Proposal to fund an alternative preservative free carbomer ophthalmic gel product
What we’re proposing
We are seeking feedback on a proposal to fund an alternative carbomer gel eye drop (brand name Viscotears) for people with dry eyes. This proposal is in response to the current product, Poly-Gel, being discontinued by the supplier.
The consultation closes at 4pm Friday 20 September 2024 and feedback can be emailed to consult@pharmac.govt.nz
What would the effect be?
From 1 December 2024 Viscotears would be listed on the Pharmaceutical Schedule. We understand that Poly-Gel stock is likely to run out during December 2024. Our clinical advisors have told us that Viscotears would be an appropriate alternative in the absence of Poly-Gel for people with severe secretory dry eye.
Viscotears would be funded subject to the same Special Authority criteria as Poly-Gel is now. However, we propose to remove the renewal criteria for all funded preservative free ocular lubricants. This would come into effect from 1 March 2025. Initial approvals after 1 March 2025 would be valid indefinitely.
Who we think will be interested
- People with severe dry eye, their whānau, friends and caregivers.
- Healthcare professionals.
- Health New Zealand hospitals and other organisations who deliver services and support for people, and their whānau who are affected by severe dry eye.
- Pharmacies and wholesalers.
- Pharmaceutical suppliers.
About dry eyes and Viscotears
Dry eye is a common condition that affects many people. Management of dry eyes often includes regular use of lubricating eye drops to replace the moisture in the eyes and prevent discomfort. Dry eye can be caused by many things including ageing, pregnancy, some medications, auto-immune disorders, and eye surgery.
About dry-eye – Healthify NZ(external link)
Viscotears is a preservative free gel forming carbomer 0.2% eye drop, which can be used to treat dry eyes. The gel eye drops last longer than non-gel drops, so it does not have to be used as often as regular eye drops. Viscotears is a pack of single use vials that are preservative free so are suitable for patients for whom eye drops with preservatives are not suitable.
Why we’re proposing this
The supplier of Poly-Gel has advised Pharmac that it is discontinuing production of its product.
About the discontinuation of Poly-Gel
Viscotears is a 0.2% strength carbomer gel, while the currently funded product, Poly-Gel is 0.3%. Both of these products are preservative free. Our clinical advisors have told us that Viscotears would be a suitable replacement for Poly-Gel. To ensure people are still able to access a preservative free, gel forming product, we are proposing to fund Viscotears.
Details about our proposal
Carbomer (Viscotears) would be listed in Section B and Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 December 2024, as follows:
|
Chemical |
Formulation |
Brand |
Pack size |
Price and subsidy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Carbomer |
Ophthalmic gel 0.2%, 0.6 g |
Viscotears Gel PF |
30 |
$8.25 |
The Poly-Gel brand of carbomer 0.3% would be delisted at a later date, once stock was exhausted.
Currently all funded preservative free ocular lubricants (including carbomer, polyethylene glycol 400 and propylene glycol, and sodium hyaluronate [hyaluronic acid]) are subject to the same Special Authority criteria in the community [PDF](external link). We propose to remove the renewal criteria from 1 March 2025 for all funded preservative free ocular lubricants, with initial approvals valid without further renewal unless notified. This proposed change is shown below (additions in bold, deletions in strikethrough):
Special Authority for Subsidy
Initial application from any relevant practitioner. Approvals valid without further renewal unless notified Approvals valid for 12 months for applications meeting the following criteria:
Both:
- Confirmed diagnosis by slit lamp or Schirmer test of severe secretory dry eye; and
- Either:
- Patient is using eye drops more than four times daily on a regular basis; or
- Patient has had a confirmed allergic reaction to preservative in eye drop.
Renewal from any relevant practitioner. Approvals valid for 24 months where the patient continues to require lubricating eye drops and has benefited from treatment.
Viscotears would be funded without restriction in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
To provide feedback
Send us an email: consult@pharmac.govt.nz by 4pm Friday 20 September 2024.
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.
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