Proposal to amend the Practitioner’s Supply Order rules relating to certain antibiotics for rheumatic fever prevention

In summary, if implemented, this proposal would result in:

• The rule relating to a PSO in Section A: General Rules of the Pharmaceutical Schedule being amended to increase the quantity of certain antibiotics that can be ordered by practitioners for patients with suspected or confirmed Group A Streptococcal throat infections for the purposes of the RFPP
• Amoxycillin 500 mg capsules and phenoxymethylpenicillin 500 mg capsules being available on a PSO
• A reduction in administrative burden for practitioners when writing PSO’s for antibiotic use under the RFPP.
• The dispensing pharmacy may be able to claim the multiple service fees for dispensing in course-specific amounts as per the Community Pharmacy Services Agreement (the CPSA).

The RFPP is being run in regions where there is a high incidence of rheumatic fever, namely Auckland, Hutt Valley, Northland, South Auckland, Waikato, Tairawhiti, Lakes/Bay of Plenty, Porirua East and Hawke’s Bay.  It is proposed that this proposal will only apply to patients with suspected or confirmed Group A Streptococcal throat infections being treated under the RFPP (in the above regions). If this proposal is implemented, practitioners would be able to order increased amounts of antibiotics specified in this proposal on a PSO for the purposes of the RFPP.

Feedback sought

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

If you would like to meet with PHARMAC to discuss this proposal please phone 04 460 4990.

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.