price of the treatment to the Funder.
• The brand name of olopatadine 0.1% eye drops, Patanol, would be added to the Section H listing at the price set out above.
• Patanol would have subsidy and delisting protection until 30 June 2019.

From 1 July 2017, the price and subsidy for olopatadine 0.1% eye drops (Patanol) would be reduced in Section B and Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule as follows (ex-manufacturer, exclusive of GST):

• A further price and subsidy reduction would occur on 1 July 2018 to $10.00 per 5 ml bottle.
• A confidential rebate would continue to apply to Patanol, from 1 July onwards.

Background

Olopatadine was listed in both Section B and Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule without restrictions from 1 July 2013 as the result of the formation of the Hospital Medicines List (HML). Olopatadine eye drops are indicated in the treatment of the signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis. An estimated 23,000 patients were prescribed olopatadine in the community during the 2015 financial year (1 July 2014 to 30 June 2015). Other listed alternatives include sodium cromoglycate, lodoxamide or levocabastine eye drops.

This proposal would result in savings to the Combined Pharmaceutical Budget (CPB) and DHB hospitals.